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Any Word On Any Page by Michael O'Brien

Created by: Michael O'Brien

The Progressive Book Test is a versatile mentalism system that allows you to perform stunning book test routines with zero memorization. In a typical performance, a spectator freely chooses any word from any page of a completely ordinary-looking book, and you are able to instantly and accurately reveal it, even from another room. This system includes multiple powerful routines: Flashback (reveal the first word on any page), Flashforward (reveal a word from the next page), Inception (plant a specific word in the spectator's mind), Any Word on Any Page (divine any freely chosen word), The Progressive Book Test (simultaneously reveal three progressively impossible words from different parts of the book), and Tossed Out Book (read the minds of multiple spectators at once). It is designed for both close-up and stand-up/parlour mentalism, using a set of eight common book titles that look like regular off-the-shelf volumes, with methods that are identical across all books for consistency and ease of use. Buyers should know that the complete bundle includes a 9th bonus title for a finale routine.

Key features

  • Zero memorization required for all methods

  • Includes eight different book titles for close-up and stand-up performances

  • Identical methods across all books for easy learning and consistency

  • Multiple routines included: Flashback, Flashforward, Inception, Any Word on Any Page, Progressive Book Test, Tossed Out Book

  • Allows for completely hands-off performances with no forcing, fishing, or leading questions

  • Bonus title included with the 8-book bundle for a complete act finale

Pros

  • Extremely user-friendly with intuitive methods

  • Versatile for various performance contexts (close-up and stand-up)

  • Clean and impossible-looking effects with no sleight of hand

  • Books designed to look ordinary and off-the-shelf for enhanced believability

  • Multiple routines prevent performance repetition

Cons

  • Requires investment in multiple books for full versatility

  • May be perceived as expensive compared to single-book tests

Effect

A spectator chooses any book from a set of ordinary looking books. They open it to any page and think of any word on that page. The performer can immediately reveal the word without asking questions. The performer can also reveal words from different parts of the book in a sequence that seems increasingly impossible. The effect can be performed with the performer in another room.

Full details

The Progressive Book Test is a system of eight books. The books are standard fiction titles. They are split into two groups for different performance situations. Five books are for close-up magic. Three books are for stand-up magic. The books have different sizes and cover types to appear normal. The methods used are the same for every book. You do not need to learn a different system for each title.

The system includes several routines. Flashback lets you know the first word on a page a spectator opens. Flashforward lets you know a word from the next page. Inception is a method to put a specific word into a spectator's mind. Any Word on Any Page allows a spectator to freely choose any word from the entire book. The Progressive Book Test is a routine where you reveal three different words from one book. The Tossed Out Book routine lets you read the minds of multiple people at once. A bonus method for one book lets you reveal a thought-of image.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for mentalists who want a powerful book test. It is good for performers who do not want to memorize information. It works for both close-up and stand-up performances. It is suitable for performers who want multiple routines from one set of props.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The methods require no memorization. The system is designed to be user-friendly. The performer can know the spectator's word without fishing or asking leading questions. The methods are consistent across all books, which simplifies learning. The routines are built to be performed cleanly with minimal handling.

What magicians say

Chris Edwards states that the system requires "zero memorization". He notes that the methods are identical across all books for consistency. He explains that the system allows for "hands-off performances with no forcing or fishing". The reviewer highlights that the spectator finds the book easy to use, which reduces performance pressure. The variety of included routines helps prevent performances from becoming repetitive.

What people are saying about Any Word On Any Page

ChrisEdwardsMagic says...

O'Brien structured the system to be exceptionally user-friendly. He emphasizes that there is zero memorization required, a major selling point for performers who struggle with complex codes or stacks. The methods are designed to be intuitive, allowing the performer to instantly know the spectator's thought-of word without fishing, forcing a page, or asking leading questions.

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