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Book is a riot. Not just all about the "boob" guy, but lots of various gambling stories.Great book.
Although I don't want to jump on the person who gave the book 3*, they were completely missing the point. You read about how odds are made, how blackjack is played, and how comps get you paid. To be perfectly honest, as mentioned, it only takes up about 10-15% of the book, but I don't want it to take up more. But don't think its just about this, they are stories that put you inside, and you don't want to leave.Obviously the book leans towards people who enjoy the art of gambling, but also to those curious about why they don't gamble. This book opens up with the ultimate risk taker, Brian Zembic. A man who will take a bet on everything, and lives up to it. I have probably given this book out as presents to at least a half dozen people since it's release. on and on.
The story takes place at a poker table, but it's the furthest thing from a poker story. Poker, Horse Racing, Backgammon, Sports Betting, Blackjack. Overall, without a doubt, Excellent. We read bios on Trump, Walsh, Jordan, and Woods, but here we read "mini-bios" on a differnet style of person. This book was ranked #2 on the Wall Street Journal's list of the 5 best books on gambling. My favorite story in the book is the very last one, "The Hand That's Dealt".
As one of the other 5* reviewers said, the worst part of the book is that it stops. Andrew Beyer, Roxy Roxborough, Archie Karas, Johnny Moss. Konik knows how to paint a picture with words.
Overall I liked this book quite a bit. Very interesting stories, all bite sized and well written. The last half dozen stories are about poker--I'm not a player so these didn't hold much interest.
I had heard about this guy a long time ago and finally found this book. The one who did try it out read the first 3 chapters and said-- I want it when your done. You don't have to be a hard core gambler. Each chapter tells a different gambling story, which I must say, were all great stories. I have read very few books, but i have to tell you, I could not put this one down and finished it within a week, reading a couple of chapters before bed each night. I think a lot of people won't read this book because of the title, but it is a shame because the book is that good. After reading the first chapter, I was a bit dissapointed that the story of the man with the $100,000 breasts was over, but to my suprise, the stories just got better. Very entertaining and unlike the previous review, I think anybody would enjoy this book.
I showed it to some coworkers and they thought I was nuts for reading a book about what the title depicts. I tried to explain to one of them how good it was but many turned there nose up without trying it. One last note- I am not a book reader. I only wish there were more stories.
After all, how many people become quasi-transvestites for 100 grand. A better description is that it will even, dare I say, appeal to the general public--and, indeed, it has.
Upon finishing it, I took a look at the page numbers because I couldn't believe it was over. It wasn't that it was too short, the real problem was that it was too good.
This is one of the many "gambling milieu" books that have hit the scene over the course of the past few years; although, unlike many of the others, Konik's effort features strong writing and a furious pace. To say this one is fascinating is an understatement.
In small chip size pieces, Konik addresses the infamous world of gambling. His coverage is far better than that of the average commentator as he includes horse racing, greyhounds, blackjack, sports betting, and golf hustling within his narrative.
The title essay concerns crazy proposition man Brian Zembic, and it may well be the best of the compilation. Well, that's the terrain you're in once you open these pages, and you'll be grateful that Konik did such a magnificent job of immersing himself in it.
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