Rating: Summary: OUTSTANDING GAME! Review: I didn't realize, until I was on to the clues, what this book was really saying. I'm now up to 21 confirmed clues. Brotherton weaves well - quite well. Once you know what the AGENDA really is, you're hooked. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, but not for the squeemish. If you've solved clues, please e-mail me directly.
Rating: Summary: The truth is backed up by FBI documentation Review: I don't know who "A Reader From Moscow" is (unless they are in the book, but I followed the investigation and trial and saw Brotherton's part for myself). I saw the Alan Katz show in New Orleans and when he said it was the best political book he had ever read, I ordered it. After receiving the book, I read it all the way through without putting it down. I was expecting a "tell all" expose' and got a lot more than that. Now my wife is reading it. I very strongly recommend it, especially for the entertainment value. This would make a good movie, I think.
Rating: Summary: Exaggeration never hurt anyone - or book sales either Review: I found the book an easy and entertaining read, but was constantly struck by the inconsistencies between Mr. Brotherton's assessment of himself versus his actions. He decried the immorality of Players, while at the same time he was in the middle of the bribing of Edwin and Stephen Edwards. He rued the plight of the teenage prosititutes in the Moscow casino, but continued to work there (even without being paid). What was incomprehensible though, was that after portraying his ex-wife as completely mad, and going to great lengths to proclaim his love for his children, he would move half way around the world and leave the children with his ex. Beyond the inconsistencies, I continuously chuckled at how he was always "the best and the smartest," i.e. projects always on-time and under budget; his casinos were the most profitable; he was physically stronger and tougher than anyone else. The "best and smartest" are contradicted a bit by his being forced to go to Moscow to find work, as well as the near fatal sailing trip begun in a state of intoxication and ignoring the weather forecasts. I do not know that I would agree with the reviewer from Moscow that the work is entirely ficticious, but much of it stretches the bounds of credulity. Note the the Belizean publisher: hire a proofreader to correct the numerous misspellings.
Rating: Summary: Swelled head writes accurate character portrayals Review: I read the book in one day. I could not put it down. I know alot of the characters in the book and found it to be true and accurate. I actually was a guest of John's at Player's on many occasions. There were many times that we were, in fact, escorted by body guards. I have no doubt that the book is based on truth and makes for excellent reading. I have actually stayed in the room's that John kept reserved so he could observe the dregging of Lake Charles. It had a great view of the Lake, as he states in the book. (I wish he would have told me the phone was bugged) I will always cherish the autographed copy of the book that I have. I am so proud to know John and Susan. Look for me in the chapter "10 years gone." His description of his ex-wife, my former skating pupil, is right on.... Get the book today. You would have only to meet her to know her trench mouth.. Rob & Becky
Rating: Summary: Could not put it down. Review: I read the book in one day. I could not put it down. I know alot of the characters in the book and found it to be true and accurate. I actually was a guest of John's at Player's on many occasions. There were many times that we were, in fact, escorted by body guards. I have no doubt that the book is based on truth and makes for excellent reading. I have actually stayed in the room's that John kept reserved so he could observe the dregging of Lake Charles. It had a great view of the Lake, as he states in the book. (I wish he would have told me the phone was bugged) I will always cherish the autographed copy of the book that I have. I am so proud to know John and Susan. Look for me in the chapter "10 years gone." His description of his ex-wife, my former skating pupil, is right on.... Get the book today. You would have only to meet her to know her trench mouth.. Rob & Becky
Rating: Summary: Swelled head writes accurate character portrayals Review: I used to work for Players before John & I have to tell you that he hits the nail on the head with all of his character portrayals of the partners, council and employees. I have never met him but I somehow doubt that he is the Superhero that he descibes for himself. And he needs writing lessons. But I found it fascinating to read about these people that I knew & see them act & hear them say things that are so typical. So maybe what he describes is actually true. Because of the personal connection it was a great read for me.
Rating: Summary: don't get it Review: My buddy who'd read this book gave it to me. Having worked in gaming, I was certainly intrigued. Having read the book, I can honestly say "I don't get it". I've been in this casino industry for 20 years and have never seen or heard many of the things Mr. Brotherton discusses. Merv Griffin and Chuck Norris holding the author hostage in Moscow??? Something tells me that this would have made national headlines. The author has a good imagination but this boook seems to be more more fiction than non-fiction. If you want to learn about the industry there are far better reads out there, than this.
Rating: Summary: A Fistful of Kings Review: Normally don't read books on politics and gambling but came across this one with some influential people mentioned on the cover. Started reading and couldn't put it down. As one reviewer mentioned the S&L industry scandle, I too feel this is very similar. Everyone should read this to understand that not everyone in high places and TV are really who they try to portray. Full of adventure and suspense. Good book and will recommend to everyone!
Rating: Summary: Life is good when you know the Truth Review: One can only feel sorry for Mr. Brotherton. Not because of his daring story, but because he has created a fictional world for himself in which he fancies himself some sort hero. The fact alone that he had to publish his book in Belize should say something about the legitmacy. A few facts... -the 'undying love' of and for his wife was interspersed with hookers which he paid for with his salary advances. -he was fired from Beverly Hills, Moscow because of constant drinking on the job and his inability to manage the casino. -he was never held hostage. The hotel he was living in was paid for by credit card. He had an exit visa and was free to leave at any time. The plane tickets for he and his wife were paid for by the club. -his 'bravery' towards Mr. B and the other characters is a brilliantly fictional story. -he can't write two coherent sentences if his life depended on it. whomever wrote this book for John should be ashamed. -he reviews his own book under the name 'raymond shaw' I do hope that Mr. Brotherton makes a lot of money from this book, as he'll need it for the lawsuits.
Rating: Summary: Finally some real light on the casino business Review: Recieved this book from a friend over Thanksgiving, could not stop reading until I found out the ending. This reminds me of the Saving and Loan scandle a few years back. What a great story line. Thank you Mr. Brotherton for this look into the mysterious world of casinos.
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