talkmagic.co.uk

The Effect
This is how Mr Bui describes this effect:
The spectator takes a book and freely opens to any random page. Then she chooses a random word in that page. The performer takes a few moments and then gradually reveals the word which is exactly the one that the spectator chose.

Cost
$14.95 for a downloaded .pdf file (www.lybrary.com)


Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)
2


Review
I have seen positive (9/10) reviews on this product elsewhere, so I hope I can share the reason for my less positive view without exposing the secret.

I think that AWAP is possibly the Holy Grail of mentalism--however, a true miracle would be a simple (a) Pick a book (b) pick a page (c) pick a word (d) close the book. (e) The mage discerns the word without any touching, questions, etc. This effect is not even close to this (which is probably impossible)

After the mentalist reaches the point where the spectator has selected a word then he has to grasp the book with both hands. (Book facing the spectator). Then, the spectator has to guide the mage's finger to point at the word. The book is closed and returned to the mage who has to open it up again--even the most trusting audience would realize that the mage is opening up to the selected page. And, even after all this the mage still has to ask a few questions to arrive at the correct word--and it is likely that occasionally the mage will miss completely!


Overall
$15 for a single downloaded effect is not cheap so I was hoping for something more practical (for me). I believe that the secret is quite different from anything previously published--but that doesn't necessarily mean it has to be superior.

What makes it different from similar tricks (in my experience) is that the spectator is not limited to the first or last word, and it doesn't use the usual "manipulations" (dealing cards or using a serial number on a bill, etc..)

Mr Bui rightly claims that the usual method of using a book test is either to force a word, or discern it after it has been selected. To do this we expect the audience to accept our special moves etc. This effect has it's own special moves which I find to be less attractive that other methods which I know.

Rating
4 out of 10