Review of A Pool Player's Journey

[Brayan Uribe]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Pool Player's Journey" by Dale F. Brandt.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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I find the concept of ‘’eliminating’’ readers funny. Bold choice by the author. It is very condescending to think you can just alienate readers by telling them this is not for you for this or that reason, but very original, I guess, especially if you are trying to get across a point, in this case what type of pool players the author wanted to speak to.

In A Pool Player's Journey by Dale F. Brandt, we not only get the usual tips and topics about pool playing. Yes, the author does talk about technique and physics, which are very important for the game of pool, but he also talks about what an integral player needs to succeed. He sums it up in a method called the three Rs, plus a universal R, in which the author talks about the balance the player needs; this includes being aware of your conscious mind, the unconscious mind, and the body. I see this as a Holy Trinity that I very much agree with.

I also like how the author is so passionate about pool that he wants to improve the game’s overall perception. He says, ‘‘I feel the need to elevate the game to an image that embraces Eastern philosophical honor and Western philosophical morality.’’ I think this is key since it is true that pool, as a sport, does not have the best reputation.

I’m giving the book 3 out of 5 stars. I like what I mentioned above about how passionate he is about the game and how he presents an integral approach to the game, but I think the book could benefit from a slightly different tone, one that is not so condescending and dismissive of potential readers. The author is obviously showing what worked for him, and that’s great. But not everything works for everyone, and the ‘‘stop reading, this is not for you’’ attitude might be interpreted the wrong way. I also think the chapters are divided into so many subchapters that are so short that there are many subtopics in the book, and several of them feel undeveloped.

I would recommend this book to all beginners in the pool game, as it contains useful information, especially about the mental state you have to be in to be successful in the game.

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A Pool Player's Journey
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[123Fra12 de cruz]

Muy bueno ese juego me gustaba jugarlo mucho desde pequeño con mi padre y es un juego que hasta ahora se sigue jugando

[Hills Christopher Albert]

I appreciate your honest take! The concept of the three Rs sounds really intriguing, especially the balance between mind and body. But I agree—alienating readers right out of the gate can be off-putting, even if it’s meant to set the tone. Still, sounds like a valuable read for anyone starting out in pool or looking to explore the deeper mental aspects of the game.