Customer Reviews

Hats & Eyeglasses: A Family Love Affair with Gambling

5 star:		(119)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a review copy, so I read it before publication...what a treat! Martha Frankel's amazingly real story of addiction highs and lows, mixed in with her spicy, sexy family trials and tribulations was utterly capitavating to me -- I related some of it to my own Jewish family craziness, while some of it was completely foreign to me (I've never played poker in my life.) But in both instances, I loved the honesty, the narrative, the direct voice, the whole thing! I actually read it in one day, so reluctant was I to put it down and when it was over, I longed for more...Hats off to Martha Frankel!!!!

From cover to cover, HATS & EYEGLASSES has got to be one of the most fascinating books I've read in a long long time. At once heartbreaking and entertaining, Martha Frankel's candid tale of growing up to a Jewish family life overflowing with food, gambling, and love, is one that you would not want to miss. Her ultimate downward spiral and eventual personal triumph will hold you captive till the very last page. I truly did laugh and cry, and learned some along the way. At times reminiscent of Damon Runyon, other times of Neil Simon, yet completely her own, Martha Frankel's HATS & EYEGLASSES is the kind of book you can gobble up in one seating, whether you are relaxing somewhere on the beach or sneaking precious private time before work. Read it, its a blast.

I got a copy yesterday and have finished it today. I couldn't put it down. It is funny, moving and incredibly interesting. What a look into the experience of online poker addiction! As a non-poker player, I really enjoyed understanding some of the nuances of playing the game itself while reading a very engaging story. Highly recommended.

What a fun read! You truly appreciate the author's early family life around the poker and mahjong tables and cherish learning about the people who influenced her life. She brings these family members to the reader in such a kind and loving manner. And, when it comes to the Wednesday night poker games she portrays the players so vividly. Anyone who has played regularly around a poker table will truly get a kick out of these chapters. But, when the author reveals her online poker addiction, the reader feels empathy for the author as she "goes it alone". Whether or not you're a gambler, you'll enjoy this book!

Sylvia Rozzelle

I loved this book. I have 4 half read books on my bedside table that I have started and put down and I've only put this one down once. The next time I picked it up was to finish it. I fell in love with her family and friends and even her acquaintances! Such an open, honest and clear look at the spiraling down most of us have done and what an inspirational kick in the ass she gave herself to get back up. Lovely book.

You know that feeling when you're getting to the ending of a book that you are just enjoying so much and just wishing that another chapter or two will mysteriously appear? Well, that's how I felt reading Martha Frankel's Hats and Eyeglasses. Growing up in an Italian family is just too similar as growing up in a Jewish family (as my husband often tells me), so I could just relate to ALL of the family stuff. While I am not a poker player nor a card player, I just adored this wonderful book and look forward to Martha's next masterpiece! Buy this book...you will not regret it!

From the first chapter to the very end, Martha Frankel's voice is clear, strong, compassionate and funny. I loved reading about her relationship with her mother as much as finally figuring out the intricacies of poker play and how people become addicted.
The prose is down-to-earth and infectious. The last third of the book picks up speek as she describes her on-line dependancy and run-ins with the gamut of people who attend G.A. (gamblers anonymous) groups. Highly recommended.

SPOILER ALERT - SPOILERS BELOW

This was a concise, funny, well-written memoir about one of my own hobbies (poker). I liked Frankel's writing style, down to earth and honest - most of all, it seems that she sees the humor in pretty much everything. The scenes of her parents and their friends are hilarious and touching, real and surreal (the part about Kevin and the balsamic vinegar had me laughing out loud).

When her gambling developed into an addiction to online poker, I was riveted. Then, I was annoyed (but not surprised) by the response of Gambling Anonymous. Finally, I was glad that Frankel still plays poker in her weekly game. Some people, no doubt, can never gamble again, just like alcoholics can never drink again, but Frankel was only addicted to online gambling. I'm glad she can still enjoy the game in real life.

I will never play online poker for money. Never. Well, maybe to get into the WSOP.

I bought the book because I know the author. Immediately, I was swept away and couldn't put it down. Knowing Martha just became an added bonus to a book I loved. I am hoping it will help me in my weekly poker game too! Thank you thank you! What a treat..

Having been given this book as a gift, I may not have chosen to read it on my own. But that is what makes life so wonderful. This book takes you on a journey in addiction, depression, and redemption, but does in a way that is both charming and engrossing. Frankel makes you feel like one of her best friends and she seems like such a cool chick. I'm a slow reader who often rereads many passages, I don't just read a book I have a relationship with it. This book became a great part of my life and I recommend it to anyone.