Talk about a dream!  This book is about how an amateur poker player turned $40 into $2.5 million at the world series of poker. 

Chris Moneymaker was an accountant from Tennessee.  He won a $40 promotional tournament staged by an online poker site called Poker Stars.  The first prize was a $10,000 World Series seat.  He didn't win any money - just an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas and the chance to play with the best players.  However, Chris had to borrow money to get to Vegas.

Chris admits that he loves to gamble.  It began as soon as he went away to college and started betting on sports games.  He didn't play cards until after college.  He gives the reader details about several of his gambling ventures in his younger days.

This is an exciting book to read.  Chris gives us day-by-day details of what happened during the poker tournament.  He also tells us about his winning hands in the tournament.  Chris also includes a glossary of poker terms and a short course on Texas Hold 'Em.  This is a fast paced book to read.  You will feel the excitement of Vegas right up to the time Chris wins 2.5 million.  For anyone who ever had a dream of "winning the big one" this is a must read book. 

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, NANCY EATON