Let’s talk about mind reading, shall we? The Book Test is my favourite handy-dandy prop for reading a spectator's thoughts. But with a bazillion versions out there, how on earth do you choose the right one? For me, it boils down to three simple questions:
- Is it easy to use?
- Do I need to memorise anything?
- Does it have multiple uses?
So, let’s dive into the Progressive Book Test!
Is it easy to use?
Absolutely! I’ve crafted these books so the methods are as clear as a sunny day. You’ll be able to pluck any word from the book that your spectator is thinking of without fishing around, guessing, or making them feel like they’re in an interrogation. The book practically hands you the word on a silver platter! Plus, it's easy enough for your spectator to navigate so they won’t feel like they’re auditioning for a role on stage!
Do I need to memorise anything?
Nope! If you’re anything like me and have the memory of a goldfish, you’ll appreciate this. Forget trying to cram a load of words, codes, or patterns into your head while juggling your performance. With the O'Brien Book Test, there’s absolutely ZERO memorisation required. The book tells you exactly what word they’re thinking of!
Does it have multiple uses?
You bet! Mind reading can get a bit dull if it’s too repetitive. That’s why I’ve packed in multiple routines and variations across a range of popular titles to keep you and your audience on your toes! You can perform the routines individually or string them together for a seamless act that builds in impossibility and excitement!
What about the books themselves?
As mentioned, there are several titles to pick from. The methods are consistent across all 8 titles, so you won’t need to stress about which book has which method. The books come in two sizes: Closeup and Standup.
The titles are designed to feel like they’ve just been plucked from a shelf, with a mix of sizes, cover finishes, page colours, and styles. Choose your favourites or bundle them for a cheeky discount!
What are the "Closeup" titles?
The Closeup titles are perfect for the strolling mentalist, easily fitting in your pocket. They measure 5" x 8" with text at a 12pt font size.
- The Gentlemen (Soft Cover)
- 1984 (Soft Cover)
- A Tale of Two Cities (Soft Cover)
- Lord of the Flies (Soft Cover)
- Animal Farm (Soft Cover)
What are the "Standup" titles?
The Standup titles are a bit bigger, measuring 6" x 9", and feature larger text at a 15pt font size—ideal for those more formal mentalism gigs. Here’s what’s included:
- The Phantom of the Opera (Hard Cover)
- Fahrenheit 451 (Soft Cover)
- The Handmaid's Tale (Soft Cover)
What methods are included?
As mentioned, the methods are consistent across all 8 titles. Here’s what you can expect:
- Flashback - Know the first word of any page without needing to force or even know the page number.
- Flashforward - Know a word on the first line of the next page, again without any page forcing or number knowledge.
- Inception - Instead of fishing for a thought, you can plant the word you want in the spectator's mind. Simple and clean!
- Any Word on Any Page - Let the spectator choose a word from anywhere in the book. You don’t even need to hold the book! It’s completely hands-off—no peeking, forcing, or guessing! You could be in the next room when the word is chosen!
- The Progressive Book Test - Use a single book to divine 3 thought-of words from three different parts at once! No fishing, forcing, or guessing! You’ll know all three words as soon as the spectator picks a page.
- Tossed Out Book - Toss out one or multiple books and read 6 spectators' minds at once! Nothing to memorise and words can be chosen from anywhere on the page—one of the cleanest routines around!
- Bonus Phantom Method - Use the Flashback and Flashforward methods to divine a thought-of image on the page as well! (Exclusive to the Phantom of The Opera Book.)
I truly hope you enjoy these books and find as much inspiration as I did! Big shoutout to Josh Zandman and Kaleb Wade for their contributions and inspiration for this project!
Includes 8 titles to choose from. Use one or all of them at your leisure!
Killer!
Direct!
Powerful!
Never leave home without your book test again!
If you already own the Progressive Book Test, you can access this tutorial for FREE on the PBT Tutorials Page!
