I picked up this book after reading "American Housewife" and learning that author Helen Ellis coached Colson Whitehead on his epic poker journey to the World Series of Poker. I had read only one other book by Whitehead and just didn't get it. But here, his account of preparing for this big gambling journey is a very enjoyable read. He suffers from some "issues" to say the least. He feels like a failure, he is, perhaps depressed about his divorce. He needs to learn how to play poker pretty well in hopes that he won't embarrass himself at the WSOP, the buy in which is being provided by a magazine for whom he will write a story. In preparation, he takes the bus to Atlantic City regularly and practices his game. He also hires a personal trainer, hooks up with a poker coach and immerses himself in poker culture. In the end, I don't think this is a spoiler, he does NOT win it all. But he does do well enough that he feels like he didn't embarrass himself. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
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