Fred Waitzkin

Rachel is struggling through life in Costa Rica. She has always hoped life would be different. And so do most of her patrons in her lounge. But, as life tends to keep people in their place, it has definitely decided this is where Rachel belongs.

This is such a unique and compelling read. I love the author’s prose. He opens the readers eyes to the poverty and the survival instincts needed. Plus, the attraction between the characters is something different. I could not help but be captivated. Now, this is a strange almost disjointed read. But, there is something about this story. It will not be soon forgotten.

Need an uncommon read…this is it! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.… (plus d'informations)

You might be more likely to have seen the film, which is a good representation of the book.

I recall that the film got some flack for its representation of Washington Square Park as a den of iniquity, but it seemed spot on to me, having played there around the same time.

That trip I played quite a bit of chess, often outdoors, around Manhattan, and apart from one game in The Village Chess Shop the only time I looked like losing was in Washington Square Park. Sat down and started playing a black guy who was the consummate hustler. I'd never experienced anything like it, only read about it. Yep, I was going to lose, but it was going to be a lot of fun.

Suddenly, however, another black guy came up and asked for table money. I was happy to pay whatever, these guys, whether legitimately or not, as I found out near the world trade centre, never asked for much, so what did I care? But I was completely ignored as these two started a big black dude mother-fucker argument about who owed what to whom. After a while the board was smashed, pieces and clock flying.

I ran for it, quite nervous, I must confess, to another row of tables where people were - laughing at me. I'm not sure if this is the case or not, but when I gathered my wits it seemed like maybe the chess area is segregated and I was in the black part. Maybe somebody who has played there can answer that for me. It seemed like I'd suddenly gone from being surrounded by blacks to surrounded by whites and that the latter found the whole incident highly amusing.

New York. Everybody's a hustler. I played outside near the World Trade Centre on this trip. Somebody asked me to play and said it was usual for the loser to pay the table money, a dollar a game. Fine, I said. After I won maybe the first half a dozen games I decided that was enough. I hung around to see if my opponent handed over money to the guy running the show, but of course he didn't. I think that's what amazes me about America. Not that there's a hustler near by whereever you are, but that they are so penny ante.

There must have been a whole generation of fathers who lived vicariously through their children in that post-Fischer period. Children overburdened with unreasonable expectations. I hope they are all ashamed of themselves now. The fathers, that is.



… (plus d'informations)

When I read the summary for this book, I was intrigued. However, when the book came and I was ready to pick it up, I had started to have doubts. Yet, it was apparent early on that I had nothing to fear. Mr. Waitzkin weaves a rich storyline with memorable characters that flows like poetry. This book is a nice escape from my normal reading.

While, I liked all of the characters in this book, it was Bobby that was the shining star of the book. He had this ease and chill vibe attitude about him that made you want to be his friend. In fact, he had a lot of friends. However, when the new guy in town comes and starts threating Bobby; Bobby does not back down. He makes a stand and fights.

This is a quick read. I instantly got a mental image of what Bobby looked like as well as the island and the other people. Like I said this book read kind of like poetry. I am so impressed with this book that I will be checking out more books from Mr. Waitzkin.… (plus d'informations)

This is another book I read in preparation for a vacation to Bimini, the Bahamas. North Bimini has become somewhat more commercial since The Last Marlin was written, but South Bimini, where we stayed, remains much the same. Bimini has fantastically clear waters and is still known for its sport fishing, snorkeling and all water activities, for that matter. I thought the author made a valiant effort to avoid sounding self-absorbed, but how can that be achieved in an auto-biographical account? A well written and interesting story about a father and son relationship that was strained by marital discord between father and mother.… (plus d'informations)