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Life on Tilt: Confessions of a Poker Dad
Price:$13.37
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Product Description
Life on Tilt is a novel about those interests that have equal potential to complete or destroy us. Whether it's another person, a hobby or a faith, each of us has consuming passions that, if left unexplored, would leave us unfulfilled; if explored too thoroughly, though, they could jeopardize everything else we hold dear. It's a delicate balance. Poker is the telescope through which to explore this universal tension, and the game is used throughout the novel as a catalyst for change, conflict and character development. The protagonist, Johnnoe Zandoken, is leading a double life. He is part family man, part poker aficionado. As his marriage withers and his poker prowess grows, this conflict worsens. Will he risk his fragile marriage to pursue his dream of participating in the richest sporting event in history? Will the freshness and allure of the poker world trump his comfortable home life? Will he turn to a flirtatious Russian model for escape? Will he reconcile his unquenchable ambition with his personal and professional commitments? Most importantly, will he decide what really matters before all his options are gone? |
Customers Reviews
2008-06-18
Now I get it; poker is not just a game, but neither is life Johnnoe
For some of us, playing cards is a form of recreation; but after reading this book, I see it is a life changing passion for others! I also know why 20 years ago, I could never beat John at pinochle! If you want to learn to play poker, buy Poker for Dummies, but if you want to read a book full of quick wit, interesting turns of events, and learn 14 Life Lessons along the way, (my favorite is #12), buy this book! Have you ever watched a movie where you tell the main character not to go there, don't do that? Well, I wanted to tell the main character in this book those same things!
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2008-06-02
Its a book about life, with a little poker thrown in.
I have never been a poker player, but I've always been curious what the whole attraction was behind the recent explosion in interest in Texas Hold'em and other poker games. I figured I would slog my way through this book and perhaps gain an appreciation for the game. But what I found in the pages of this book was so much more than a book about poker. This was a unique insight into the mind and heart of an every-day man facing his own demons in the backdrop of the worlds greatest poker event. This is one of those books that offers more than just a compelling story. You come away actually feeling that you've been a part of the story; that you've experienced a piece of the life of the main character. Along the way, I even managed to learn a bit about poker. I read a lot of books but I rarely find one that I know I will read again. This book is one of those rare exceptions.
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2008-05-26
Ever dream about being a great poker player?
Wow. For the average-Joe poker player (or below average, in my case) who has ever dreamed of the excitement and winnings possible in high stakes poker, this is a must read. Circle the drain without putting your own family life at risk, in a story that seems all too real. And learn a bit about the game in the process. This book might keep you from ditching your day job, or suggest a possible dark side if you pursue poker beyond recreation. Either way, it's wonderfully escapist.
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2008-05-04
Read 'em and weep
Unlike some recent autobiographies that were painfully revealed to be fiction, Life on Tilt is a fast thinking piece of fiction that reads as achingly autobiographical. The first person narration pulls you inescapably along, a voyeur, challenging you to keep up but leaving you with the feeling of watching a train wreck unfold with no ability to stop it. This is a book about compulsion in many forms and how the struggle between individual identity and social expectations can take extraordinary turns when mixed with pocket aces. Whether you are a poker dad, a poker widow, a poker wannabee or just curious about those who play poker, Life on Tilt will give you thoughtful new insights - to poker and, maybe, to yourself. Read 'em and weep, as they might say.
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2008-05-02
Love or knowledge of poker not required!
I don't play poker. I have never played a hand. Even my husband doesn't play poker, but that was not a prerequisite for thoroughly enjoying this book. This book was a page-turner for me because it spoke of the challenges and demons we face in any relationship. John Blowers paints a wonderful tapestry that directly speaks to the reader about the obligations of balancing a life, career, marriage and family with the temptations of an interest that could potentially jeopardize that idyllic American dream. If you aren't a poker player and have passed on this book, take a second look. Do not deprive yourself of this great read. It is the book you have been craving. It is the one where you regret to see the end of the book near because it means that the end is coming. One where you miss the characters as soon as it is over and keep thinking of the story long after it is finished. My advice is to read it with a friend so you can extend the experience by conversations afterward.
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Little Known Ways to Recognize Poker Addiction"Just because you are prone to addiction doesn't mean you're going to become addicted. It just means you've got to be careful." Dr. Glen Hanson
 Information for reflection. The term 'addiction' was previously applied exclusively to chemicals such as alcohol, drugs, or nicotine. With recent research on the brain and its processes, we now understand that many behaviors can become as chemically addictive as a substance. The term is often reserved for drug addictions but it's sometimes applied to other compulsions, such as problem gambling, and compulsive overeating.
By the way, compulsive gambling can be categorized into two types: action gambling and escape gambling.
- In action gambling, the gambler is addicted to the thrill of risk-taking as his or her "substance of choice," much in the same way that a cocaine addict is hooked on cocaine. The action itself becomes the drug. Action gamblers typically engage in games with other players, since part of the adrenaline rush is in the appearance or identity as a "winner."
- Escape gambling occurs when the gambler seeks to blot out some discomforting feelings or emotional life crisis. The action of gambling is secondary to the numbing effect of the activity. Escape gamblers prefer more singular outlets such as slot machines, where they can avoid human contact. Men tend more towards action gambling, and women tend to become escape gamblers.
Just about everyone can become poker (gambling) addicted by act of law on gambling. With an explosion in legalized gambling around the country and more than 800 casinos in 28 states, the days when gamblers headed to only Las Vegas or Atlantic City are long gone.
 According to the American Psychological Association, scientists find teenagers and young generation several times more likely to become pathological gamblers than adults. It's not a secret that pathological reckless players use tobacco, alcohol, drugs more often than do other groups.
Statistics say that four to seven per cent of all people playing casino games are gambling addicts. But unfortunately only few of them understand the danger. And most of them have no idea their passion for gambling has become a disease.
How to recognize the "hidden illness" symptoms? And in general should we do that? The American Psychological Association reports ten diagnostic criteria for determining the extent of gambling addiction. These criteria are:
- Preoccupation – Preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
- Tolerance – Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
- Withdrawal – Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
- Escape – Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or relieving dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression)
- Chasing – After losing money gambling, often returns another day in order to get even ("chasing one's losses"). Chasing is a classical behavior pattern characterizing pathological gambling.
- Lying – Lies to family members, therapists or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
- Illegal acts – Has committed illegal acts (e.g., forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement) in order to finance gambling
- Risked significant relationship – Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
- Bailout – Has relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling
- Loss of control – Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling
Five or more of these signs = pathological gambler
Three or four = problem gambler
One or two = "at risk" gambler
If you realized that you are crazy about spieling and can't live without poker. It's your mania?! There are some organizations of anonymous gamblers that help folks from all round the world.
But I really believe it's not you! Steer the golden mean!? Know how to cope with it?! For you it's nothing more than amusement like beer, pool or snooker, football or basketball?! And you rarely play for vast sums of money!
poker, gambling, money, gamblers, casino, games, pool, snooker, play, addiction, reckless players, action gambling, escape gambling |
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