Review by Howard Schwartz in CasinoGaming.com (March 23rd, 2005)

"Diary of a Mad Poker Player (A Journey to the World Series of Poker)" by Richard Sparks (267 pages, paperbound, $14.95) brings anyone who loves the game of poker on any level -- beginner to serious professional -- to the inside of one of the most prestigious tournaments ever (this year to be contended at two locations -- the Rio and Binion's, in Las Vegas). Just as "The Biggest Game in Town" by A. Alvarez and "Tony Holden's Big Deal" explored the mind, hearts and motivations of world-class players and wannabe upstarts, Sparks' book continues exploring the game, from the humorous to the bad beats, from the big wins to the ones who tilted badly and what keeps them going. Sparks, who knows both Alvarez and Holden, writes from his own viewpoint for the most part about the people he meets, the challenges he faces, those characters, sharpies, Internet crazies, the wild and unorthodox lifestyle of those hooked on the game forever.

The late Hunter Thompson would have enjoyed Sparks' wild and memorable ride. He gets people to talk about and almost confess what fascinates them about the game and what it takes to win and how they take the losses. You'll learn about the game, the people, their mindset through Sparks, who has both an eye for detail and respect for the very soul of the game.