Be a Genie in Six Easy Steps Read Online Free Page A

begin!”
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    The Genie Handbook
    The First Step: Finding Worthy Vessels
    YOU WHO ARE WITNESS TO THESE WORDS!
    A genie is nothing without his lamp. A lamp is his vessel of conveyance, his home and hideaway. It is from here he bursts forth to greet his wish-maker with wondrous effect. It is also the repository of his magic, and wishes may go wrong if the lamp is not close by. As you are but a genie in training, this book will bind you and your lamp together with its magic, and enable you to grant wishes.
    BUT FIRST! You must begin by finding a worthy vessel—or else let a worthy vessel find you. The lamp you choose should be pleasant to behold. It should exert a fascination over those who have magic in their hearts. An unhappy person should be compelled to pick up the lamp and rub it. For only in this way can a genie be summoned and commanded.
    But before you embark on the first step, know this: Only worthy vessels are fit to hold great wisdom and knowledge. Whether you pass or fail, this test is in your hands, your heads—and your hearts….
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Chapter Four
    â€œT hat seems to be it,” said Jason, once he’d read it aloud. “The next page is just gibberish still.” He turned back to the introduction and peered at the yellowed paper. “There is some small print after that first bit. ‘Time turn. Time twist…’” He shook his head. “No, I can’t read the rest. There’s a big hole in the bottom of the page.”
    â€œI am definitely going to wake up in a minute,” said Michael, who had closed his eyes.
    â€œDid you notice the way the book talks about genies like they are all boys?” Jess pointed out. “‘ His lamp,’ ‘ his home and hideaway’—what about girl genies?”
    â€œIt’s probably because it’s an old book,” Jason said. “So, it’s just talking in an old-fashioned way.”
    â€œPlus,” said Michael, opening one eye, “it’s because boys are best.”
    Jess’s eyes narrowed. “ What did you say?”
    Michael shrugged. “Boys happen to be the superior species, that’s all.”
    â€œIgnore him,” Milly advised her stepsister. “He’s only trying to wind you up.”
    Jess smiled sweetly at Michael. “You can’t be wound up by someone you don’t take seriously.”
    â€œI bet you can be thumped by them, though!” Michael retorted.
    â€œAnyway,” said Jason, looking nervously between Jess and Michael. “The book says we have to find a lamp. How are we going to do that?”
    â€œFirst we should start by making a list of good places to search.” Jess began hunting around for some paper. “I’ll be in charge and decide which of us looks where.”
    â€œWait a second,” said Michael. “Even if I really believed in any of this—and I’m not saying I do—why should you be in charge?”
    â€œBecause I’ll be best at it,” Jess said briskly.
    â€œYeah, right,” he snorted. “Well, if there’s any searching to be done, I reckon we should search in two teams, proper brothers and sisters—me and Milly against you and Jason.”
    â€œBut I want to be on Jess’s team!” Milly protested.
    â€œThanks, sis,” said Michael sarcastically.
    â€œI’ll be on your team, Michael,” Jason said.
    â€œOkay.” Jess squared up to Michael. “So it’s girls against boys.”
    â€œFine.” Michael’s eyes held hers. “Whoever finds the coolest lamp wins.” He grabbed Jason by the collar and dragged him up the stairs. “Come on. Let’s get looking, Jase.”
    â€œYeah, get lost, you two,” said Jess haughtily.
    Milly nodded. “Jess and I are going to talk tactics. ”
    â€œTactics?” Michael looked a little uneasy. “What tactics?”
    â€œTactics. That’s all.”