Misdirection: A Magician's Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Manipulation in Your Life

by Taylor Hughes, Bob Goff (foreword)

FOOL PROOF YOUR LIFE

As a professional magician, Taylor Hughes, has spent a lifetime learning how to fool you. In MISDIRECTION, Hughes shares how the same tools magicians use to entertain, have found their way off the theatrical stage and into our businesses, politics, and even churches. In some cases, the people utilizing these techniques of distraction are unaware of the harm they are causing. However, in more scenarios than we would like to admit, the motives are much more intentional and detrimental. When you learn to recognize misdirection, you’ll see what is really calling the shots in your life, your work, and your community. This “wonderfully insightful book” pulls back the curtain to help you avoid the pitfalls of misdirection in your life. Hughes gives you a backstage pass revealing the ways that misdirection occurs in our day-to-day activities, and at the end of each chapter, you will learn a simple magic trick to help you further understand and recognize the methods of misdirection, complete with links to video demonstrations.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Social

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2024

About the author

Taylor Hughes fell in love with the art of illusion when his parents bought him a magic kit for his 7th birthday. More than 30 years and 3,000 shows later, Taylor has become known for his signature style of Magic Storytelling. He is a favorite at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle, a highly sought after Keynote Presenter and his Comedy Magic Specials '“Chasing Wonder” and "Enjoy the Ride" are streaming now. Taylor is married to his high school sweetheart Katie and they live in Southern California with their two daughters Madelyn and Kennedy.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever take on the self help genre of books. Hughes approaches improvement by showing how we are fooled or manipulated in daily life. The book is full of examples of misdirection that are both subtle and obvious. It is divided into chapters based on different environments in our lives
I wanted to rate this higher but had to take 1 star off due to repetition. After the first chapter at least one and sometimes 3 forms of misdirection are repeated. This could be making a point but without additional tips or guidance on recognition or mitigation it feels like filler.
The book is easy to read and prompts the reader to ask questions. Overall I found a refreshing twist on self help.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written, enjoyable, and timely read.

[Ryan C. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the realm of non-fiction, it's a rare gem that manages to educate, entertain, and enlighten with equal measure. Taylor Hughes' "Misdirection" is precisely such a treasure, offering readers a fascinating journey into the world of magic and its parallels with the art of deception in our daily lives. With endorsements from luminaries across the fields of magic, television, literature, and entertainment, it's clear that Hughes has struck a chord with his insightful exploration of how misdirection shapes our perceptions and decisions.

The book receives high praise from Lance Burton, a master magician, who lauds Hughes for unveiling the widespread application of magical principles in sales, politics, social media, and beyond. Michael Jamin, a seasoned television writer and producer, appreciates Hughes for exposing the daily deceptions we face, while Jim Steinmeyer, a renowned author and designer of magical illusions, commends Hughes for his dual role as an entertainer and a critic of misleading tactics.

Jack Goldfinger, the entertainment director for the Magic Castle in Hollywood, underscores the book's ability to help readers recognize and navigate misdirection in their lives, thus finding genuine magic. Simon Majumdar, a celebrated food television personality, admires Hughes for using his talents to inspire and inform rather than self-aggrandize, highlighting the book's relevance in today's complex world.

Vanessa Ragland, co-owner of Dynasty Typewriter Theater, praises Hughes for his multifaceted talent and the book's engaging nature that equips readers to avoid being swindled while still embracing the wonder of magic. Mike McHargue, a bestselling author, and Maria Goff, a thoughtful writer, both emphasize the book's role in promoting critical thinking and authenticity in an ever-evolving society.

Even Piff the Magic Dragon, a Las Vegas headliner, humorously suggests that the wisdom imparted by Hughes' book could safeguard readers against manipulation, all while playfully promoting his own show.

"Misdirection" emerges not just as a manual for understanding the art of illusion in magic, but as a guide to recognizing and resisting the subtle forces of deception in our everyday lives. Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and practical advice, Hughes invites readers to a deeper appreciation of the truth and beauty behind the curtain of our perceptions. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the modern world with a keen eye for truth amidst the spectacle.

[Michael Gutenplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent is the short version of the review. This book is an eye-opener into how the world around us uses misdirection and manipulation to guide us. I wouldn't call this a self-help book.... I'd call it a make-me-aware book. After reading this book it was like wearing glasses for the first time - I now see clearly the sneaky stuff people around me are doing to get their way! The author is a former preacher and gives us an inside look at this shady practice. One of the things I loved while reading it is that he made me understand that it's human and normal to be swayed by manipulation - but with his book, I am now more aware of what's around me. The tricks that he includes are all good. Not only do they prove the points he's writing about but they are really good tricks!

Overall I strongly recommend this book to everyone. 10/10

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband picked this one up as an inter-library loan and had a limited time to read it. When he put it down, I picked it up and I am glad I did. Hughes made an interesting switch from being a megachurch pastor to a full-time magician. His intent in this book is to encourage us to ask big questions to avoid being misdirected and manipulated. He delves into various areas in which people are frequently taken by misdirection including sales and marketing, social media, politics, organized religion, the workplace, and even with friends and family. Taking time to ask reflective questions and discover truth helps us avoid deception in our lives. Some of what he presented seemed intuitive and Hughes was redundant at times, but the premise and presentation was timely and relevant. Great read to start the new year!

[Timothy M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misdirection” is such a great book. I really appreciate Taylor’s transparency and vulnerability throughout while providing insightful wisdom and laughter on every page. My maternal grandfather was a magician with traveling carnivals in the 1930s/40s, and continued doing magic for church and community groups as I was a child. As a result, I truly appreciated connecting the insights Taylor makes throughout the book to the “reveals” of the magic tricks. We all need more wonder, whimsy, and joy in our lives and “Misdirection” delivers on all three!! Like I did, but this book for yourself and for several friends.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I wish I had access to this book when I was much younger. I enjoyed it over a very long day of traveling. Taylor Hughes provides practical and clear wisdom about the speed bumps and potholes of life. He writes without judging - just sharing wisdom and knowledge. As he weaves his magical expertise into the pages, there is a credibility that is astonishing. Thank you, Taylor Hughes, for this book that I'll gift to others.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give this book 3.5 stars. It’s well written, entertaining, and was such a good reminder. I’m not sure anything the author presented about misdirection in the world was new to me. However he reminded me of the importance of asking good questions in the face of information overload and modern culture.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor Hughes is truly magical! His new book, MISDIRECTION, is filled with magic (he shares some of his magic tricks!), insight, and entertainment. This valuable book is: A Magician's Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Manipulation in Your Life! I ordered it for my high school graduate!

[Sherry Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor Hughes is an amazing magician and story teller, which comes through in this well written book. He gives examples of and solutions to, misdirection and manipulation we are faced with everyday. Misdirection is an entertaining and informative book. Lived it so much!

[Brian Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misdirection is an easy read with a good simple principle: spotting and avoiding manipulation in your life. We all would do well to examine where in our lives we are being misdirected and focusing on the direction we need to be going. And the magic tricks are fun too.

[Nick Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about avoiding deception in your life!