This is a good book test in the Flashback tradition, with an improved method for knowing the word
the spectator chose. It is only that however, a one trick pony; and there are occasional formatting
errors that a discerning volunteer might wonder about if the effect stops on one of those several
pages.
I gave this four stars instead of three, however, because it is really nice to
perform this in the Christmas season. In performance, I tell the well-known story of Scrooge, and
the reveal purportedly illustrates the shared bond that people in our culture have with the book and
the story.
4 of 4 magicians found this helpful.
I really like this book test. Book can be examined before and after. Just take it out of case with
no preset. The method is deceptive, and will even fool magicians not familiar with the principal.
The book is a paper back. I would have preferred a hard bound copy with a nice illustration on the
cover due to the period nature of the story and would have paid more for a hard cover version of the
trick. I think it is expensive for what it is, but the audience loved it. I actually got to perform
this for a number of shows in a old museum/mansion in the drawing room with a book shelf behind me.
I inserted the book in the bookshelf and removed it when it came time to perform, discussing the
story “A Christmas Carol’” which is very topical right now with the release of the movie about
Charles Dickens “The Man Who Invented Christmas.”
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
A great effect and method, you can't go wrong with this one. It's perfect for the holiday season as
the story is magic itself.
3 of 3 magicians found this helpful.
The Christmas Carol Book Test by Josh Zandman is ideal for any performance geared to the "Holiday
Season." It requires no set-up and can be repeated (if necessary) with a different result. In
addition, the book can be freely examined. The little known fact that the "Christmas Carol" author,
Charles Dickens, enjoyed a reputation among his friends and family as an excellent "conjurer" adds a
wonderful dimension to this effect. Source material to amplify the connection between Dickens and
magic is readily available on the internet to anyone interested in incorporating such details into
his or her presentation. Highly recommended!
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
That's right, BAH HUMBUG!!!....to anyone giving this less than 5 stars!!! Just kiddin', sort of.
Ease of performance? I got this the night before a Christmas show gig I had the next day. They
forgot to include a source of instructions for the book in my order. In less than half an hour I
figured it out. By the grace of the Magical Gods that be, I stumbled on the secret. Well that, and
about 50 years or more in magic. But, WAIT, that doesn't mean that your audience will discover the
secret as easily, by NO MEANS!! In fact table after table at my show were delightfully baffled, and
equally amazed at the powerful magic/mentalism that this classic Dickens tale, and Zandman
MASTERPIECE had wrought! Many spectators asked to thumb through the book, only to be left with the
same perplexities as before they touched the book! Nor is it my intent to imply that you should
approach this WITHOUT a well rehearsed presentation. As easy as it is to perform, you owe it to your
audiences and to your reputation to give this your BEST presentation! While table hopping I made
this my GRAND FINALE. Me!? I like to build and play off the emotional possibilities in presentation
for this effect. "I'm an AVID reader...and every year around this very magical time of year I read
the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. (At this point I hand out the book without mention
or fanfare.) You all know the story! The story is one of HOPE, one of LOVE, one of REDEMPTION, but
most of all, it is a story about CONNECTIONS!!! The story has been told many times and many ways! In
fact, I can think of at least 3 animated iterations of the story. The Flinstones, Mickey Mouse, and
Mister McGoo. Towards the end of this splendid tale the antagonist CONNECTS in a very loving and
generous way with the very people he had alienated throughout the story! It is a fitting time for me
to try and find such a POWERFUL and LOVING connection with YOU! 'Tis the season"... and I then go
into the effect. At EVERY table that I performed this for it either got gasp, loud applause, or
silent astonishment (which I DARE not interrupt!) followed by an outbreak of raucous applause!!! My
show was Saturday, by Thursday I've gotten 2 calls requesting my services! Thanks Josh Zandman, and
BAH HUMBUG, this means I'm gonna havta buy a couple more of these blasted miracle book test from ya,
(...And, guys, if you want to enhance the POWER of your show, you'll purchase at least one yourself)
and with GREAT PLEASURE, thanks JOSH, you made my yuletide BRIGHT!!!
I am so delighted with this book test effect. It is super easy to perform so it gives you ample time
to spend on presentation. I highly recommend it to any magician/mentalist for the Christmas season
shows or any time for that matter.
I am so impressed with Josh Zandman's effect I also purchased
two of his other book test books (Gatsby ad Sherlock Holmes)!