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Tossed Out Book by Josh Zandman

Created by: Josh Zandman

The Tossed Out Book is a versatile mentalism and book test trick that allows the performer to read multiple spectators' minds simultaneously. Spectators can freely choose any page in the book, and the performer can reveal their chosen words or the images they're visualizing, all without memorization or forcing. This trick is suitable for close-up, parlour, or stage performances, offering a range of methods including Multi-Book Flashback, Super Flashback, Reverse Book Test, and the Pegasus Page effect. The books are lightly examinable and can be combined with ordinary books for extended routines.

Key features

  • No memorization required, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels.

  • Books are lightly examinable, appearing ordinary at a glance.

  • Versatile methods allow for a variety of performances, from single spectator to multiple minds reading.

  • Can be combined with ordinary books to extend performance possibilities.

  • Includes multiple effects like the Pegasus Page and Inception Method for varied performances.

Pros

  • Highly versatile with multiple performance methods.

  • No need for memorization, making it easy to perform.

  • Lightly examinable books enhance the trick's credibility.

  • Ability to perform for multiple spectators simultaneously.

  • Includes a variety of effects in one package.

Cons

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

  • May require additional presentation skills to fully utilize all methods.

Effect

The Tossed Out Book is a book test routine where multiple spectators freely choose words from different pages of a book. The performer does not handle the book after it is tossed out, yet can accurately reveal each spectator's chosen word without any fishing or forcing. The effect creates a visual spectacle as the performer reads multiple minds simultaneously, often with spectators spread across the room.

Full Details

The Tossed Out Book is part of Josh Zandman's Universal Monsters book test series, which includes gimmicked versions of Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The books work together, allowing the performer to know words from any book the spectator selects. The method is self-working, requiring no memorization or forcing.

Key features:

  • Spectators can be anywhere in the room.
  • Up to five spectators can participate at once.
  • The book is "lightly examinable"—it appears normal at a glance but cannot be read cover to cover.
  • No need for magician’s choice—the selection is completely free.
  • Works with ordinary books like The Alchemist for extended routines.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Performers who want a self-working mentalism routine.
  • Those who enjoy book tests but dislike memorization.
  • Magicians looking for a multi-spectator effect with strong visual impact.
  • Performers who want flexibility in presentation, from close-up to stage.

Difficulty

The Tossed Out Book is designed for ease of use. No sleight of hand or advanced memory skills are required. The method is built into the books, making it accessible even for beginners. However, performers should practice presentation to maximize impact.

What Magicians Say

Michael O'Brien, reviewing the Universal Monsters series, highlights the Tossed Out Book as a standout effect:

  • "You can read up to five different spectators' minds at once using these books... 100% self-working, don't need to fish, don't need to force any pages."
  • "The books tell you everything you need to know... it really is that quick and that easy."
  • "The tossed-out book test can create a visual spectacle with multiple spectators."

O'Brien also notes the books' versatility, allowing combinations with ordinary books for expanded routines. The method’s reliability and lack of guesswork make it a strong choice for performers seeking a foolproof mentalism effect.

What people are saying about Tossed Out Book

Michael O'Brien says...

The Universal Monsters book test series is designed to be versatile, allowing performers to use one, two, or all three books together for a range of routines. [...] The books are designed to reveal information to the performer, minimizing the need for memorization.

Review videos