Let’s talk about my absolute favourite mind-reading contraption: the Book Test. Think of it as a cheeky little prop masquerading as an ordinary book that lets you pluck thoughts right out of your spectator's noggin. With countless versions out there, how on earth do you pick the right one? It boils down to three key questions:
- Is it a doddle to use?
- Do I need to memorise a bloody novel?
- Can it be used for more than one trick?
So, let’s dive into the Progressive Book Test!
Is it a doddle to use?
Absolutely! I’ve crafted these books so the methods are crystal clear and intuitive. You’ll effortlessly divine any word your spectator is thinking of—no fishing, guessing, forcing a certain page, or interrogating them like a suspect. The book practically whispers the word they’re thinking of! Plus, it’s user-friendly enough that your spectator won’t feel like they’re about to face a firing squad on stage!
Do I need to memorise a bloody novel?
Not a chance! If you’re anything like me and your memory resembles a sieve, you can rest easy. With the O'Brien Book Test, there’s absolutely NOTHING to memorise. As I mentioned, the book does all the heavy lifting, revealing the exact words in question!
Can it be used for more than one trick?
You bet! Mind-reading can plummet into the realm of dullsville if it’s too repetitive. That’s why I’ve packed in a variety of routines and variations across several popular book titles to keep both you and your audience on your toes! You can perform each routine solo or string them together for a seamless performance that builds in impossibility and excitement!
What about the books themselves?
As I mentioned, there’s a delightful selection of titles to choose from. The methods are identical across all eight titles, so you won’t be fretting over which book has which method. They’re split into two categories based on size: Closeup and Standup.
These book titles are crafted to look very “off the shelf,” with a charming variety of sizes, cover finishes, page colours, and styles. Pick the titles that tickle your fancy, or bundle them up for a cheeky discount!
What are the "Closeup" titles?
The Closeup titles are pocket-sized wonders for the strolling mentalist. They measure 5" x 8" and sport text in a comfy 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 slightly larger, sitting at 6" x 9", with a generous 15pt font for those grand performances. Check out these gems in the Standup series:
- The Phantom of the Opera (Hard Cover)
- Fahrenheit 451 (Soft Cover)
- The Handmaid's Tale (Soft Cover)
What methods are included?As mentioned, all eight titles share the same brilliant methods, including:
- Flashback - Know the first word of any page without having to force the page or even know the page number.
- Flashforward - Know a word on the first line of the next page—again, no forcing or page number required.
- Inception - Rather than fish for a thought or word, you can implant the word you want in the spectator's mind! Simple! Clean!
- Any Word on Any Page - Let the spectator pick a word from anywhere in the book. You don’t even need to hold the book! It can be done completely hands-off! No peeking, forcing, or guessing! You could be in the other room when the word is chosen! It’s that clean!
- The Progressive Book Test - Use a single book to divine three thoughts from different parts of the book all at once! No fishing, forcing, or guessing! You instantly know all three words as soon as the spectator picks a page. Each word gets progressively more mind-bending!
- Tossed Out Book - Toss out one or multiple books and read six spectators' minds at once! Again, nothing to memorise, and the words can come from anywhere on the page—making this one of the cleanest Tossed Out Book routines I’ve encountered!
- Bonus Phantom Method - Use the Flashback and Flashforward methods to divine a thought of an image on the page as well! (Only available in the Phantom of The Opera Book.)
I genuinely hope you find as much inspiration from these books as I did! Big shoutout to Josh Zandman and Kaleb Wade for their contributions and inspirations that birthed this nifty project.
