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

“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, buy this book for yourself and for several friends.

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

Taylor Hughes a comprehensive guide to recognizing manipulation tactics, asserting boundaries, and reclaiming autonomy in all areas of life. From subtle gaslighting techniques to overt coercion, this book empowers readers to navigate interpersonal relationships with confidence and authenticity, ensuring they never fall victim to manipulation again. Funny and informative !!

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!

Loved it all .. highly recommend!!

Taylor’s book is all the things!Potent. Funny. Whimsical. Brave. Important.We all carry so much hurt and skepticismfrom places and people that havemanipulated us. This is a soothing and delightful read for anyone wanting to go through life with astrong backbone and a soft heart. I could not recommend it more!

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.

I would have suspected that the words, misdirection, flim-flam, double-dealing, scammed or hacked, had nothing to do with me! That is, until I read Taylor Hughes’ book, MISDIRECTION.Now I see that being taken advantage of and deliberately misled can be everyday occurrences that most of us never suspect, much less think might happen to us, until it’s too late!How this author weaves personal stories and references into his travelog of avoiding misinformation gives his readers a glimpse into the life of not only a professional and entertaining magician, but also of who he actually is, and how he learned to recognize misdirection.I knew that “target marketing” exists, but I didn’t have a clue of how it works, until now. I also learned how scammers can acquire personal information on even me, no matter how careful I think I am.Now, before I make major decisions, I have a litany of questions to address. Questions like… Am I being rushed to decide? Is this news station slanted, and from what direction? What do they want me to think, and why? Who will profit most from my decision? ‘Learning how some professional magic tricks are performed was a delightful plus that Taylor Hughes added to his text. He even included access to video directions!So, how do social media platforms, AI, politics, faith traditions, private lives, and loyalties figure into “manipulation?” If you read this book, I think that you will not be misdirected.