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.

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.”

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.

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!

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)!