[.ca] The Hustler (ISBN 1560254734)

Better than the movie???:
Excellent book! After reading I learned so much I had to rewatch the movie because I thouught they left so much out; most of the profound ideas are there but very subtle and lost in the film, which I also adore. Tevis is a wonderful writer and this is one book that you can enjoy and learn from both. Each have much to offer so don't choose one... have the best of both; read the book AND see the movie.

A classic novel about winning and losing:
I have a BA in English literature and am an avid pool player, and I enjoyed The Hustler on both levels. Tevis' well written treatment of winning and losing as it happens on the green cloth and in the gray matter is realistic and detailed. The book goes into more detail about the psychology of competition than the movie does and differs from the movie at a few points in the plot. I thought the book was better than the movie, but I recommend them both.