Nu Secrets

THE BLURB:
A satisfying collection of material taken from Alain Nu’s
personal notebooks of original mental routines, premises
and concepts, mixed with an impressive collection of 13
essays on mentalism theory, performance, creativity, as well
as some unconventional opinions.

The reader is taken on a journey into the subtleties of Nu’s
methods and madness, as each of the seven chapters unfold
into a truly comprehensive understanding of both mentalism
and mentalist. Alain reveals his most human concerns for the
craft, while contributing much of his most diabolical work,
suitable for stand up, close up, impromptu, and even a
killer over-the-phone routine.

Highlights of Nu Secrets and Realities also include:

- Alain’s cutting-edge system for the impromptu divination
of one’s zodiac
- An uncanny prediction of a randomly drawn picture
- A unique manner for divining the serial number on a
borrowed bill
- The surprise perceptual appearance of a watch on your
wrist.
- And an unusual metal-bending anomaly submitted for your
approval

All this, and many other solid, audience-tested, and proven
effects that span over 20 years of Alain’s performing
career. Some of this material has been uncovered and brought
up-to-date from past contributions in periodicals such as
Stephen Hobbs’ Labyrinth, Mary Tomich’s The Altar Flame, Lee
Earle’s Syzygy, Jeff McBride’s Mystery School Book, Alain
Nu’s “6”, and Joshua Jay’s column in Magic Magazine. The
majority of the material in Nu Secrets and Realities,
however, has never-before been in print, but rather has
remained in Alain’s personal repertoire for years as closely
guarded secrets.

Anyone who is familiar with his widely sprinkled body of
published work knows how xAlain’s style of mentalism
utilizes unusual techniques to create off-beat
presentations. Those who have seen him appreciate his gift
to conjure an experience that is both genuine and
entertaining. Nu is also quite gifted at being able to “play
big” with a minimal amount of props or even set up (in most
cases), always allowing for maximum focus to be put on one’s
style and presentation.

Produced by BSM Books, 2007, 192 Pages

MY COMMENTS:
Some may remember Alain's television series on A&E, The
Mysterious World of Alain Nu, which still airs in repeats.
Check it out, if you didn't see it. If you haven't seen it,
trust me as I tell you that Alain Nu is a very creative,
very talented performer. However, some mentalists may be
taken aback by Alain's ability to meld both mentalism and
magic into his performances, much the same way that Barrie
Richardson or Richard Osterlind will. Alain points out that
a well-chosen piece of magic that's thematically similar to
your premise can actually enhance a performance. I
certainly agree with this (as those who have seen me perform
can attest), but also fully understand that this style may
not be comfortable or suitable to all performers.

I mentioned the above only because Alain has included
something for everybody. (Note that there are only a few
"magical" items, though, as Alain has provided quite a
variety of material.) There are seven chapters (192 pages,
approx. 9"x9", spiral-bound) that touch on just about
everything -- mental effects, bizarre magick, metal bending,
astrology, runes, magic, etc. Alain is also well known for
his work on book effects using normal, unprepared books, but
he's that material back for a possible later publication.
You won't find any of that here.

But what is here is certainly wonderful material. Alain's
serial number effect has a brilliant methodology. I've
always liked his Zodiesque, which first appeared in Syzygy.
And "Howdy Doodle" is a wonderful drawing dupe for a
one-on-one situation. In all, there are sixteen little
gems, plus Alain's thoughts on the world of mentalism and
mystery entertainment. This is one of those books that will
put smiles on the faces of those professionals who will
understand and appreciate the subtleties of Alain's
craftsmanship of these routines. It is a book that is
highly recommend. I believe Alain mentioned that this is a
limited edition. That only means that you shouldn't wait to
get this. Do it now, before you forget. I recommend it.