Gambling Books

"Dice Angel" is a smart, hilarious page-turner with witty dialogue and vivid characters. Set in the real Las Vegas, known only to locals, the book offers an insider's view into the bizarre dichotomy of this world (i.e., who knew Mormonism flourished in Sin City?) We follow Jimmy D., our flawed but lovable, wise-cracking antihero, as he weaves his way through a series of trials and tribulations which would defeat a lesser soul. With nothing left to lose, Jimmy grudgingly hires the weird and wacky gambling guru, Amaris (the "Dice Angel") in the hopes that she can reverse his bad luck. Never a dull moment between these two, and the wild ride which ensues culminates with a couple of unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable twists. A great read!

Dice Angel is well written, exciting, with a tinge of humor that keeps you enthralled throughout the book. Being from Las Vegas, I certainly appreciated the little details that remind me of the Las Vegas I know. I highly recommend reading Dice Angel, but make sure you aren't working on deadline, because you won't be able to put it down.

The five star average for this book review pretty much sums it up. I found this to be a very enjoyable read and highly entertaining. You'll like this book for any of the following reasons:

1)If you enjoy gambling --particularly if you enjoy craps, but even if you know nothing about the game, it won't detract from your enjoyment.

2)If you've ever had problems with the IRS. They talk about a "kinder, gentle" IRS, but that's certainly not what Jimmy Delaney experiences.

3)If you have ever just "people watched" while you were in Vegas. They certainly come in all shapes, sizes, and attitudes, and some of the descriptions of the minor characters in this book are classic.

Someone notify Hollywood -- with all this book has to offer, they should make a movie out of this gem!!!

I purchased "Dice Angel" based on a couple of reviews I read on Amazon and absolutely fell in love with it. Brian Rouff's characters are quirky, fun, unique and exhilarating. Poon, the IRS enforcer is a hoot as is Aramis, Jimmy D's, dice angel -- I found myself wishing I could come upon someone as gifted as she.

Mr. Rouff is very economical in his writing. He tells a great, great story and if you like Las Vegas, gambling and down and out characters who get to triumph you may just love this book as much as I did. I highly recommend it and I think Rouff ranks right up there with Harlan Coben and Dean Koontz. The book is a fast read and I really wish I did not have to finish it. It's the kind of book you never want to end.

I do not play craps but after reading the hilarious scene in the Luxor with Jimmy D trying to save his bar and Aramis saying mantra's over him in the background so he can win, I may just try. I actually tried calling the dice angel as a lark (her phone number is listed on the book cover). Much to my dismay, the number did not exist.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Pete, the homeless guy, who gave Jimmy Aramis' card. Pete is a great character. Mr. Rouff is right on in his depiction of Pete (who happens to be an ex-stock broker like me).

So if you are looking for a fast, enjoyable read, pick up a copy of "Dice Angel." I promise you'll love it. And honest, the number on the front of the book (Aramis' phone number) does not exist (wink wink).

See you at the Luxor. I'll be the guy with all the dough.

In DICE ANGEL, author Brian Rouff describes a Vegas (this is not your formal `Las Vegas') story in a voice that is Richard Prather-in-Vegas caustic. Rouff's characters speak in dialogue that is snappy and hip. This is a real feel of the Vegas long-time locals know and love. With lots of Elmore Leonard characters, Rouff writes about Las Vegas like Carl Hiassen does of Florida. Describing a lawyer's office, Rouff writes, "Real hardwood floors, expensive art signed and numbered by foreign guys, a leather couch that probably took the lives of an entire herd of Texas's finest." If you want to know what it's really like to live in Las Vegas, DICE ANGEL opens an entertaining window for your view.

Carolyn Proctor
author, 'Elisabeth Samson, Forbidden Bride'

This book does a fantastic job of discussing the pressure of late stage tournament play. Want to know how to react when the blinds are eating your stack and other players are moving all in on you constantly? Get this book!

This is a great series of books for anyone who is fairly new to the game of No Limit Texas Hold'Em. Volume I provides some basic concepts that every player needs to know. From which hands to start with and pot odds, to raising, to how your seating position affects your play, this series is a great introduction. And the more table experience you gain, the more his discussions can help your game. Highly recommended. Also, the workbook, Volume III is great to test your decision making within his framework.

This book was recommended to me after I finished in the top third of a tourney. I've read Vols 1, 2, and 3 - and I've learned so much from these books. Easy to read, easy to understand. I'll be going back in a few months to pick up anything I may have missed. Highly recommended.

Finished in top 15% in another tourney after reading this book - easily accounted by the stuff I've learned. Looking for better results I apply the knowledge.

After he finished at the Final Table of WSOP two years in a row, I was hoping that Dan Harrington would write a book. He did so much more when he wrote three. I think this one is the best of the bunch. There is so much hand to hand analysis, much more than other books.

There really isn't much more to say, this is probably the best Poker book ever written.

This book is outstanding just like his first one. You can't go wrong with Harrington. This book will take your game to a whole new level.

then this book is for you. And even if you are not a gambler this book is for you. I got this book after reading the description at the Gambler's Book Club website. The author's descent into gambling hell via internet poker was of particular interest to me. But I thought the parts leading up to that were quite engaging as well (going to the track with my father, aunt and uncle provide some of my fondest memories of my childhood). And when she finally does begin her downward spiral it is a harrowing ride. I read it during my lunch hours at work and cursed the clock when they were ending. Super book!!!

As much a book about gambling as it is about families, this is fun from beginning to end. Martha draws us into her addiction to poker and online gambling every step of the way, starting with sitting on her father's lap as a young girl, while he plays cards with his friends. We learn about poker's role in her mother's life, as we watch it take a more important role in Martha's. This is a look back into a life well lived, with a left turn into obsession, all told with great humor. You'll feel like you're hearing this tale across the table from your old friend during a long lunch. It's impossible to put down until you find out how all this ends! Great gift for a sister, mother or father-- it's filled with love, warmth, nostalgia and laughter.

I usually start a book, and read chapter by chapter each night. However, once I picked up Hats & Eyeglasses, I couldn't stop. You don't need to be much of a poker player to see the beauty in this book. The Family Love affair was very powerful. Martha's narrative storytelling is extremely visual. Wonderful awesome read, cover to cover!

A story about facing addiction has never been so hip, sexy, and unapologetically funny. "Hats & Eyeglasses" is one of those books that will do something to you. The comments that Martha Frankel makes about the trials of being a human will make you look up from the page you're reading and look around for someone to talk to. The book is filled with small realizations and large observations that offer new perspectives on the hardships that people have, and, more importantly, the challenges that we all face.

You should read it.

Anyone who has been touched by addiction needs to read this book. Anyone who has found heaven & earth in a potato pancake needs to read this book, Anyone who can handle the truth needs to read this book. Anyone who has ever loved a woman needs to read this book. If none of the above apply, then you need to read this book to find out what you've been missing!
HATS & EYEGLASSES is the Bomb......get ready to be blown away!

Very clear and easy to understand. Covers odds and house advantage of various casino games. If you want to understand the math and odds the book gives good examples that are clear. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand this book. Got a copy for my retired uncle and he loves it for his casino trips. Clearly explains the house has an advantage, but teaches you how to minimize that so your money and free drinks last longer.

This book will explain to you, in no uncertain terms, exactly why you can't win at most games. However, it will give you tips on how to win more often. And, it will show you a few games where you actually have a chance to beat the house.

for anyone that spends any time or money gambling, you really ought to read this book.

...but, if you do make a trip to Vegas and lose, you'll know you did your very best and not be filled with complete regret about placing sucker and egotistical bets and getting taken in by the atmosphere in general. The author talks in detail about the emotional roller-coaster that is casino gambling, and this book will help you smooth out those bumps in the roller coaster.

Brisman is also very clear that no matter how skilled your decisions, the odds WILL remain in favor of the house at all times.

I'm not a particularly serious gambler - I go to casinos maybe 2-3 times a year. I bought this book several years ago before my first trip to vegas and read it on the plane on my way out (and have gone back and consulted it countless times since), and I'm very happy with it.

The book contains a few introductory chapters followed by 12 chapters devoted to common casino games (followed by a few misc. chapters at the end). It's very straightforward and takes a no-nonsense approach, backed by statistics/probability, to disect each game. For each casino game, the book tells you what the odds are if you play 'by the book', and describes various strategies for playing. In my opinion, this book (or a similar work) is a MUST if you are a beginning gambler and will probably be very useful if you are an intermediate level gambler. It's easy to understand, but at the same time it isn't dumbed down, so should remain a useful reference for all but the most serious/knowledgable gamblers.

I purchased this book primarily to learn blackjack, and specifically to learn basic strategy. The Blackjack chapter is very well laid out and should allow a beginner to learn basic strategy in a fairly short period of time, as it did in my case. If you play blackjack (or plan to play) and don't know basic strategy (or worse - don't know what basic strategy is!) then this book is an absolute must. I feel like I got my money's worth out of the blackjack chapter alone, with the rest of the book a very much appreciated added bonus.

The book has 16 chapters, 2 of which are introductory, and 13 are dedicated to the games themselves. If you've ever visited a casino, you know how easy it is to get overwhelmed by flashing lights and sounds of coins falling everywhere, and then perhaps make an errant decision about playing a slot game or joining a roulette table.

This book does a good job on teaching the fundamentals and rules of each game, and it goes further to tell you why the game is profitable for the casino and how fast you should expect to lose money on it. Since the only game that might possibly be played to the player's advantage is blackjack, Chapter 3, which deals with blackjack, is one of the largest in the book. The author also discusses popular "winning" systems and with mathematical detail displays their faults.

It's an excellent guide to all the games and casino business in general. However, the book serves a dual purpose - after I learned about the odds and the house edge in each game, it's unlikely I will ever gamble at a casino again.

Brilliant all round book, which I've learnt and gained much more poker knowledge from. Im not one for reading books but I couldn't put this one down!

My order came promptly and it is a very good book to get some tips from

Great compilation for those interested in all forms of poker. Great instruction from some of the greatest names in the sport.

As an avid poker player (I play at least 5 hours a week) who makes decent money, I was looking forward to this edition. The problem with books these days is that there isn't much new material out there. Doyle wrote his supersystem which laid the groundwork for aggressive play which wasn't the norm back in the day. Then Harrington came out with his three volumes which are the definitive go-to for all no-limit holdem play.

If you want the best no-limit holdem book out there, then this probably isn't your book. The Harrington books trump this book by a long shot. However, if you're looking for a one-stop-shop for the other games then this is the answer. The only section that I felt was subpar was the section on Razz which gave very subpar advice, data, or basic strategy. The stud sections are excellent and lay very good groundwork for both cash and tournament play.

So...if you're only going to stick with NL holdem, then go with the Harrington books...if you're looking for a little bit of everything, then i highly recommend this book.

This is a true gem in the wacky world of poker books. After Sklanski & Malmuth, Super System I/II, and the Harrington trilogy, there are very few poker books that actually offer original content or any new insights into the game of poker. True, Bill Chen's "The Mathematics of Poker" offers both - to some extent - but in a format that is better suited for someone working on dissertation research more than for someone looking to get an edge at a poker table. The value of this particular book comes from the differing perspectives of the authors. Gavin Smith, Howard Lederer, and Chris Ferguson (just to name a few) have disparate playing styles and it is reflected in the portions of the book they write. Some go as so far as to implore the reader to ignore some of the advice from the earlier authors. While Ferguson doesn't care for flat calling raises, Gavin Smith loves it, and both explain the reasons why. Ted Forest goes as so far as telling the reader to ignore his advice in the aptly titled "Don't Play like Ted Forest" chapter.

If you are considering buying this book, there's a good chance you know about position play, starting hands, and most other basics. What I loved most about this book is the fact that these pros tell the reader how they play, not how a hand should be played. Due deference is given to Sklanski and Malmuth, but the advice doled out is original and unique. It's refreshing to read how differently two pros would play the same hand and their explanations for doing so.

The only weak point in the book is the discussion about online poker is not as in depth as one would expect (or in my case, hope) in a "Full Tilt" title.

I would strongly recommend this book over most any other in the soup of modern poker books.

This is a comprehensive examination of gambling in America, so well written I put aside the thriller I was reading to pick this up each night. Well researched, balanced, and thorough, it should be read by everyone on both sides of the gambling issue.

I read this book this year (2006) and was staggered by its accuracy in describing the events of the last eight years in the gaming industry. It is far more insightful than most accounts written after the fact. O'Brien takes a historical perspective, inspired by a genuine appreciation for gamblers and gambling along with a rare cool-eyed and unsentimental realism about the casino business. Too many other authors, horrified by the crime and corruption associated with the business, forget that the urge to gamble is deep and ancient; the opposite camp too often uses romantic gambling fiction to distract from the undeniable rottenness that suffuses the legal and illegal industry.

O'Brien tells the stories of gamblers of various stripes, from hapless victim to celebrity successes, types who rarely coexist in the same book. Entrepreneurs are featured as well, weak crooks, clever crooks and genius visionaries. He cites in damning detail the negative effects of legal gambling on local economies, society and political institutions; but there is no suggestion of throwing out the baby with the bathwater, this book is the beginning of a blueprint for how to reform the industry, not outlaw it (or even less plausibly, to stop gambling).

If all of this makes the book sound like a dull policy text or dated account of once-current events, it's not. It's an entertaining read, and more relevant now than when it was written.

Mostly an interesting, well-written, and throroughly researched book. The anthopological and historical information about gambling in the US was very informative. The vignettes about individual gamblers were thought provoking. However, often the descriptions of gambling take awkward twists into very biased and unfounded criticisms. It reads that someone combined a readable historical and cultural treatment of gambling with a distorted rant about the horrible evils of gambling. Despite the confusion, there were many parts of the book that were well done.

Mr. O'Brien has written a thought-provoking book, the thesis of which is that casinos rely on a small percentage of problem gamblers for most of their profits. I was a little surprised that he didn't interview Frank Scoblete, the top gaming author in the world and my personal favorite because I would have liked to read Scoblete's opinions on O'Brien's thesis. But that is a minor quibble. The book is definitely worth reading. I tend to agree with O'Brien. Too many people are out of control when it comes to gambling.

I live near one of the big casino riverboats mentioned in O'Brien's book and I read this book out of curiosity more than anything. Prior to reading this, I had NO idea how much intense lobbying - as well as graft and corruption - were behind the gambling industry.

One tidbit I found especially disturbing is the story behind how gambling was legalized in my home state.

"Bad Bet" tells of a former Midwest governor who was in power when Argosy Gaming made it's big push to get gambling legalized in this state. (Argosy won) Now that we have riverboats all over our state, this former governor now *works* for Argosy Gaming.

Rapes and robberies went up 33% in Atlantic City, New Jersey after the casinos opened there.

"Bad Bet" it tells of the subtle and overt techniques casinos use to lure people in and entice them - to keep the money flowing. Even the layout of casinos is done with much forethought as to the best way to separate people from their money.

And O'Brien talks about how the gambling industry goes looking for communities in economic straights to set up shop. (which is exactly what happened in our city)

This is a powerful book. I think every local or civic leader that has a casino in their community or is even considering allowing casinos in, should pause and read this book. It'll open their sleepy eyes to some hard ugly truths.

Having lived in a community that invited the riverboats in, I see firsthand that O'Brien is telling the truth about what to expect when big gambling comes to town. It's a sad affair.

My only complaint is that it WON'T teach you how to win the World Series of Poker since I'm not giving away anything to say that the author doesn't win the Big One which he writes about. Besides from that, this is the gambling book that all other gambling books have to test themselves against. What a writer! Also enjoyed his MAN WITH $100,000 BREASTS which is the second best gambling stories book.

World Series of Poker time again. Plenty of strategy books out there. Only one about what's inside the heart and head of top players. I reread Konik's masterpiece the night before the last tournament I played. Won it. This is the book I'm going to be reading night before the Big One. Mr. Konik I salute you.

I'm speechless. I read the one about the Binion's murders and playing in the world championship of poker and I thought that it was an extremely sophisticated look at the world of gambling. Then I read Konik's take on playing in the World Championship of cards and I'm speechless. I don't know if I want to cry or laugh or just read it all over again. If you play cards you need to read this book.

Getting ready to make my first entry into the World Series of Poker. Konik's book was highly recommended by a friend whose played in the Big one three times (made money two years ago)and he said it won't teach you how to win the tournament but it'll put into words everything people feel/think when they're involved in the ultimate poker compertition.

Totally agree.

If you're gonna play in a poker tournament especially the Series, you should read "Telling Lies". Finally I found a book that captures what its all about. Also excellent stories about backgammon and blackjack.

Mr. Konik great job. I'm gonna want an autograph at the World Series. See ya at the final table!

Every once in while a writer such as Michael Konik elevates Poker to artistic and emotional heights reserved for exceptional feats of art AND science. Spanier, Alvarez and Holden are other names of such conjurors who come to mind.

Like Sir Holden, Mr. Konik also is cursed with the helpless realization that inconsequential to his passion, and Matrix-like aptitude for Poker, he too shall never ascend to "physiological ascendancy" long enough to seize the Bracelet - not yet at least. Fortunately for us, his reluctant affinity to his "day job" will provide us the memorable glimpses into an intellect, a game, and a perspective that would otherwise remain cloaked by the trite interpretations of the Discovery/Learning/Travel channels, and kept regretfully shrouded in obscurity.

Michael does a superb job in this book about varied and unique gambling experiences which culminate into the grandest story of all:
His own WSOP heroics (or lack thereof), interwoven with the raw trials of his inner-demons (or goddesses in his case).

This latter and final segment of the book is a brilliant piece of writing that transforms Poker, with all its nuances, humility, "brute" refinement and fragility into Magic. Just when you think Poker can evoke only images of banal-minded, leather-"butts" that haven't washed their hands since three infections ago, nor read anything that didn't include a chapter or blurb on "check-raising UTG", Michael Konik uses eloquent references to Gericault, Milton and Goethe (naming but a few), shedding revealing insight into his own 'raison d'être', all the while exalting the virtues of a truly remarkable game.

This is definitely a must-read/must-own book appealing to readers of both intellectual and poker-aficionado qualities (especially for those gifted with the philosophical capacitates to appreciate the a posteriori relationship between "tabula rasa" and sizing up the guy in seat#2).

If you read this book just for the stories outside the Poker world, you'd still be doing yourself a huge favour, and by accident discover the best account of pocket 3's I think I've ever come across. ...

If you want to read about a travelling pool hustler, this is an excellent read!

It's a quick read in the style of Bringing Down The House, except it's about a pool hustler instead of poker. I think it's better written than BDTH, even if some of the source material isn't as exciting. I thought the writing conveyed a lot more emotion though, and I came to really care about the two major players. Anyway, it's a perfect travel book if you're looking for one. I'd give it an extra half star if they'd let me.

It is not every day that a story takes you by the neck and drags you through the pages like a roller coaster ride. Kid Delicious is impossible to define or dislike. The reader roots for him and his quixotic quest to overcome depression, get a life and learn every nuance of the green baize. Any one of which is a tough task.
This world of inveterate gamblers is fascinating, quirky, dangerous and full of folk who would pick up a snake for a dollar bet rather than get a 'real' job. The author is a gifted writer, not simply a good sports writer. He obviously cares for his protagonist but does not judge or sugar coat any of his idiosyncracies, and they are legion. The story opens a curtain on a dying sub culture. The internet, Texas Hold 'em and the growth of casinos have all contribued to limiting the action a road warrior can find today. However, Kid Delicious wrung every last drop out of his foray into the world of cross country hustling.
Read this book, if you play pool or not. The book works on so many levels that it will be enjoyed by anyone with a soul.

Anyone who knows and appreciates how well Jon Wertheim (senior writer at Sports Illustrated) writes must read this. It's so much more that just a story about an overweight kid with low self-esteem who seeks refuge in seedy billiard rooms to ply his talent as a pool player extraordinaire; it's also an engrossing "roadie" narrative, illuminating the disparate threads which personifiy the quintessential American psyche.

In my opinion, Jon Wertheim displays the same élan in his writing as Truman Capote has with his work, "In Cold Blood". There is a flowing verbal rhythm in the way he tells the tale of Kid Delicious and his travails around America's southeast states in search of his next hustle/fix. While his story is told with much humour (often black), empathy, light-heartedness, and poignancy (without saccharine) -- there is also a visceral efficacy, especially with its cautionary warning as to how a momentary lapse can, unwittingly, lead one into this insidious methamphetamine addiction with potentially devastating consequences.

True to form, Jon tells it like it is -- that is, non-judgemental, without
pretence, conceit or artifice to embellish his story about this extraordinary pool player conquering his demons.

"Jeez, that fat man, look at the way he moves. Like a dancer.
And those fingers, them chubby fingers. That stroke,
It's like he's playing the violin or something."

- Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) marveling at
- Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason) in "The Hustler"
-
The above quote is what begins the PROLOGUE of this gripping true story of Danny "Kid Delicious" Basavich. Danny is a 5 foot 9 nine inch 320 pound, charming, bipolar, depressed, suicidal, crowd-pleasing, warm-smiling, ice-breaking, pool-hustling, professional champion, Jewish mensch, from New Jersey, by way of Brooklyn! Danny as a kid would buy candy and treats in bulk, bring them to school and sell them at outrageous markups between classes. He also ran poker games during study hall and football pools on Fridays. He ingeniously figured out that packs of baseball cards that included valuable bonus cards were slightly thicker than the regular packs. Using a micrometer Danny could figure out which packs had the valuable cards in them without opening the pack and would then buy those packs and resell the bonus cards at a huge markup. In summary, before Danny started playing pool he already had the makings of a classic hustler. Due to his girth Danny was teased and bullied unmercifully in high school and dropped out when he was fifteen. Danny became overridden with depression. He would sleep all day and eat unbelievable amounts of food. Then he discovered pool, which probably saved his life and made this writer's dream of a story reality.

Danny starts practicing pool in every waking minute of his life and his burgeoning talent gives him a reason to live. It gives him a self-worth that he never had before when he looked in the mirror and saw an unattractive overweight man-child going nowhere, as he seriously considered suicide. From the moment he sees the potential in himself, the reader is then taken on a roller coaster ride from one pool hall to another. Some venues are pig sties, and others are glimmering palaces. When Danny wins a big hustle against a "slender, flashy, up-and-coming player called "Kid Vicious" a legend is born. As Danny unscrewed his stick and prepared to leave, a fan whistled and then cracked, "Kid Vicious" just got hustled by "Kid Delicious"! "Kid Delicious" would become Danny's moniker from there on out. Along with fighting his depression "Delicious" had to fight the "catch-22" of not becoming too famous, because no one would play him. A number of times ill-fated professional pool leagues would start with grandiose plans and go bust. There was the quandary that hustling paid more than a professional match, but "Delicious" also wanted the celebrity and acknowledgement of his talent. But if he got the professional victories that would put him on TV and in billiard magazines, then he could no longer enter backwater pool halls in North Dakota, Minnesota, Alabama, and wherever his car would take him, incognito, "under the radar" for a big hustle, and that's where the real money lies!

This book takes you through the back alleys, the cheap hotels, the dives, along with "Delicious's" weight gains and losses, mood swings and rubbing of elbow's with more nefarious character's with more nicknames than the mafia. Some of the "classic" nicknames include: "Scorpion", "Black Widow", "Gunslinger", "Rifleman", "Freezer", "Ice Man", "The Lion", "The Cobra", "Spanish Mike", "Scott The Shot", "Shannon The Cannon", "Earl The Pearl", "Weenie Beanie", "Ginky", "King James", "Portuguese", "Shaggy", "Chewy", "Oil Can Larry", "Larry The Lizard", "The Prince Of Pool", "Puerto Rican Pete", "Gypsy", "Chili", "Fifty", "The Crow", "Cornbread Red", "Bristol Bob", "Snake", "Double J", "The Hurricane", "Harry The Hat", "The Korean Dragon", "Big City Smitty", "The Professor" ... and many, many more! I recommend this book highly! Buy it and get to know the rest of the gang!

I really enjoyed this book. The only downside to it is the slightly odd note the heroine strikes-- she is honorable and intelligent, yet does something very silly!

Overall, a fun romp with a heroine who has a sense of honor, and a hero who makes a great mistake in his evaluation of her. Interesting because the setting and situations are very different than other Heyer books. A satisfying ending.

This is one of the best romantic comedies I've ever read, second only to 'Venetia' and 'Arabella' (both also by Heyer). The clash of wills between the proud, haughty Max Ravenscar and the indomitable Deborah Grantham are sure to delight and entertain even the most jaded reader. There are plenty of varied characters, a story that never slows down, an almost palpable chemistry between the main couple and lots of very funny moments. My only complaint about this book was that it was a bit short for my tastes, but then again, I much rather prefer a book like this than one that goes on and on and doesn't know when to stop. If you're tired by the campy trash that gets published today labelled as 'romantic fiction', or if you're simply enjoy a good book, you can't go wrong with 'Faro's Daughter'. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Shakespeare is always in her work and this is no exception. Was extremely disapointed when it ended as would like to have kept reading. Instead suffer from Heyer withdrawal. Thank goodness she has a big back log. Read this book when you need a cheerup.

I won't talk about the plot because other reviewers already did, I want to point out that I just love the interactions between the protagonists, if you like your heroine very smart and at the same time very endearing, none of that dumb stubbornness sometimes we found in other authors but a pretty female character, independent (like all other Heyer females!) and very interesting overall. You will have a marvelous time reading this story, it is very good, go ahead and read it!

ALL OF MS. HEYER'S wonderfully enthralling heroines, are -- though living in the midst of the male-dominated English Regency period -- closet feminists! Or, at least, are those with whom I am acquainted. I have yet, it seems, to read all of her numerous and wonderous books. But I have, however, read FARO'S DAUGHTER, and know, from it and the other of ther novels that I have read, that I have many new treats in store for me, from reading the rest of her work! : ) This closet feminism of her heroines is all the more amazing, since Ms. Heyer wrote her novels in the only-slightly less male-dominated eras of the 1930's through the 1980's. Yet, her heroines do manage, (in spades!), to retain a definite femininity, and, usually, a great deal of charm. The difference between these very feminine, "closet-feminists", and, say, the "sweet little dears" portayed within the novels of Horatio Alger, (heroines who, it appears, did little more than cheer on Mr. Alger's brave male protagonists), is that Ms. Heyer's heroines had minds of their own, (as well as hearts and tender feelings), and, in her novels, it is not only battles with circumstance, and between the genders which is seen....one also sees a battle going on betwixt the heroine's head and her heart. Often, the head prevails...but the heroine's actions -- usually intelligent, well-planned ones, but often leading to hilarious and sometimes unforeseen results -- are always planned, and done, (whether she knows it or not), at the behest of the heroine's heart.

This is amply shown in the delightful "FARO'S DAUGHTER". The heroine, Deborah Gratham, lives with her aunt, a proprietress of
a gaming house. This makes the heroine to be -- despite her wealth, beauty, lineage, (and, yes, brains) -- looked down upon by polite London society of the day. A (very) young aristocratic gentleman, Lord Maplethorpe, frequents the gaming house...and soon decides that he is in love with her...moreover, he is certain that Deborah is in love with him. Enter, (at the behest of Lord Mapelethorp's anguished mother), the young gentleman's uncle, Max Ravenscar...who intends to break up this horrendous affair before it seriously begins. What he doesn't realize is that the affair never began at all: Deborah is NOT in love with the very young Lord Maplethorpe, and is, indeed, at that very moment in the depths of considering how to let the youngster know she is not in love with him, without hurting his youthful, kind feelings. But....Max Ravenscar's bold and arrogant manner, which considers her, conclusively but without evidence, nothing more than a "gaming-house title-hunter", infuriates the proud and independent-minded Ms. Gratham...who vows revenge on the haughty, jumping-to-erroneous-conclusions Ravenscar.

Including a race, a kidnapping, a hilarious dress-up, (and character) deception, and much else besides, this is indeed a most delightful reading romp! Indeed, this novel could well be sub-titled "Pride and Prejudice", (were not that title already the name of a novel written in similar, elegant fashion)...for truth, true love -- and lost stereotypes -- finally do win out, over Deborah's understandable, but at times over-weening pride, and Max Ravenscar's infuriating prejudices. This is the story of two very head-strong, yet very human people, who find themselves at first at odds, then in battle, but finally in love...as they realize their simularities far outweigh, and finally dissapate, any differences they may have.

This is an enjoyable, enthralling book from its beginning to its end. Beneath the petticoats and starched collars, real people emerge...as in all of Heyer's romances. Who says elegance must be dull, or that "X"-rating is needed for excitement? Not I...and I hazard to guess, not other readers either, once they have read this and other Heyer books. You might, indeed, find yourself writing elegantly, after the 18th centry manner, as I have here-in tried to do, after reading it, and other Heyer novels! Of course, realizing (sadly?), that I am,for better or worse, still a person living amidst the hurly-burly of the 21st century, I do find myself so deeply wishing that at least one of Georgette Heyer's elegant and yet truly realistic novels would, someday very soon, be made into a motion picture! And, although I love all of her books, my vote would go for the hilarious, deeply-moving, fast-paced, insightful FARO'S DAUGHTER to be filmed, first!

P.S.: Georgette Heyer's books are NOT for women only! Intelligent, thoughtful gentlemen, who wish to obtain some inkling as to what goes on with-in the feminine mind and mind-set -- today as well as in the past -- would do well to read Ms. Heyer's intelligent, involving, character-as-well-as-plot-driven novels, too!

Cat Hulbert is not only a great poker player, she is also a great writer. Her timeless book is not so much about how to play poker, though important technical issues do get their fair share of ink, rather it concerns itself more with how to be a winning poker player. Cat's shrewd and witty lessons apply to many areas of life in and out of card playing, including business and leadership, because she covers topics like image, self confidence, and thinking things through without wallowing in emotions.

I'm an experienced and successful amateur poker player, as well as an avid reader. I normally read very quickly but I chewed slowly on this fascinating smorgasbord of poker wisdom until I had thoroughly digested each appetizing morsel and lingered over the savory aftertaste.

This is one entertaining and valuable book I would definitely add to my short list of "if you were marooned on a desert island forever" favorites!

Eric Random, Founder
Random Factory
Independent Critical Thinking
RandomVisits@yahoo.com

Too bad there aren't more stars to give then "just" 5, because this book deserves every single one of them. I was captured from the first page, couldn't stop reading it, so now I'm about to re-read it. It's hard to count things that are great about this book, because there are so many of them but I might as well give it a try. First of all, Cat seems like an incredible woman with amazing life story and the best thing is that she presents it in a really wise and funny way. Each chapter made me wish she was a good friend of mine. In this book you'll find pretty much everything concerning poker and being a girl playing "boys game" - making yourself feel beautiful about yourself, having confidence when entering a cardroom, protecting your winnings (paying attention if anyone is following you) and a lot more. Anyway, I am thrilled with this book and can honestly recommend it, even guaranteeing you will love it!

I am a student of Cat's and this book has captured not only her knowledge when it comes to poker but also her great sense of humor. This isn't a book to teach you how to play but one that will help you with some winning methods that the boys have no clue about. An easy read because of the smaller sections and infusion of tips and humor!

As a poker player for over 30 years, I know many of the tips Cat gives us in her book, but I had to learn them the hard way. She spells them out in an entertaining, easy to read manner. The only good thing is most people probably won't incorporate these valuable nuggets into their play; most will forget all the good advice when they get into the heat of battle, at least I hope so.

I purchased this book a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is "Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Cat Hulbert". I have learned some very valuable tips from you, some I would have had to learn the hard way and some I've already learned the hard way, too. Thank you for sharing your experiences and giving away some of your tips! I've been playing poker for about 18 months and your book came to me at the right time. This book is a refreshing change from the standard poker strategy books on the market. I've applied some of the suggestions and they've already helped me in poker and in life.

I first saw Cat Hulbert on a Travel Channel special about Las Vegas, poker, and gambling. The show featured her Poker 4 Girls classes and Cat offered some valuable tips about how women approach gambling. I've been a fan ever since and I gleaned some self-awareness about my own poker playing behavior from that episode that helped me change my game play. I highly recommend this book for any woman that wants to improve her poker playing skills.