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Progressive Book Test by Michael O'Brien

Created by: Michael O'Brien

The Progressive Book Test is a versatile mentalism system where the performer can seemingly read a spectator's mind by divining specific words or images from a book without any forcing, fishing, or memorization. In close-up or stand-up settings, the spectator freely chooses any page and word, and the magician instantly reveals it through methods like Flashback (first word on any page), Flashforward (word from the next page), Inception (planting a word), Any Word on Any Page (divining any word hands-off), or the signature Progressive routine (simultaneously revealing three progressively impossible words from different parts of the book). The system includes eight ordinary-looking books (five for close-up, three for stand-up) with identical methods, allowing for clean, interactive performances where the book appears completely ungimmicked and the spectator handles it freely.

Key features

  • No memorization required for any methods

  • Includes eight book titles divided into close-up and stand-up categories

  • Methods are identical across all books for consistency

  • Offers multiple routines like Flashback, Flashforward, Inception, and Any Word on Any Page

  • Allows for hands-off performances with no forcing or fishing

  • Bonus title included with the complete 8-book bundle

Pros

  • Zero memorization makes it accessible for all skill levels

  • Versatile routines prevent performances from becoming repetitive

  • Books are designed to look like ordinary, off-the-shelf volumes enhancing the illusion

  • Clean methods allow spectators to handle the book freely without suspicion

Cons

  • Requires purchasing multiple books for full versatility, which may be costly

  • Some methods are exclusive to specific books, limiting options if not all are owned

Effect

The Progressive Book Test allows a mentalist to know words or images a spectator is thinking of from a book. The performer can reveal the first word on any page the spectator opens. They can also know a word from the next page. The performer can determine any word the spectator chooses from anywhere in the book. They can even plant a specific word into the spectator's mind. All of this happens with the book in the spectator's hands. The performer does not touch the book during the key moments.

Full details

The Progressive Book Test is a system by Michael O'Brien. It uses eight different book titles. The books are split into two groups. One group is for close-up performances. The other group is for stand-up shows. The close-up books are smaller in size. The stand-up books are larger. All books use the same methods. You do not need to learn a different system for each book.

The system includes multiple routines. Flashback lets you know the first word on a page. Flashforward lets you know a word from the next page. Inception allows you to plant a word in the spectator's mind. The Any Word on Any Page routine lets a spectator choose any word from the book. You can divine this word from another room. The signature routine is the Progressive Book Test. Using one book, you can know three different words from three different parts of the book at the same time. There is also a Tossed Out Book routine for reading the minds of multiple spectators.

A bonus method is included with The Phantom of the Opera book. This method lets you divine a thought-of image from the page. If you buy the complete set of eight books, you receive a ninth bonus title. This book ties all the titles together for a finale.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is for mentalists who perform book tests. It is good for performers who want a system with no memorization. It is suitable for both close-up and stand-up performers. The variety of routines helps prevent repetition in shows. It is a strong choice for those who want a hands-off performance where the spectator handles the book.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The methods are designed to be intuitive. There is zero memorization required. The system is built for ease of use. 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 difficulty level is low for the core methods, making it accessible for many performers.

What magicians say

Chris Edwards states that the Progressive Book Test requires no memorization for any methods. He notes that the system includes eight book titles for different performance contexts. He highlights that the methods are identical across all books, providing consistency. Chris mentions that the routines allow for hands-off performances with no forcing or fishing. He also points out that a bonus title is included with the complete bundle.

What people are saying about Progressive Book Test

ChrisEdwardsMagic says...

The Progressive Book Test is a comprehensive system designed to give mentalists a powerful and versatile tool for book test routines by addressing key concerns like ease of use, memory load, and versatility. [...] He emphasizes that there is zero memorization required, a major selling point for performers who struggle with complex codes or stacks.

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