Weirdnosis – Astounding confessions of a Rogue Hypnotist. by The Rogue Hypnotist
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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This book examines a range of strange ways that suggestibility is exploited, whether or not the usual methods of hypnotic induction are employed. Its contents range from advertising to generating emotional attraction to building a hypnosis busking act. It covers a lot of fascinating ground.

My view of how informative this book was roller-coastered as I read. On the one hand, the author debunked many a popular myth or misconception about hypnosis. This made his arguments sound more measured, tested, and valuable. On the other hand, he (I assume, he) was quite opinionated – often presenting an opinion or hypothesis as established fact – and this had the opposite impact, making his arguments seem ill-considered. At one point, he went on an extended rant against romance novel authors that seemed a bit personal, like maybe his wife left him for one (author or novel? not sure.)

If you are interested in suggestibility and how it is exploited, there aren’t many “games in town” (at least not books that have an ounce of veracity,) so you might want to check it out — but have your grain of salt ready.

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