The need depends on the presentation and rationale for performing the routine. Thus, the reason would be-not wanting the booktest to be driven by a theme. That is not meant to knock any Outlaw (or other) booktests, I am merely responding to the comment.

These types of effects fall into two categories:

1. Theme driven: where a particular book MUST be used because it pertains to the discussion at large. Such as: an macabre tale of a psychiatric hospital. Thus, particular book is congruent and germane to the discussion.

2. The appearance of "any book": This is an "information test" which is not typically driven by theme and it's strength is the ability to convey that information is received that could have been anything. This type will be subcategorized into:

A. Gimmicked books
B. Prepared, but ungimmicked books
B. Ungimmicked/unprepared books

All are valid paths, and I agree with the Dick's comment that the impact depends on performance and one's goals (one method is not necessarily better). Theme driven booktests can POTENTIALLY be self-ingratiating. Information tests CAN be boring or trivial "tricks".

IMO it is an oversimplification to declare either "themed" or "generic" book tests as inherenty either good or bad. Each has their time and place and Waters has succinctly characterized the contexts in which each type of test is appropriate. What IS important is that the performer know which is best suited to his style/persona and the context of the program in which it is to be employed.

I've performed Luna and Ipswich both ways. When used even as a single word test, it still pulls more audience pop than the others. It's look just begs for attention and even seasoned professional magicians can't find the secret.

And in my previous post where I state "Even their new Luna book test - in my opinion the worse of the Outlaw tests - has far more significant impact on the audiences I've played for than the MOABT." That should not read new Luna book test but "New Lillian book test."

Peace and Godspeed.

Thanks for the correction dreadnought.

You had me worried for a moment.

I get told that a lot

Peace and Godspeed.

I have every book test there is, and the MOABT is the best of the lot. see my presentation with a dictionary killer add-on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsN_BthJla8

Are you sure you have everyone Steve? Dick has over a thousand and he doesn't own them all !!!! Your presentation for MOABT is lovely!! keep an eye out for The Area Book Test that I will be releasing very soon....my best work to date

Very good.

Wanna bet?

That just about sums it up from the man. Please don't spend a ton of money buying the mother. Leave it alone.

I actually own every book there is. Drats; another was just published, I have to head out to the store...again.

Eric, I know the feeling -- and it's costing me a fortune! Meanwhile I'm praying for a worldwide shortage of ink.

I have a number of book tests (but not MOABT). The ones I use most are Ultimate Flashback by Larry Becker, Sinister by Outlaw, and Witches Almanac by Outlaw. I also use a few impromptu book tests with unprepared books.