The Counter

Rating:
Summary: The Counter by Kevin Blackwood
Review: The Counter is an excellent read, whether you are a seasoned card counter or a "basic strategy" blackjack player. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: The Counter by Kevin Blackwood
Review: The Counter is an excellent read, whether you are a seasoned card counter or a "basic strategy" blackjack player. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Read this book; it's no gamble
Review: THE COUNTER is the story of a man relentlessly pursuing his dream at the risk of his own soul, his life and his relationships -- all being played out against the glitter and lights of a Vegas backdrop. The life of professional gambling is hard to imagine -- this brings it home with heart.

Rating:
Summary: A Worthwhile Read
Review: The Counter was definitely a worthwhile read. I found the characters likeable and the storylines interesting. The Counter touched on several different storylines, all of which I found intriguing. I couldn't wait to get to the end of the book to find out what happened to each and every character. I'm hoping a sequel is in the works.

Rating:
Summary: A good read but not exceptional
Review: This book is a good read - especially if you play backjack yourself, ever tried learning to count cards, and have ever thought of trying to make a big score doing it. I thought the plot, characters and the moral and ethical themes were interesting. My only issue was that I wish it was better written. It isn't trash but it really does feel like a first time author. Much of the dialog - especially when dealing with the morality or "lesson learning" is very unnatural and a little too neat and clean. The chapters that don't deal directly with blackjack weren't that interesting. The book is also quite predictable which isn't necessarily a bad thing but I like the predictability in a book to be more subtle. Luckily, the subject matter interests me and the twists and turns in the main blackjack story line were compelling enough to keep me reading through to the end.

Rating:
Summary: A good read but not exceptional
Review: This book is a good read - especially if you play backjack yourself, ever tried learning to count cards, and have ever thought of trying to make a big score doing it. I thought the plot, characters and the moral and ethical themes were interesting. My only issue was that I wish it was better written. It isn't trash but it really does feel like a first time author. Much of the dialog - especially when dealing with the morality or "lesson learning" is very unnatural and a little too neat and clean. The chapters that don't deal directly with blackjack weren't that interesting. The book is also quite predictable which isn't necessarily a bad thing but I like the predictability in a book to be more subtle. Luckily, the subject matter interests me and the twists and turns in the main blackjack story line were compelling enough to keep me reading through to the end.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Chance You'll Like It
Review: This is an interesting book set in the fascinating world of high stakes gambling. While introducing the reader to the science of card counting the book also tackles the moral dilema that is presented to one for whom blackjack is a sure and available source of high income siphoned from an industry that reaps huge protected profits from the masses who are guarenteed to lose given enough time. The adventure literally takes the reader around the world entertaining while perhaps provoking some soul searching. You will enjoy the book for the story, the education on card counting and the romance but you will also be challenged to think about spiritual and moral values in an unlikley setting.
This book would make a great movie!

Rating:
Summary: Not just about "casino" gambling
Review: This is one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. This story spoke to me personally because I too once dreamt of a life as a professional gambler. As a once avid blackjack player, the descriptions of the make-or-break blackjack hands had me on the edge of my seat waiting for that last card to flip. The locations throughout the book are authentic and all too familiar. Simply put - it's not often that a book can get my heart pounding like "The Counter" did. This novel is not simply about the fast life as a professional gambler, it is about choices, convictions and the personal struggles within each of us. Do not misunderstand - this is certainly a story about gambling, just remember that not all gambling is done with money or in a casino.

Rating:
Summary: Click the "Add to Cart" button on this book
Review: Well, if you have gotten as far as reading these reviews, you are obviously interested in the subject matter. That being the case, this is a book I believe you will enjoy. The key characters are not what you would expect - they don't fit the mold. The book is not 'same-old, same-old' either; add it to your cart and enjoy it.

Rating:
Summary: Great Timing for the Counter.
Review: With gaming becoming so wide spread and so many people interested in this "entertainment" The Counter shows the struggle to be successful brilliantly. The honesty about the whole inside scoop of the world of Blackjack was fascinating and I doubt better detailed anywhere else.
So if you want to have a realistic view of what the this kind of life is like read The Counter!