Last night, while carrying out the weary but still somewhat enjoyable task of finishing up my holiday shopping, I found myself at Media Play. I had just gone through the video and audio sections, and was taking a leisurely stroll through book department looking for something to read while I enjoyed a cup of coffee. An then my eyes fell upon it. "Twisting History; Lessons in Balloon Sculpting" by Larry Moss. And of course, there was the bag of balloons attached to the binding! How could I resist?
The book is a very comprehensive guide to twisting, and I believe it to be very useful to the beginner and intermediate alike. The 'Bird in a Cage' is a bit involved, but well within the grasp of anyone who has gotten that far in the book. This book contains a lot of the same patterns and instructions found in many other balloon twisting guides (although I've only read about a dozen of these books myself) but has an added dimension. Truly 'Twisted' humor! The explanaition of how balloons fit into evolutionary history offered in each chapter by way of illustrations and narration keeps the pace of the book moving like no other how-to book I've read, and the opening chapter on balloon history is very amusing and original, if not completely accurate! (I know! It's not supposed to be!)
Lots of good suggestions are offered for working with balloons, explaining goofs and mistakes, and how to get more balloons when you run out. I also feel that the inclusion of two 6" hearts in the balloon bag helps to open up the beginner's attitude towards creative balloon manipulation.
At $14.95, I believe this book to be a bargain. I read it once at the Media Play, and again at home last night before bed. I must be truthful, I did have an opportunity to see an early draft of this work, but the finished product is still worth it! I would highly recommend this book to all, especially to those on this list. If you all already have a copy, and I'm the last one to get on the bandwagon, then thank you for reading this far.