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Blackjack Autumn: A True Tale of Life, Death, and Splitting Tens in Winnemucca

25 August 1999

Blackjack Autumn: A True Tale of Life, Death, and Splitting Tens in Winnemucca
by Barry Meadow, TR Publishing, $27.95

Rating System
 *****  Must Buy
**** Should Buy
*** Good Buy
** Could Buy
* Don't Buy
- Bye Bye

Rating: * * * * *

Over the years many writers have attempted to capture the "feel" of what it's like to gamble in casinos for extended periods of time. They have attempted to paint landscapes, if you will; internal landscapes as they struggle with their own hearts and minds in their contest with Lady Luck, and external landscapes, the sights, sounds, and people they encounter as they pursue their avocation. Most have failed miserably as their writing skills and their insights into themselves and the games came up short. A handful have succeeded, and a select few have succeeded brilliantly. Numbered among the select few are Ken Uston, blackjack icon, Mario Puzo, best-selling author of The Godfather, and now Barry Meadow, whose new book Blackjack Autumn, is a revelation.

Using a diary format, Meadow recounts his two months of play in every single Nevada casino. He chronicles his ups and downs at the games; he details the interesting, sad, and surprising people he sees and the equally interesting, sad, and surprising places he visits; but more importantly, he weaves a beautiful narrative of inner exploration -- of his relationships with his dying father, his loving mother, his girlfriend, his teenage son, his gambling buddies and acquaintances -- so that the gambling journey is integrated into the story of a man's quest for meaning in his life. Oh, yes, we learn what it is like to play expert blackjack (Meadow finishes over $20,000 ahead for the trip), but this is secondary to what we learn about a man in mid-life, sorting out the details of his past, ruminating on his future, grappling with his present -- all the while trying to get the edge.

This book is a masterpiece marred only -- and only slightly -- by an unfortunate overuse of simile. I recommend you set aside a few nights and enjoy Meadow's journey across Nevada and into himself. Blackjack Autumn retails for $27.95 and is available at bookstores or on the Internet.



Click here to purchase Blackjack Autumn from Amazon.com.
Frank Scoblete

Frank Scoblete is the #1 best selling gaming author in America. His newest books are Slots Conquest: How to Beat the Slot Machines; Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo and Pai Gow Poker!; Beat Blackjack Now: The Easiest Way to Get the Edge; Casino Craps: Shoot to Win!; Cutting Edge Craps: Advanced Strategies for Serious Players; Casino Conquest: Beat the Casinos at Their Own Games! and The Virgin Kiss.

Frank and Casino City Times columnist Jerry "Stickman" teach private lessons in dice control. Frank's books are available at Amazon.com, in bookstores or by mail order. Call 1-800-944-0406 or write to Frank Scoblete Enterprises, PO Box 446, Malverne, NY 11565. Frank can also be reached by email at fscobe@optonline.net.

Frank Scoblete Websites:

www.goldentouchcraps.com
www.goldentouchblackjack.com

Books by Frank Scoblete:

> More Books By Frank Scoblete

Frank Scoblete
Frank Scoblete is the #1 best selling gaming author in America. His newest books are Slots Conquest: How to Beat the Slot Machines; Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo and Pai Gow Poker!; Beat Blackjack Now: The Easiest Way to Get the Edge; Casino Craps: Shoot to Win!; Cutting Edge Craps: Advanced Strategies for Serious Players; Casino Conquest: Beat the Casinos at Their Own Games! and The Virgin Kiss.

Frank and Casino City Times columnist Jerry "Stickman" teach private lessons in dice control. Frank's books are available at Amazon.com, in bookstores or by mail order. Call 1-800-944-0406 or write to Frank Scoblete Enterprises, PO Box 446, Malverne, NY 11565. Frank can also be reached by email at fscobe@optonline.net.

Frank Scoblete Websites:

www.goldentouchcraps.com
www.goldentouchblackjack.com

Books by Frank Scoblete:

Golden Touch Blackjack Revolution

> More Books By Frank Scoblete