The real-life tale of a hometown magician.
Once Upon a Magic Show is the inspiring, funny, sometimes poignant story of how a self-styled "ordinary Joe" from Ann Arbor, Michigan, grew up to become an accomplished "Magic Man," who, for decades, brought joy and amazement to audiences of all ages.
From the moment his third-grade magic routine came to its hilarious conclusion, Daryl Hurst was certain his vocation was to be a magician, someone whose innate talent was destined to cement his hometown reputation. Indeed, Daryl's school years were marked by steady acquisition of the tools and experience he needed to successfully perform his self-styled routines in a wide variety of settings.
As young marrieds, Daryl and his wife Kay acted on a bold dream, opening what became a series of stores that offered would-be magicians their own path to becoming established in the field. But being an entrepreneur was far more challenging than Daryl could have imagined. His succeeding years in retail taught him valuable lessons about his strengths - and weaknesses.
Anyone looking for an unvarnished account of a magician's life, as he juggled being both a professional and a local hero, will appreciate Once Upon a Magic Show. Readers will gain from the insights and honesty this memoir contains.
"There is humor and insight, compassion and joy in this memoir." - Bill Browning
"Daryl Hurst's memoir is delightful, well-written and very engaging. His passion for a life of/in magic comes through in very personal, honest and moving ways. His memoir provides a wonderful addition to Ann Arbor's cultural lore." - Prof. Frank E. Beaver
1st edition 2015; PDF 228 pages.
