2009
For some reason, this seems to be the second in an unintentional sequence of books I've read about subjects I have no interest in. First I read one about whisky, now this, about poker and gambling. I don't understand poker and can't remotely be bothered to put the effort into working it out - mainly because, if I understand correctly, it's not worth playing without gambling. And gambling is something I really just don't get.
Anyway, I doubt I would have picked this book up if it wasn't written by Victoria Coren. My dad was a long time subscriber to Punch and I always enjoyed Alan Coren's writing. When I first came across his daughter's book Once More, With Feeling I was intriuged, and then amused. Since then I've always enjoyed seeing her on telly. So this book definitely seemed worth a shot.
In fact, although the book is very much about poker, it's not just about poker. Victoria Coren is engaging and very frank about her likely reasons for playing, and what it's taken her from and to. Maybe it's not just about risking money on the turn of a card, but about community and friends, about finding your own paths. I can't say I'm much the wiser about how poker works after reading the book, but that didn't stop me enjoying it very much.
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