The Poker Diaries

I bought this book when I learned that "Liza Conrad" is a pseudonym for Erica Orloff. I've loved all of her other novels (written with the E.O. name), so I thought I'd give this a chance as well. Though it's written for a younger audience (perfect for middle to early high school aged children), it certainly didn't disappoint for me, as an adult. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. As usual, the author developed her characters so well, and so quickly, that it became very easy to develop a "personal" relationship with Lulu and her plight from the very beginning. The tips on poker, how to play and how to walk away a winner, were a nice touch as well.

Imagine being born in Las Vegas, the city of gambling and night life, but later moving to the streets of New York. Your father is a hard time gambler and you are raised to play poker but if you are not careful, you may get into trouble. In this book by Liz Conrad, Lulu, a fourteen year old girl, and her friend Dak get into a situation way over their heads. Lulu lives uptown New York, in the ritzier neighborhood with her mom who is dating the mayor. She also has her downtown life where she enjoys playing poker in the back of her grandfather's bar. Lulu's ability to play poker is better than anyone she knows besides her dad. Lulu was brought up around many card players including her father, nicknamed "Blackjack," and her grandfather. Before Lulu, her parents met in Las Vegas and disproved the theory, "What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas." "Lulu was brought up playing poker since she could say, "all in." Her mom doesn't really approve, but all that matters to Lulu is that she gets the winning hand. Lulu's friend Dak is a little conceited and believes he is a very good card player, but once he starts gambling he learns he can't bet what he's not willing to lose. "You have to know to hold `em and know when to fold `em." Once Dak loses his prized watch, given to him by his grandfather, Lulu gets involved. She has to win it back. She ends up playing poker with the gang that stole his watch. Not only does Lulu have a hard time gambling Dak's watch back, but she also gets blackmailed by an anonymous poker player named "Poker Fiend." He knows what a good player Lulu is so he decides to blackmail Lulu's new soon-to-be step-father, the mayor of New York City. The only way Lulu can get out of this mess is if she gambles illegally to win "Poker Fiend" some money fast or else! Lulu keeps the pages turning in suspense as she attempts to deal her way out of Dak's tricky situation. She is quick-thinking when it comes to being blackmailed and when her friends are in trouble. Luckily for Dak, Lulu's time spent in the back of her grandfather's bar may pay off. Playing and learning from them will help Lulu and Dak's situation. She is one of the best card players. In the end, their situation might be one for the books...This novel is full of cunning characters, a great connection between Lulu and Dak, and an unpredictable twist at the end. Although The Poker Diaries includes rules on "How to Play Poker," I think you should still have a good sense for the game to completely understand this book. I think this is a good book for girls or guys because the main character is a girl, but guys would enjoy the gambling and poker in this book. I would give it an "A" because it kept my attention to the very last page and it never had a dull moment. You will want to read this book over and over again.

This book was a great story about a girl's love of poker and the love of her life. Cute, unique look at family separation and New York life.

Hailey Fletcher, April 29th "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", right? Well, not quite so. Lulu and her parents met each other on a plane from New York, to Vegas. Her mother and father sat next to each other on the plane, and have a few drinks. They partied, and had fun in Vegas. And then nine months later, came Lulu. And Lulu happened in Vegas, but most certainly didn't stay there. She is living proof that that isn't a true quote. This story takes place in New York, in the city, and in the suburbs. Lulu's parents are divorced, so she is forced to live in the city with her uptown mom, who loves art shows, crumpets, and tea parties. But, every other weekend Lulu gets to go with her father, who loves poker, beer, and spoiling Lulu. When with her dad, Lulu spends most of her time at her Grandfather's bar, playing poker with the guys. One of which, Lulu has a giant crush on. They want to go out, but neither Lulu's dad nor mom approves of him. Her parents are always watching her, so how could they ever get together? Lulu practically lives two lives. The one with her mom is all about art and upper-class things. Her mom even has a new boyfriend, the mayor of New York! Her two best friends are Angie and Dack. She tries playing poker with them, but they just aren't as good as her buddies from the bar. But one night Dack decides to play poker with the "big boys", and loses his grandfathers very expensive watch. Lulu is determined to win it back from them, and she does. So all is well with everything, the end? It's just the beginning. "The Poker Diaries" by Liza Conrad was defiantly a page turner for me. This was because at the end of each chapter, they left you with a cliffhanger, you just didn't know what to expect next! For example at the end of this chapter they leave it off saying "...your being blackmailed." And then you go to the next chapter. You can't just stop there, can you? You need to read on! I enjoy this book, mostly due to the fact that I like this type of genre, realistic fiction. I think I like this genre the most, because I can usually connect to the character that the story is about. I think this book is probably more aimed towards teenagers because those who are younger and older would probably find it to boring. Also, girls because it's about love, and barley any guys like reading those. But I think it's really good so I recommend it for anyone.

Lulu's Rule of Poker #2 states: Don't bet what you can't afford to lose. Dack thinks he can play poker. Lulu knows he can't because every time they play strip poker with her friend Angie, they always stop the game with Dack in his boxers. When Lulu goes to her dad's for the weekend, she gets a panicked phone call from Dack. He played poker with some other rich boys from the neighborhood, and now he's lost a prized possession. Lulu, a poker goddess, agrees to play the winner in a rematch. When she arrives, she notices something a little strange about the other players, but nothing too out of the ordinary. She cleans house, taking back Dack's watch. Both friends think this is the end of the story; however it's only the beginning. Soon, Lulu's in hot water--with her dad, her mom, and maybe her new stepfather, who just happens to be the mayor. Can she fix things before they get way out of hand? THE POKER DIARIES feature rules of poker, a poker glossary, and rules for certain games. This novel is for anyone who loves poker, helping friends out of tough places, and for those just looking for a fun read. Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel