Thinking of adding a book test to my parlor show I am creating. What is the simplest and easiest book test for a first timer

The Hoy Book Test

Ian Rowland published an extension of this idea Magic July 2012 that's worth looking up

Max Maven has one in his Penguin lecture that is diabolical, just really really good IMO and I'm not a big fan of mentalism (but I like him a lot. RIP Max) I believe it's called Fearless, and for my money this effect alone is worth the price of the lecture.

There are some stellar book tests out there, but for simple and easy, check out Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic. The mental magic section has a magazine test that can easily be adapted to a book. I'd just grab a few cheap paperbacks from a used book store or a book exchange and use one of them.

This requires a book, a pencil or marker, and is almost self working. As with all mentalism, it does take a good performance to be a good routine, but I think you'll find it fits the stated criteria.

-Patrick

Check out Spineless by Chad Long. Super easy, interactive for a group.

Not sure about Ian Rowland’s extension (but would love to hear more) but the other book tests mentioned here must be pretty good too, no doubt from such reputable workers. But the Hoy Book Test is one I’ve been doing for decades, and not only is it pretty darn easy to do, but it is completely baffling/ amazing to people. I’ve done it in libraries, at the office, at bookstores, at dinner parties, and even in a magazine shop or two. It’s so simple to do but quite diabolical, and it’s something that most performers don’t do much anymore, as there are about a thousand book tests out there using all sorts of clever-enough methods. Every month there’s a new latest & greatest in the genre, but doubt if any of them are as simple and easy to do as requested here.

I remember the whole effect was maybe 2 or 3 pages maybe in complete explanation and performance, that’s it! Plus, you’ll never forget its workings, and you don’t have to carry anything, just heat & eat. So, I give a big vote for this one. There are some fine others that I like, but as to the OP’s ask here, well, this is it and then some. Track it down, give it a whirl and you’ll see for yourself…:)

MOABT

Zandman's Book Test seem to be great!

Should not "simple" mean what appears to be simple to the audience?

IMHO, most book test come across as far too complicated and work to come up with a single word. Bahhh!

And "easy" should be what appears to be easy and uncomplicated. I understand that the OP wants something easy to learn and perform.

But, is that really nay standard to follow or support for a "fist timer?" Bad habits can last a lifetime.

I would suggest NO booktest until you have a lot of audience engagement experience.