24/7: Living It Up and Doubling Down in the New Las Vegas

by Andres Martinez

Book Overview

In the spring of 1998, mild-mannered, Ivy League-educated Andr s Martinez took $50,000--most of the advance his publisher was paying for this book--and headed to Las Vegas for thirty days, ten... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375501819
• ISBN13: 9780375501814
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Villard Books
• Length: 329 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.5" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

Scratched my "Vegas Itch"...

Years ago, I had taken two trips to Las Vegas. Very enjoyable, so many fun things to explore ! Reading this great book fired up my longing to return there. The author crafted this book nicely. He blended his own adventures, while sprinkling fun tidbits of history throughout. The book is paced well, easily maintaining the readers' interest.

A 'must read' before a trip to Vegas

I read this book as part of a 'homework' assignment before my first trip to Las Vegas. The most intriguing thing about this book is the subtle humor Andreas uses throughout its entirety. And the fact that he thoroughly reasearches not only the hotels and the town, but the people of Las Vegas as well, makes it fascinating. He befriends a tennis instructor, an old casino 'regular' and even ends up at a gambler's anonymous meeting. The characters he ends up meeting are quite intriguing. Every time he would recount his gambling experiences, I would be applauding his wins or feeling sorry for his losses. This book is a definitely one to take with you on the plane as it certainly kept me laughing out loud and snickering to myself in the airport! I can't wait for Mr.Martinez to write similar books for every vacation destination! His writing will not tire you out....

Good Book and Some Explanations

I love reading anything to do with gambling and I awaited with anticipation Martinez's book. It lived up to my expectations. For the reviewer who doesn't know or understand why so many other reviewers mentioned Frank Scoblete, the reason is somewhat similar to why folks who like horror fiction mention Stephen King when they talk of other authors. Scoblete has set a very high literary standard for gaming writers, which in my opinion Martinez's book certainly lives up to. What Scoblete does in his books is not only give advice on how to play the various games but he often relates his adventures as did Martinez in this book. I totally disagree with the reviewers who panned this book and said it wasn't as good as Scoblete. The difference is that martinez's book is an adventure and background, Scoblete's books are strategic advice, indepth analysis of the games, and then his personal adventures in Vegas and other casino towns. Martinez deserves the five star ratings. I can't see how anyone could have given him one star. The reviewer who doesn't care about reading Scoblete is entitled to his opinion but he should stay clear of the casinos or he'll wind up the way Martinez did, losing almost his entire bankroll. However, Mr. Martinez, congratulations on a truly fine work!

Living it up and doubling down with 24/7

First of all, I would like to apologize to all passengers within earshot of seat 10D on flight AA 963. I realize this was a long overnight flight (Dallas to Sao Paolo, Brazil) but I simply could not put this book down. As you could tell, this book is highly entertaining, and at times, very, very funny. I couldn't help but laugh out loud.Martinez' vivid description of the action as he puts his $50k advance on the line places the reader next to him at the tables in the various casinos he visits. The colorful characters he meets simply jump off the page and introduce themselves to the reader as well. His witty observations, keen insights, and wonderful narrative style make this book a delight to read, regardless of the reader's interest in gambling or Vegas. My only advice is: don't read this book on a long overnight flight. There's no chance you'll get any sleep and you may get looks from fellow passengers who are desperately trying to. I can't wait to read Martinez' next book.

Kudos from New York

While I must admit that I'm not the gambling type, 24/7 had me completely addicted. It's a highly amusing chronicle of the author's adventures in Las Vegas and of the colorful characters he comes in contact with along the way. Martinez portrays the people he meets with respect, regardless of their position in life. You end up really liking him, with his humorous, down-to-earth style and his quirky references to his cat Trotsky and his practical wife Kathy back home. The book also has suspenseful moments when Martinez gets more and more into the gambling himself. After reading it, I'm actually thinking about going out to Vegas myself sometime to check out the mega hotels he describes so vividly and to experience all else the city has to offer.

A fascinating book!

This book is a page turner: couldn't put it down! It's as readable and full of suspense and motion as a novel. The pace, wit, and style of writing carries you along as the author describes one exciting experience after another, sharing insightful revelations about all aspects of the incredible city of Las Vegas and its vast array of interesting inhabitants. The gambling sessions, interwoven into the narrative, cause anyone who has ever gambled to relive the agony of the downs and the exhilaration of the ups when taking on Dame Fortune. An added bonus to having read the book: Christmas shopping is easy. I'm sending copies to my many friends and family.