Book Review | Mister Magic by Kiersten White

It’s been 30 years since a tragedy shut down production of the classic children’s program Mister Magic. But with no evidence that the show ever existed, the incident has become an urban legend. Then a twist of fate brings the surviving castmates back together. They’re the only ones who hold the secret to Mister Magic – and to what really happened on that last day.

Your favorite childhood television program feels like a fever dream.

You don’t remember it at all until I start humming the theme song and then – oh, I can see it in your eyes. That wash of images, ideas, feelings.

Because that’s what you remember.

Do you ever think about the TV shows you watched as a child? Some of them may not be around anymore, and that tinge of nostalgia is what sparked Mister Magic. The premise takes on the idea of a children’s show from decades ago that is half-remembered by those who watched it, yet there is no evidence it ever existed. I like the inclusion of articles and online discussions, which are convincing and relatable enough that it made me wonder if maybe I watched the show too. Mister Magic the show sounds like a cross between Sesame Street and Out of the Box, except there are scenes that are unexplainable considering the technology at the time. Is it really magic, or is something else at play?

The book opens with the main character, Val, following a group of strangers despite not knowing who they are. She is one of the former cast members of the show but she doesn’t remember her time there. The story continues in that vein, where Val doesn’t remember anything, and the other former cast members don’t give her information. It was fairly frustrating to read. The other characters are pretty basic, drilled down to one or two qualities. They reunited after an invitation for a podcast interview, leading them to discover what happened that caused the end of the show.

The reveal behind everything that happened felt rushed. It would have been more interesting if the book conveyed how the show actually affected the public. The character’s situation is mainly contained in one location, and when they do venture elsewhere, there’s a sense that something is missing. It gets even more abstract and cosmic towards the end. I wish the world-building was clearer so we could get the full impact and power of the TV show.

Ultimately, Mister Magic is a journey into childhood memories, familial trauma, and the magic of friendship. From the author’s note, this is a personal exploration of her own religious trauma and the aftermath of her choices. I’m glad it exists because I think many readers will find it applicable to their experiences.

About the author: Kiersten White

Cover photo by Moreno Matković