The authors tell the fascinating story of Stu Ungar in a straightforward, non-judgemental way. They realize that lessons of his life are made even more apparent by omitting unnecessary commentary. What is particularly commendable, is that the author does not take the easy path of defining the complex characters in the book into "good guys" and "bad guys." The Mafia boss who acts as young Ungar's father/mentor is shown as both a positive and reprehensible person. Poker player Doyle Brunson appears as a good friend who honestly tries to help Ungar, but also as a manipulative, aggressive gambler.

The writers also do a very good job of describing the worlds where Ungar lived from mob controlled New York to the changing environment in Las Vegas. The words by well-known characters such as Mike Sexton and Brunson make the telling of the story even richer. The first hand accounts from Ungar's ex-wife and daughter help the reader more completely understand Ungar as a person, and not just a cartoon character of cocaine dependent savant.

The tale of great potential brought down by cocaine is one that is too familiar to anyone who lived through the 70's and 80's (think of Belushi, Kinneson, DeLorean). Ungar's story is particularly compelling because it takes place in the now highly popular world of high-stakes poker. The temptation of quick riches and the attendent dangers haven't gone away just because the cocaine fad has diminished.

The reason for giving the book 4 instead of five stars is due to the sometimes poor quality of writing. Too often, the book includes cliches; and, occasionally, the narrative thread drifts. Nonetheless, this is a fascinating story that, overall, is well told and worth the time for anyone interested in poker and the impact of fame.

ungar was the image of poker, a rock and roll gambling freak!!! he was hollywood, genius, loser, addict and legend all wrapped in one. i waited forever for this book and it delivered. I just thought that a little too much time was spent on his youth. but once he arrived at vegas, the stories and the glory (along with the drug abuse) poured out. it is an entertaining and compelling story of a tortured genius.

while poker is at its peak, i really hope they make a movie of ungar's life, adapting THIS book. that "stuey" movie with michael imperioli was a joke.

A quick glance at a fascinating and troubled life. There's nothing deep here, but Ungar was an original and his life story includes a lot of amazing characters and stories. This is a breezy, fast read along the lines of Amarillo Slim's autobiography, but with a more troubled protagonist travelling a much rockier road. Good stuff.

If you are a poker fan like me, you'll find this a very fun book and chocked full of information about the guy most people consider to be the greatest poker player of all time.

However, I'd probably pass on this if you're not a poker player. Writing is not steller, and the book is definitely on the depressing side.

Oh my god, the book to read, i was amazed but a little sad about the kid lifes, but hey , no one is perfect, but the book was amazing.