My hands-down favourite mind-reading prop has to be the Book Test. Think of it as a sneaky little book that lets you read your spectator’s mind (as if you weren’t already getting enough attention!). With so many versions floating about, how on earth do you pick the right one? For me, it boils down to three simple questions:
- Is it easy to use?
- Do I need to memorise anything?
- Can I use it for different routines?
Let’s dive into the Progressive Book Test!
Is it easy to use?
Absolutely! I’ve designed these books so that the methods are as clear as a sunny day in Brighton. You’ll be able to read any word your spectator’s thinking of without any fishing, guessing, or awkward questions (because no one enjoys the ‘20 Questions’ game). The book practically hands you the word on a silver platter! Plus, your spectator gets to flip through it comfortably without sweating bullets on stage.
Do I need to memorise anything?
Not a chance! If you’re anything like me and have a memory that rivals a goldfish, you’ll appreciate this. With the O'Brien Book Test, there’s absolutely ZERO memorisation required. Just remember: the book does all the heavy lifting!
Can I use it for different routines?
You bet! Let’s be honest, mind reading can get a bit stale if you’re doing the same old thing. That’s why I’ve packed in multiple routines across a variety of popular titles to keep both you and your audience on your toes! You can perform routines individually or string them together for a thrilling sequence that builds suspense!
What about the books themselves?
As I mentioned, there’s a delightful selection of titles to choose from. All 8 titles share the same sneaky methods, so you can relax about remembering which book does what. They come in two flavours: Closeup and Standup.
The books look delightfully “off the shelf” with various sizes, covers, and styles. Choose your favourites individually or grab a bundle for a cheeky discount!
What are the "Closeup" titles?
The Closeup titles are pocket-sized gems, perfect for the strolling mentalist. They measure a neat 5" x 8" with 12pt font that’s easy on the eyes.
- 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 larger for those more formal performances. They measure 6" x 9" and sport a 15pt font size, making them easy to read from a distance. Here’s what’s 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 earlier, the methods are the same across all 8 titles. Here’s a cheeky peek at what you’ll get:
- Flashback - Know the first word of any page without needing to force it. Easy peasy!
- Flashforward - Know a word on the first line of the next page without breaking a sweat.
- Inception - Plant the word you want in your spectator’s mind. Simple and foolproof!
- Any Word on Any Page - Let your spectator choose a word from anywhere in the book. No peeking or forcing required—it’s as clean as they come!
- The Progressive Book Test - Use one book to divine three thoughts from different parts all at once! No fishing or guessing—just instant mind reading!
- Tossed Out Book - Toss out multiple books and read the minds of six spectators simultaneously! It doesn’t get any cleaner than this!
- Bonus Phantom Method - Use the Flashback and Flashforward methods to divine a thought of an image on the page (only available in The Phantom of The Opera Book).
I genuinely hope you enjoy these books as much as I do! A massive shoutout to Josh Zandman and Kaleb Wade for their contributions to this project.
Includes 8 titles to choose from. Use one or all of them as you fancy!
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!
