Reviews

The Hustler by Walter Tevis

anya2612's review against another edition

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4.0

I have absolutely no idea how a book about pool was so good

leonardfrancojr's review against another edition

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4.0

Easy read. The original book about pool, gambling and hustling in pool halls. Such good characters!!

lucyistoocool's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5 stars. One of the least likable protagonists I have ever read about. Such a disappointment after the queens gambit.

brownbagbargainbooks's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective tense

5.0

silverdolken's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

4.5

the_enobee's review against another edition

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4.0

While not as good as the Queen's Gambit (Beth Harmon was oh so much more compelling than Eddie Felson), this still captured the same type of "experiencing the game" magic. I felt like I'd stayed up all night myself after Fast Eddie's initial encounter with Minnesota Fats in Chicago. Looking forward to reading the sequel and then watching the movies. Then on to Tevis's sci-fi books!

elymomo's review against another edition

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3.0

Cosa significa essere un vincente? Cosa porta una persona dotata di un talento qualsiasi ad eccellere? “Fast” Eddie potrebbe essere un asso del biliardo, ma dovrà cadere e rialzarsi più volte prima di capire la differenza che corre fra il VOLER vincere e il POTER vincere. Il libro di Tevis è una bella metafora su cosa ci rende speciali, su come spesso ci poniamo dei limiti nascosti dietro scuse e giustificazioni. Non pensavo mi potesse interessare una storia su uno sport che proprio non conosco e invece il racconto funziona e avvince.

puzzled_pagan's review against another edition

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4.0

A solid little noir, like a shot of whiskey. The sad fate of Fast Eddie Felson, damned to spend his life chasing the highs and lows of professional pool sharking is a hell of a thing to experience.

maiopony's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

danjk's review against another edition

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5.0


The Hustler explores the dingy, low class world of the American pool hall with a minimalist style that reminded me of John Fante. Tevis delves into psyche of a sport where money and self worth are intertwined. Beautiful drawn and seedy characters litter the pages in-between poetic descriptions of pool.

I was hustled into giving this book 5 stars.