The Hustler was an interesting read. I would have liked more of the story to revolve around the game of pool. There was little detail in how each shot was taken. However, that book would probably not be nearly as interesting or well-received.
As an avid pool (or billiard, but don’t tell ‘Fast’ Eddie that) player, I loved the details about the pool halls Eddie visited. Cigarette smoke, the usual crowd of regulars, drunks, and the occasional hustler. I was surprised to read about a pool re-racking boy, not unlike a ball boy retrieving stray tennis balls at big events like Wimbledon. I have yet to see a re-racking boy at any pool hall or bar, but maybe the ‘profession’ existed before my time. It would make sense if big money were on the line. I can picture either player purposely making the rack loose at the last second to intentionally hurt his opponent. Of course, any stranger would most likely serve adequately in a pool hall, even if supervision or direction was required. One can learn a lot and feel humbled when playing against guys who gamble or hustle for a living or semi-living.
I expected to read more about Minnesota Fats, but he was a very minor character. Not all that interesting but still, the main antagonist, if you will, in Eddie’s life. I won’t spoil the ending, but I thought it was brilliant in the suggestion that a hustler is not what he seems, that by the time you realize it, the hustler has you cornered in a desperate situation.
I’m glad there wasn’t heavy emphasis on Eddie getting too close with Sarah, his girlfriend. Eddie didn’t strike me as the married-with-kids-type. Eventually, maybe. I would say hustling in the world of pool or cards is a young man’s game, though this is proven wrong with Minnesota Fats being one of the best players in the world, commanding the table with ease and devoid of arrogance, wiping the floor with Eddie, his younger (and arrogant) opponent.
Owning a pool table, I’m embarrassed to say I’m not very good. Any decent players in the book would clean me out in one evening. Playing with others while enjoying a glass of bourbon is mostly why I play. There’s something about the game that I really like beyond the act of playing. The felt, regardless of color (burgundy being my personal favorite) feels comfortable. The discipline, hours of practice, and focus it takes to master the game is reason alone to keep playing. Just the word ‘billiards’ evokes images of smoky pool rooms, interesting eccentrics, jazz music and a glass, beer-inspired light illuminating the table encircled by players holding cue sticks.
I have yet to read ‘The Color of Money.’ I’m very excited to watch the movie starring Paul Newman and other greats of their time. In closing, The Hustler is a quick read, running just over two hundred pages, and worth your time.