AMORALMAN

A True Story and Other Lies

By: Derek DelGaudio

Narrated by: Derek DelGaudio

Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Truth and lies are two sides of the same coin. But who's flipping it? A thought-provoking and brilliantly entertaining work of nonfiction from one of the world's leading deceivers, the creator and star of the astonishing theater show and forthcoming film In & of Itself.

Derek DelGaudio believed he was a decent, honest man. But when irrefutable evidence to the contrary is found in an old journal, his memories are reawakened and Derek is forced to confront - and try to understand - his role in a significant act of deception from his past.  

Using his youthful notebook entries as a road map, Derek embarks on a soulful, often funny, sometimes dark journey, retracing the path that led him to a world populated by charlatans, card cheats, and con artists. As stories are peeled away and artifices are revealed, Derek examines the mystery behind his father's vanishing act, the secret he inherited from his mother, the obsession he developed with sleight-of-hand that shaped his future, and the affinity he felt for the professional swindlers who taught him how to deceive others. And once he finds himself working as a crooked dealer in a big-money Hollywood card game, Derek begins to question his own sense of morality, and discovers that even a master of deception can find himself trapped inside an illusion.

AMORALMAN is a wildly engaging exploration of the fictions we live as truths. It is ultimately a book about the lies we tell ourselves and the realities we manufacture in others.

©2021 Derek Delgaudio (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

One of NPR's Best Books of the Year

"Every magician is, or wishes they were, masters of secrecy and deception. But what if you are a magician who doesn't want to deceive? Derek DelGaudio has given us a story about how and where we find truth, and he takes us through some very dark places to get there. We learn how a nice young man became a professional card cheat in a most dangerous game, we learn about magic, and about the shadows in Plato's Cave, about illusion and reality, until we finally discover that the book in and of itself is a magic trick - one that holds out the hope that we can all learn to walk out of the deceptive and cavernous darkness and into the light." (Neil Gaiman) 

"The old hustler’s adage holds that 'the game is sold, never told' - meaning that anything you learn will cost you. AMORALMAN is a riveting ledger of one man’s education, a parable about the lines between grifters and marks, a moral man and an amoral one. Buy this book - it’s cheaper than not buying it." (Jelani Cobb) 

“This is a book about honesty, deceit, and the short distance that lies between. It is a straightforward gaze at the blurry intersection of fact and fiction, and its revelations ultimately arouse suspicion about everything.” (Steve Martin)

A perfect companion piece to In & Of Itself

Compelling storytelling and a voice like melted butter over crushed velvet. Too short, but only because I wanted more.

Perfect.

Just perfect. after watching in and of itself I was dying to learn more about Derek this book delivered on all fronts

Do yourself a favour and get it now

This book is a journey with Derek and yourself. I was captivated from start to finish and did the whole book in one sitting. I love that Derek is the one speaking. The inflection and emotion can be heard in each line. If you haven't seen In and Of Itself on Hulu i highly suggest watching that as well! An incredible book that should win book of the year.

A insightful and wondrous story

I enjoyed this book immensely.
I own the hardcover as well but much preferred to hear it from Derek’s mouth. It added an enriching element to the story and am
Recommending it to all that I know.
I’d be a prisoner in this cave any day!!

Riveting from start to finish

Derek is as skilled at telling stories as he is at cards. And he's a terrific narrator, adding nuance to his words that makes them jump out much more than they would in print. This book is compelling, insightful, and profound.

Intriguing, introspective, & thought provoking

From the first story to the last this book was everything and more. Once you finish it this comment might read differently, just do yourself a favor and listen to this. Make sure it’s not just passive listening, but that you’re really paying attention.

I want more stories from this author!

Poignant! Deeply insightful. Uncommonly intelligent. Listening to AMORALMAN has been a moving- and insightful experience for me!!
Please keep publishing Derek Del Gaudio!!
Thank you! 🙏

Transparently honest story

My apologies for the Christian snub you experienced as a youth. We Christians certainly fall short expressing God’s love. This story was not only well written but was intriguing and opened up a world not normally visited by a non gambler.

Great listen

I love his writing style and insights. Good storytelling and highly listenable. Recommend you listen

Great story

This book was recommended by a good friend. I loved it from the start. Fascinating introduction to underworld of sleight of hand.

Incredible storytelling with twists galore

"Derek DelGaudio's book, 'A Moral Man,' is an absolute masterpiece that takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the captivating and enigmatic world of card cheating. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into DelGaudio's narrative, and I couldn't stop listening.

DelGaudio's writing is nothing short of exceptional. His prose is elegant, his storytelling is spellbinding, and his ability to convey the intricate details of the card cheating subculture is unparalleled. As you read 'A Moral Man,' you'll feel like you're right there with him, peering behind the curtain of this clandestine world.

What truly sets this book apart is DelGaudio's unique perspective. He doesn't just reveal the secrets of card cheating; he delves deep into the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with such a skill. It's a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, trust, and deception, wrapped in a compelling narrative.

'A Moral Man' is not just a book; it's an experience. DelGaudio's storytelling prowess, combined with his insider knowledge of the card cheating universe, makes for a gripping read that will leave you both astounded and introspective. Whether you're a fan of magic, true stories, or simply excellent writing, this book is an absolute must-read. It's a rare gem that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page."

Touching story

Like in&off itself it makes me tear up and I'm not sure why it's doing that

What a trip

Loved this from start to finish. And if you haven’t already, go watch In and Of Itself immediately.

Really good but too short.

Loved it wish it was longer nearly as good as his one man show. If you haven't seen that yet I recommend you definitely watch it truly outstanding.

Very entertaining

I really enjoyed this book. It gives you and insight into another world and human behaviour.

Fascinating. And no idea if a word of it is true.

Compellingly told and revealing (?) view into a world of deception and brutal honesty.

How can this be non fiction?

Listented to it in one go. You forget is a memoir after the first chapter. Beautifully written and it does grab your attention from cover to cover

Didn't want it to end...

An absolute treat! For those of you who have yet to see Derek's televised live performance of "In and of itself", I envy you, and Amoralman is just as wonderful. Superbly crafted, perfectly performed and outstandingly original. I shall listen to this many times and recommend it whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself. Thank you Derek. I enjoy your work immensely.