Anyone who knows me will be surprised to hear that I found this book too acerbic, too cynical, too judgemental. I am often "too" all of those things, but even I have my limits. The writing here is good, the subject is interesting, and Whitehead is often very funny (in a rueful and/or cutting way.) Quickly though it became hard to hang out with him. It was like a buddy movie starring a brilliant depressed writer and his faithful companions Despair and Misanthropy. Only when he spoke about his daughter (referred to as "The Kid") did a glimmer of hope, a sliver of optimism, and a bucket full of love show through. It was not enough to temper Whitehead's Colson Whitehead character who was like a mashup of Schopenhauer and Larry David. I am not sad I read this, but it could have been so much better with less snark or maybe more Lexapro. ( )

Whitehead, who I've never read before, is comped the 10K to enter the WSOP, by Disney (via Grantland). The book tells is WSOP story, rather like The Biggest Game in Town or Positively Fifth Street. Poker has changed since those other books, mostly becoming much bigger, and there's really not a lot more to be said about playing in the WSOP unless you go a long ways (spoiler: Whitehead doesn't). So while there's not a lot more to be said about poker, Whitehead milks it by talking a lot about himself, who is actually a fairly interesting guy (despite being, as in his memorable first line, half dead inside), and a very funny writer. There were more than a few places in the book where I laughed out loud, and for a book that only takes a couple hours to read, that's not bad. ( )

This book is more about Whitehead than it is about poker, and for someone who has read The Underground Railroad, it is nice to get to know the author a little better by hearing him read his own story of being staked as an entrant to the World Series of Poker. Whitehead is an engaging narrator, and the story is interesting, as we meet various characters who help him in his quest to cram as much poker knowledge into his head in the short period before he must head to Vegas. These are some interesting personalities, and they are portrayed with some insight and sensitivity in between Whitehead's self-deprecating humor. The book is by no means hilarious, but it is engaging and not overlong. If you're looking for a poker book, this isn't it. But if you want a little insight into how an amateur feels taking part in an event of this stature, it has good insights. There are also interesting observations about Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Whitehead's attitude may be a bit annoying if you're a true poker fan, but he definitely respects those who are successful at what is a demanding and stressful occupation. ( )

nonfiction/amateur poker player at WSOP. ( )

Noble Hustle
Author: Colson Whitehead
Publisher: Doubleday
Publishing Date: 2014
Pgs: 234
Dewey: 795.412 WHI
Disposition: Irving Public Library - South Campus - Irving, TX
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REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

Summary:
The author self describes this book as “Eat, Pray, Love” for depressed shut-ins. A participatory journalism piece that grew into a treatiste on life. A magazine sponsored him into the World Series of Poker. So, he took his weekly small game skills and practiced, got some coaching, and took his shot at the big time. Brilliant, hillarious, profound, moving, overblown, and ridiculous...and clever, incredibly clever.

All praise the Republic of Anhedonia in all of her meh and pfft glory.
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Genre:
Poker
Biographies
Humor
Essays
Philosophy
Life
Gambling
Strategy

Why this book:
Poker.
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Favorite Scene / Quote/Concept:
Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure. Wow. Taht’s those people we’ve all met who are dead inside. Of course, sometimes, that’s all of us. Me...sometimes that’s me.

Win or die, the growing blinds are sweeping around the table like a tidal wave that grows on each turn.

Republic of Anhedonia...once you go bleak, you never go back.

Hmm Moments:
Poker face dynamics...and genetics. Plus odds, M-theory, and four-betting, gotta protect your blind when you’re already in the pot.

His depiction of stereotypes he’s played poker with...damn...I’ve played cards and/or rolled dice with most of those people. Wow! “Iggy Pop take a look at these guys and says, “Wow, he’s really let himself go.””

The Sigh:
No Fold ‘Em, Hold ‘Em...never heard the term, but I’ve played those games.

Wisdom:
I’m a fool. I read this whole book thinking it was about poker. It’s about life. It’s about the daily grind. It’s about being a little depressed...a little out of touch. It’s about hope buried in the mythical land of Anhedonia. And it’s about buried treasure. Life is a game of cards, are you All-In? I haven’t been All-In in a long damned time. I don’t know what’s on the other side of Anhedonia, but I’ve been living there for nigh on 20 years. Heimdall just yelled “Wake up!” at me in an Anhedonian accent.

Juxtaposition:

The Unexpected:
And then, he hits the reader with the 2 paragraph denouement. The “you know what, forget it.” No, I don’t think I will.

Missed Opportunity:
Letting the story be the story without robbing it of it’s thunder. This is a repeating motiff in Whitehead’s writing.
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Author Assessment:
The writing is clever. How clever? Clever enough that this is my 3rd Colson Whitehead book in a row. First one the story didn’t catch me. Second, the ending threw what was a solid 4 stars into 2 ½ star range. And here we are, third time's the charm.
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