Customer Reviews

The Man with the $100,000 Breasts: And Other Gambling Stories

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Konik is the same guy on all the poker televsion shows. He obviously has a lot of connections in the gambling world which gives him great stories to tell. There's all sorts of entertaining stuff to amuse you in this collection. I like the stories about greyhound racing (laugh out loud funny) and the ones about playing the World Series of Poker. This is a must for anyone who likes gambling stories.

This is the collection of gambling stories that started it all. I have Mr. Konik's other one Telling Lies and Getting Paid and this one is a little lighter and slightly less intense. Very easy to read. I could have finished it in one sitting but I wanted to strecth it out over a couple of days because the author's writing style is very enjoyable. Big thumbs up.

I had heard about this guy a long time ago and finally found this book. After reading the first chapter, I was a bit dissapointed that the story of the man with the $100,000 breasts was over, but to my suprise, the stories just got better. Each chapter tells a different gambling story, which I must say, were all great stories.

I think a lot of people won't read this book because of the title, but it is a shame because the book is that good. I showed it to some coworkers and they thought I was nuts for reading a book about what the title depicts. I tried to explain to one of them how good it was but many turned there nose up without trying it. The one who did try it out read the first 3 chapters and said-- I want it when your done!!!

Very entertaining and unlike the previous review, I think anybody would enjoy this book. You don't have to be a hard core gambler.

One last note- I am not a book reader. I have read very few books, but i have to tell you, I could not put this one down and finished it within a week, reading a couple of chapters before bed each night. I only wish there were more stories!!!

This is one of the many "gambling milieu" books that have hit the scene over the course of the past few years; although, unlike many of the others, Konik's effort features strong writing and a furious pace. Upon finishing it, I took a look at the page numbers because I couldn't believe it was over. It wasn't that it was too short, the real problem was that it was too good. In small chip size pieces, Konik addresses the infamous world of gambling. His coverage is far better than that of the average commentator as he includes horse racing, greyhounds, blackjack, sports betting, and golf hustling within his narrative. To say this one is fascinating is an understatement. A better description is that it will even, dare I say, appeal to the general public--and, indeed, it has. The title essay concerns crazy proposition man Brian Zembic, and it may well be the best of the compilation. After all, how many people become quasi-transvestites for 100 grand? Well, that's the terrain you're in once you open these pages, and you'll be grateful that Konik did such a magnificent job of immersing himself in it.

This is 5*'s the whole way! Dont let the title fool you--it is not just a story on the guy who got breast implants. It covers all aspects of the gambling life with great zest and flow. I just put my order in to by Koniks latest book. I started reading this at the mailbox and finished it the same day. The only caveat I have is that this book will only interest gamblers--my wife is not a gambler and lost interest quick. If you are a gambler, buy this book, grab a six pack and settle in, you wont put it down.

Excellent stuff. Very gritty and real. Very insider. This reminds me of a poker book I read some time ago about high-rollers in Las Vegas. This book (The $100,000 Breasts) has that same sort of feel. I don't know where Konik gets his stories or if their all totally true, but in some ways I don't care 'cause their so cool. Very hard book to put down.

A lot of fun. Konik is a fine writer who really knows his stuff. Unlike the other poker-players/writers of his generation and class he never embarrasses himself or the reader by putting on a ludicrous "Shut up and deal" tough-guy pose that leaves the reader giggling and the author looking like a slumming buffoon. No, Konik just gives you the goods with wit, grace and a self-awareness that shames his silly wannabe rivals.

Most of these pieces are short profiles that originally appeared in magazines like 'Cigar Aficionado' or 'Maxim'. The only thing keeping this collection from earning a full five stars is that the pieces can feel a bit skimpy. 'Maxim' evidently assumes that their readership doesn't have quite the attention span of, say, 'The New Yorker's.

These profiles could be literally three or four times the length and still hold interest.

Here's hoping Konik finds a venue that lets him really stretch out and do his talent full justice.

Tough call between the two which is why I recommend getting both. The sequel "Telling Lies" is a little more philosophical and has some bigger words. Man is a bit lighter and funnier. I have both in my collection of gambling books. They're both crucial to understanding the "world of risk and reward" but The Man has photos!

Although I don't consider myself a professional gambler, I am a very well-read amateur. I've read almost everything about the subject worth reading. Michael Konik's writing is head and shoulders above other authors who write about this subject. He's funny and entertaing but also informative, even if you think you already know everything about gambling. All my friends who like casinos get Konik's books for Christmas. Can't wait for his next one.

A great collection of gambling related stories, with strange but likeable characters. Each story is different, but fun to read. Even if you have no knowledge of some of the activities or games covered, the stories are enjoyable.