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Reverse Book Test by Josh Zandman

Created by: Josh Zandman

The Reverse Book Test is a captivating mentalism trick that allows the performer to know a word a spectator is thinking of from a book, even when the spectator is far away. This trick is part of Josh Zandman's Universal Monsters book test series, which includes themed books like *Dracula*, *Frankenstein*, and *Hunchback of Notre Dame*. The books are gimmicked to work together seamlessly, enabling a range of routines from simple word reveals to complex multi-spectator mind reading. The effect is versatile, suitable for close-up, parlour, or stage performances, and requires minimal memorization, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels.

Key features

  • Part of the Universal Monsters book test series, featuring themed books.

  • Allows for a variety of routines including the Reverse Book Test, Multi-Book Flashback, and Super Flashback.

  • Books are lightly examinable, appearing ordinary to spectators.

  • Can be performed with spectators anywhere in the room, even at a distance.

  • Minimal memorization required, making it accessible to performers of all levels.

  • Includes methods for single or multiple spectators, enhancing versatility.

Pros

  • Highly versatile with multiple methods and routines included.

  • Lightly examinable books add to the trick's credibility.

  • No need for extensive memorization, making it easier to perform.

  • Can be combined with ordinary books for extended possibilities.

  • Suitable for performers at any skill level.

Cons

  • Books cannot be read cover to cover as they contain gimmicked content.

  • Requires purchase of one or more books from the series for full effect versatility.

Effect

The Reverse Book Test is a mind reading effect where the performer can reveal a word a spectator is thinking of from a book. The spectator freely chooses any page in one book, and the performer, using a second book, instantly knows the exact word the spectator is looking at. The effect appears impossible because the spectator has complete freedom in choosing the book and page, yet the performer reveals the word with no apparent method.

Full Details

The Reverse Book Test is part of Josh Zandman's Universal Monsters book test series, which includes Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. All three books are gimmicked to work together, allowing multiple routines.

In the Reverse Book Test, the performer uses one book to peek at a word in another book. The spectator can be anywhere in the room, and the performer does not need to see the chosen page. The books are lightly examinable—they appear normal at a glance but cannot be read cover to cover.

The method is self-working, requiring no memorization or forcing. The performer can also combine the gimmicked books with ordinary books, such as The Alchemist, to expand the possibilities.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists and magicians who perform book tests or mind reading. It works well for both close-up and stage performances. Beginners will appreciate the self-working nature, while experienced performers can integrate it into more complex routines.

Difficulty

The Reverse Book Test is easy to perform. No sleight of hand or memorization is required. The method is built into the books, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels. The main challenge is presentation—selling the impossibility of the effect.

What Magicians Say

Michael O'Brien from MurphysMagicSupplies highlights the versatility of the Reverse Book Test, stating, "You can peek at the words here and so you already know exactly what word the other spectator is thinking of." He also notes that the books can be combined with ordinary books, adding, "You can grab any book that you want... and you can use these two books together."

SaturnMagicShop emphasizes the fairness of the method, saying, "The books are designed to 'peek' at each other, creating a fair and seemingly random selection process." They also praise the examinability, noting that the books appear ordinary to spectators.

Both reviewers recommend the Universal Monsters series for its multiple routines and ease of use. The Reverse Book Test is one of several powerful effects included, making it a strong choice for performers looking to expand their book test repertoire.

What people are saying about Reverse Book Test

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

The books are designed to reveal information to the performer, minimizing the need for memorization. [...] The books are also described as 'lightly examinable,' appearing ordinary upon a quick glance, though they won't make sense if read cover to cover.

SaturnMagicShop says...

The series offers a wealth of possibilities for both experienced and aspiring performers, with routines that can be performed with spectators far from the performer.

Review videos