This historical fiction novel follows the story of Guy, a young man coming of age in the 1930s and 1940s. As a present for his thirteenth birthday, Guy’s mother takes him to see the great Harry Blackstone Sr.’s 1001 Wonders Magic Show. Guy helps on stage, meets Blackstone, gets a magic set, and decides he wants to become a magician himself. Seeking his destiny, Guy encounters some of the great figures in magic of the era, including Harry Blackstone, Lou Tannen and Dai Vernon, who becomes his mentor. After being wounded in combat in WWII, Guy returns home. He joins a carnival where he has adventures with an oddball assortment of colorful characters. Guy’s journey features the deserts of Africa, small towns of the South, and the theaters, magic stores and night clubs of New York. Along the way, there are guest appearances by Albert Einstein and Ella Fitzgerald. “Magician’s Choice” is an exploration of youth and age, fame and betrayal, vengeance and compassion, love and forgiveness. As it transports readers inside the world of performers, the story explores themes of free will and fate. “Magician’s Choice” is a tale full of surprises, secrets, and wonder. A story where things and people are not always what they seem to be. The book is an homage to the art of magic and to the talented people who make magic so wonderful. With a foreword by Harry Blackstone Sr.’s daughter-in-law Gay Blackstone.

Joshua Jay’s review:

Todd Gipstein's Magician's Choice is pure nostalgic fun. The author weaves a fictional tale of a touring magician, Guy, as he travels the world and meets some of the great minds in magic and in other fields. If you enjoy magic history or sleight of hand, you'll find much to enjoy in the background information that colors the story. You might even learn a few secrets! The real achievement here, however, is that this book has heart. Guy is a sympathetic character, and you want him to succeed and find his path. Bravo and I hope to read much more from this author.