POSITIVELY FIFTH STREET

In 2000, the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, which draws all kinds of people, attracted novelist/poet/amateur poker player James McManus. While he was ostensibly there to write a magazine article, he decided to use his advance for a seat at The Table. An engaging portrait of the tournament from the inside was the result. With simple, cheeky eloquence McManus also digresses on the sensational murder of Ted Binion, creator of the tournament. Then he digresses on his digression. He never seems to run out of florid, fascinating, funny lore on his marriage, poker, strippers, gangsters, and Las Vegas. It's all very clever, surprisingly literate writing. However, unless you're a poker player, you may start snoozing, thanks to Paul Michael's torpid narration. If only he were as lively as the writing! Y.R.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 04]