I own at least a dozen books on Tarot and every time I walk into a bookstore, I look to see if a new one has come out. I admit it, it's an addiction. However I can learn more about Tarot...books, web pages, classes...I'm there. But this would definitely have to be my desert island Tarot book (along with A Magical Course in Tarot by Michele Morgan). It's simply superb if you're a beginner/intermediate Tarot enthusiast.
The book is divided into Minor and Major Arcana sections. The Minor Arcana is divided into chapters, i.e. Aces, Twos and Threes are grouped together, then Fours, Fives and Sixes, etc. Marcia Masino gives keywords and then a more detailed paragraph for each card in both its upright and reversed orientations. At the end of each chapter, there are fill in the blank and multiple choice quizzes to test your progress. Plus, and I think this is exceptionally helpful, she also gives you several Celtic Cross readings to interpret along the way, as you learn more and more cards (she also clearly explains what each position in the CC means, for those unfamiliar with that spread). Say what you will about the Celtic Cross, I've usually found it quite helpful, easy to work with, and illuminating. Even if you choose not to use it regularly, it still helps to reinforce what you learn about the cards as you work through the book.
The Major Arcana follows the same general format as the Minor Arcana, but Ms. Masino gives more detailed descriptions of the symbolism and esoteric background of the cards, along with the keywords and practical meanings.
I will admit, I don't agree with all of her card meanings. As I continue to work with the Tarot, I find that some cards take on certain meanings specific just to me and not found in any of the books I've read. That's as it should be, as Tarot is always at its best when you form a personal relationship with it and learn to let your intuition open up and adapt to each reading, rather than always relying inflexibly on canned interpretations. But, in general, I have found Ms. Masino's interpretations to be more on-target than any other Tarot author I have come across. Her writing style is also extremely clear and unambiguous, without being simplistic. The title may be Easy Tarot Guide, but learning Tarot (as the author points out) requires a good deal of effort and patience, and will not come instantaneously. But if you're interested in self-exploration, practical guidance, and yes, even insight into the future... (I did a reading for myself that predicted a major event that came true 7 months later, although I discounted it at the time, because I didn't think I was interested in going in that direction...just goes to show), then it is most certainly worth the effort.
For beginners who can remember that no Tarot author (including Ms. Masino) will be completely right for everyone, who are willing to stay open-minded and adaptive as they learn, and who are looking for an excellent resource that will take them from absolute novice to someone with a firm foundation in Tarot, as well as anyone who'd like an excellent reference they can check with when the mood strikes, this is the book to get.
