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Running the Table (Abridged): The Legend of Kid Delicious, The Last Great American Pool Hustler Audiobook
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(3.14) - 135 listener ratings
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In many sports, the pinnacle is Wheaties-box fame and notoriety. But in the world of pool, notoriety is the last thing a hustler desires. Such is the dilemma that faces Danny Basavich, an affable, generously proportioned Jewish kid from Jersey, who flounders through high school until he discovers the one thing he excels at – the felt – and hits the road. Running the Table spins the outrageous tale of Kid Delicious and his studly if less talented setup man, Bristol Bob. Never was there a more entertaining or mismatched pair of sidekicks, as together they go underground into the flavorfully seamy world of pool to learn the art of the hustle and experience the highs and lows of life on the road. Their four-year odyssey takes them from podunk pool halls to slick urban billiard rooms across America, as they manage to take down as much as $30,000 one night, and the next night end up with just enough gas money to get home. With every stop the action gets hotter, the calls get closer, and Delicious’ prowess with a cue stick becomes more widely known. Ultimately Delicious sheds his cover, becoming perhaps the biggest sensation in professional pool since Minnesota Fats. L. Jon Wertheim paints a lasting portrait of an insanely talented and magnetic hustler who is literally larger than life.
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"Well written overview of the United States pool culture in the recent past. Told in a very readable style as the true story of "Kid Delicious" a road hustler and tournament player."
— Aerials (4 out of 5 stars)
Running the Table Listener Reviews
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" If your into pool you'll love it. I thought it was great, plus he talked about a lot of people and places I know. "
— Greg, 9/5/2013 -
" Totally fascinating--especially for a boring, straight-laced librarian. I'm rooting for a pro tour not run by Kevin Trudeau so Kid Delicious can make money doing what he loves. "
— Jennifer, 8/19/2013 -
" Ridiculously readable. Such a crazy story. "
— Jason, 7/5/2013 -
" Pool hustling in the internet world. A good read. "
— Jonathan, 6/23/2013 -
" This is a great non fiction book for someone who takes an avid interest in pool. If you are not a self proclaimed addict of pool, this is not the story for you. It is very repetitive, but the tales... my oh my. I gota pratice more! It truely awakens the hustler in you! "
— Jill, 11/8/2012 -
" As an avid player myself I really enjoyed this account. Quite the character that kid. "
— Dirk, 8/16/2012 -
" A well-written account of Kid Delicious, possibly the last, great pool hustler. Internet has really killed the ability of a hustler to drift from state to state taking mark's money. "
— Sam, 7/1/2012 -
" Fantastic. So much better than McCumber's Playing Off The Rail it's not even funny. Up there with Hustlers, Beats and Other as the best pool book I've read. "
— Paul, 4/4/2012 -
" Quick entertaining read that takes you to pool halls all over the country...rooting for a real life hustler and enjoying the ride. "
— Mike, 4/3/2012 -
" An interesting story but a pretty superficial report on the man's life. Overall a big pile of meh. "
— Brendan, 12/27/2011 -
" Bringing Down the House for Pool. Loads of fun, unique people "
— Donny, 2/9/2011 -
" Pool sharks, gambling, hustling ... and a trip to Fargo. "
— Dave, 12/7/2009 -
" A friggin enthralling story. I'll be amazed if this isn't a movie opening by 2009. "
— Brad, 11/9/2009 -
" A well-written account of Kid Delicious, possibly the last, great pool hustler. Internet has really killed the ability of a hustler to drift from state to state taking mark's money. "
— Sam, 2/22/2009 -
" This is a great non fiction book for someone who takes an avid interest in pool. If you are not a self proclaimed addict of pool, this is not the story for you. It is very repetitive, but the tales... my oh my. I gota pratice more! It truely awakens the hustler in you! "
— Jill, 1/15/2009 -
" Fantastic. So much better than McCumber's Playing Off The Rail it's not even funny. Up there with Hustlers, Beats and Other as the best pool book I've read. "
— Paul, 11/29/2008 -
" Bringing Down the House for Pool. Loads of fun, unique people "
— Donny, 9/13/2008 -
" Pool hustling in the internet world. A good read. "
— Jonathan, 7/14/2008 -
" Pool sharks, gambling, hustling ... and a trip to Fargo. "
— Dave, 3/1/2008 -
" Quick entertaining read that takes you to pool halls all over the country...rooting for a real life hustler and enjoying the ride. "
— Mike, 1/22/2008 -
" A friggin enthralling story. I'll be amazed if this isn't a movie opening by 2009. "
— Brad, 11/15/2007 -
" An interesting story but a pretty superficial report on the man's life. Overall a big pile of meh. "
— Brendan, 11/1/2007
About L. Jon Wertheim
L. Jon Wertheim, an executive editor at Sports Illustrated, is the author of several books and co-author of two New York Times bestsellers. His work is featured in The Best American Sports Writing.
About Robert Forster
Robert Forster is an award-winning film and television actor best known for his Oscar-nominated supporting role as Max Cherry in Jackie Brown.