Rating: 
Summary: Don't Need to Be a Gambler to Enjoy
Review: This is a terrific account of MIT math wizards taking on big time casinos and winning at blackjack. The author tells the tale so well that you do not need to be a blackjack expert or a frequent visitor to Las Vegas or casinos to enjoy the book.The writing is good and Mr. Mezrich seamlessly blends the history of these players with his own present day participation and research. The characters seem to be out of fiction which makes the story even more interesting. The way they played their roles - as well as blackjack - was entertaining as well as a testament to their talents. I expected and got a fairly captivating account of these MIT nerds taking on the casinos. What I did not expect, and what made this book a five star from a four was the mysterious ending. From a straight-forward account it turns into a riveting page turner I could not put down. Strongly recommended for anyone who enjoys gambling, casinos, David and Goliath yarns or just plain good reading.
Rating:
Summary: This is better than fiction!
Review: I have never been to Los Vegas. I am too afraid to lose the little money I already have. I couldn't put this book down. It is an amazing story of how the computer nerds use their knowledge to do what they aren't supposed to do. This is the real "Revenge of the Nerds".
Check it out--you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and thought provoking
Review: I wouldn't advocate going to Las Vegas, or any of the other multitude of resort areas that have sprung up around the country, and putting your life savings on the line. However, this book does make you think, why do casinos make the profits they do and how could one minimize those profits. In addition to that, the surrounding escapades make for a good story. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in gambling, short of compulsive gamblers who would take this to heart. Readers also need to keep in mind that this 'stunt' (for lack of a better term) was a highly organized team of very smart students who practiced religously. It still makes you wonder, whether winning or losing, could a group of ordinary people pull this off?
Rating:
Summary: It's a good thing it's true!
Review: My mom bought this book for me for Christmas, yet I didn't get it until Dec. 27. As it turned out, she began to read this book before wrapping it on Christmas Eve and wouldn't give it up until she finished the whole thing. The story really is that great. As as so many other people have mentioned, it wouldn't be believable if it weren't a true story. My mom's never been to Vegas. Occassionally, a group from her work visits the riverboats in Indiana and she plays some nickle slots. Other than that, she has no interest whatsoever in gambling, blackjack or card counting. However, all we talked about the weeks following Christmas was the book. I finished Bringing Down the House in a weekend and have subsequently reread it a few times. The story captures you and sucks you into a world that only a handful of people ever experience. I have recommended this book to tons of people; everyone of them has loved it.
Rating:
Summary: BEST READ YET!
Review: I typically don't read for pleasure. But after seeing a TV segment about the adventures detailed in this book I just had to have it. And I am so glad I did. I couldn't put it down. I found it exciting...almost riveting at times. The fact that this is nonfiction makes the book that much more interesting. When I had finished reading the book I felt like I had been to Boston, learned to count cards, gambled in Vegas and knew Kevin Lewis personally. It's no wonder that this book made the New York Times bestseller list. If you like real life suspense and intrigue you'll enjoy this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book.
Review: A very interesting look at how to, and why, people choose blackjack as their casino game of choice. For modern games without counting, I will recommend you getting a copy of Gregorian Strategy for multiple deck blackjack.
Rating:
Summary: keeps you on the edge of your seat!!
Review: I have zero interest in gambling or Las Vegas & I still found this book to be VERY exciting! I literally couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book- it is fun, exciting & thoroughly entertaining!
Rating:
Summary: Unrelenting excitement!!
Review: I picked this book up in an airport after the book I started on the first leg of my trip home failed to hold my attention. Granted, I was tired so it wasn't necessarily the book's fault and, in fact, now that I went back to the first book later it was actually pretty good. Just not riveting enough to keep me awake and reading. THIS book, however, kept my attention for the entire 2 hours of the second leg of my flight and I found myself speeding home from the airport so I could read more. I finally arrived at home about 11pm and finished the book at 4am. Couldn't put it down. Great writing but and even greater story. I'm not a big gambler or blackjack player but the people involved and the systems they employed to beat the house were just amazing. One of my favorites. Get the book but don't start reading until you have some time on your hands.
Rating:
Summary: Hmm
Review: Didn't like the way the story ended but I think I know who the guy that ratted them out. It was Ben Mezrich. Think about it! Either him or Tay. One other thing, when is this movie coming out? It says its going to come out in 2004 with Kevin Spacey as Micky. Not much details. Can't wait to see it.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun, but where's the rest of the story?
Review: The book was a really fun read, but much of that was due to the fact that the story was true--or was it? Two aspects of the book kind of caught in my craw: (1) The overall impression the book sought to convey was that these guys were getting rich. But when specific winnings were mentioned, they often didn't seem that large, and when details of their gambling schedule (times per year) slipped through, when multiplied by the winnings, it didn't seem to come out to any more than a salary at a normal job. I'd like to read the book again and take notes on all the specific facts mentioned and figure this out in more detail. (2) The book seemed to imply that this was all legal. But they used aliases backed up by false IDs and Social Security numbers. Fake drivers licenses? This has got to be a felony. Finally, this book has been out a while. Have any of the people involved shown up in the media to verify it? Have any journalists tracked anyone down? If not, then the book may be something of a hoax.
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