Advance Readers' Comments for MAKE ME EVEN AND I'LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN

Sharon D. from Chicago, IL

I absolutely loved MAKE ME EVEN AND I’LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN. I was thoroughly absorbed in the adventures of Rogers.

Rating: 5

Three words to describe the book: interesting, entertaining, warm-hearted

How would you describe this book to a friend?: The title is a little misleading, but the reason is revealed in the book. You expect Rogers, the main character, to lose it all. You root for Rogers because he is the underdog and he never loses sight of who he is and what he hopes to achieve in life. It was a rollicking good read.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I will definitely recommend this book to a friend.  

 

Peter A. from Wallingford, CT

I loved it! I particularly liked the relationship between Rogers Stout and his dad. I loved how the main character (Rogers), as intelligent as he was, was not an angel. You knew what made him tick and he centered his life around making money. But, this aspect of his life did not come across as a negative in the book because of the author’s great ability to explain the details of the financial markets in such a way as to not lose the reader in boredom. I really enjoyed this coming-of-age book and would recommend it to your readers.

Rating: 5

Three words to describe the book: coming-of-age

How would you describe this book to a friend?: It’s a coming-of-age story that takes place during the late 70’s that involves a young man gifted in poker and risk-taking. There is a strong relationship subtext with a girlfriend and other female relationships, as well as with his dad.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes!

 

Diana T. from Staten Island, NY

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Although it is fiction, it reads like a memoir. The characters are so well presented, you feel like as if you could actually know them. Having personally worked on Wall Street in the 1970's and 1980's, I was astonished that the author had such insight into those times. The story was realistic, well-researched and a fascinating read.

Rating: 5

Three words to describe the book: informative, intelligent, intriguing

How would you describe this book to a friend?: The book is about a down-to-earth Midwest kid who parlays his prowess at poker into a successful Wall Street career. Along the way we are introduced to his devoted dad, supportive friends, powerful men who mentor him, and the strong women he loves. The author deftly crafts a book that combines baseball, poker and financial markets, and blends them seamlessly. 

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I would absolutely recommend this book. I think the target audience is male, but the narrator was so interesting...he should appeal to a female audience.

 

Pearl E. from Albuquerque, NM

I enjoyed this captivating and unique novel.

Rating: 5

Three words to describe the book: an entertaining memory

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is an unusual and unforgettable novel which is a treat to read since it takes place during another era. It is memorable, special, heartwarming, fun and soothing.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes.

 

Cindy B. from Waukee, IA

I enjoyed the book. I liked the characters. It was an interesting coming-of-age story about a young man's journey from gambling with his dad and friends to investing using his own ideas on Wall Street.

Rating: 5

Three words to describe the book: investing my way

How would you describe this book to a friend?: The brilliant, but apathetic high schooler Roger Stout  turns his gambling and people reading skills into a brilliant Wall Street career. The book is a coming-of-age story of a young man's life from high school to Wharton College, and then on to Wall Street. There are unusual friendships, the perils of success, and the importance of staying true to yourself and those you love make this a book a relevant and enjoyable read.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I already have.

 

Laurie O. from West Bloomfield, MI

I was very excited to read it and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed reading something refreshingly different! I thought this was a fast-paced, entertaining read. It drew me in because of the authenticity of the narrative voice and because it gave us a glimpse into the roller coaster ride that Wall Street can take you on. I loved reading about a world that I know so little about. While it seems that it may have been written intending to interest a male reader, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the story and would definitely look for the next book by this author.

Rating: 4+

Three words to describe the book: engaging, fun, unusual

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This book has a bit of a coming of age tone to it, but it also carries us smoothly into the main characters journey as he charts his own path along the way to amassing his own fortune at an incredibly young age. He dabbles with love along the way. There is a love for baseball and gambling tossed in for color, as well. 

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I have already recommended this to several people.

 

Sheila B. from Danvers, MA

When it came in the mail with a letter that said I was required to respond as a condition of winning this book, I thought to myself "what was I thinking?" Based on the cover material, this is not something I would ever pick up on my own. That being said, and motivated by the possibility of being ineligible to win future books, I gave it a shot. I enjoyed this beyond my wildest expectations. I thought the main character was very well developed and sympathetic. I truly cared about what happened in his life. The fact that the main character and I would roughly be around the same age, and that he came of age in the same era I did didn't hurt either. I could relate to a lot of what was going on in the world that he was coming of age in.

Rating: 4.5

Three words to describe the book: satisfying human triumph

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a very smart young Midwestern boy, with a complicated childhood that made him the person he became, on the cusp of becoming a young man. It is a study of how much investing on Wall Street is very closely related to gambling and how large a role confidence and doing your homework leads to success. I found it interesting how everybody's history is unique which makes our journey so different from the next person's.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes.

 

Felice M. from Middletown, NJ 

This was a fascinating read with so much in-depth information from a young man to a more seasoned professional. Stout has a way with words and paints a very compelling picture. The book was hard to put down.

Rating: 4+

Three words to describe the book: trusting your instincts

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a fascinating journey with a wonderful first-hand account of life a young man who took chances, learned a lot, and made the most of his opportunities. From a high school junior to the world of investment banking, Rogers Stout has a story telling gift, and his love for baseball is evident – and will be appreciated by fellow baseball fans.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes!

 

Susan K. from Fort Lee, NJ

I really enjoyed reading MAKE ME EVEN AND I'LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN. My husband is currently reading this wonderful novel and our son and future daughter-in-law have dibs on it.

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: BET ON THIS!

How would you describe this book to a friend?: Jerrold Fine's MAKE ME EVEN AND I'LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN reads like an autobiography. It is an excellent primer for entering the stock market, investing in bonds and money management. This coming-of-age novel encourages bright young people to follow their dreams. Thank you for introducing me to this funny and heartwarming novel that taught me the inner workings of the stock market. I really liked the characters, especially Rogers Stout, Dr. Stout (I want him to be my doctor!), Charlotte and Ronnie Davis.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I have already recommended this book to my family, friends and my book group.

 

Janet L. from Baldwin, NY

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I found it very interesting as well as informative. It was an enjoyable read. I looked forward to reading this book every day.

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: heartwarming, tender, entertaining

How would you describe this book to a friend?: I would tell them that this is an enjoyable book and that it's well worth the read.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I would definitely recommend this book to a friend or two.

 

Denise K. from Mundelein, IL

I found that I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! 

Rating: 4.5

Three words to describe the book: baseball, high stakes, funny

How would you describe this book to a friend?: Rogers is a character who lacks some direction in his life after a certain age, and finds himself in the world of investment banking. The book is funny, heartwarming at times, and keeps you turning the pages.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I already have --- my dad is a big fan of poker and investments, although less a fan of baseball. 

 

Oswaldo R. from Bronx, NY

As an avid reader and book collector, I have read hundreds of books. I have also written book reviews for numerous book clubs and online websites. The thriller genre is my favorite. MAKE ME EVEN AND I’LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN is not in the thriller genre category, but I found the book as interesting and exciting as any thriller I am used to reading. There were moments in the story that Roger Stout just would not allow me to put the book down. I thought that was very cool. I just kept wanting to know what would happen next. There are times in the book where the reader will become engrossed in the story --- that is very good. The book has the magic. It's a terrific book and I found it very entertaining and interesting. 

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: entertaining, intelligent, witty

How would you describe this book to a friend?: A very good read.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes.

 

Susan W. from Renville, MN

MAKE ME EVEN AND I’LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN is very positive and quite unlike the historical fiction, thrillers, spy novels and literary fiction I normally read. Discovering it was really a refresher of my MBA, especially in investments. I grew to like the book and was glad I had the background to understand what the author was talking about. Jerrold Fine clearly defines and illustrates the vagaries of Wall Street investing (going "short" etc.), but the subject may leave the novice in a fog. History of the period covered, the 70s and early 80s, added depth to the subject, but it's not an easy read. Characters are almost too good to be believable, but there are some success stories out there, so why not read about one once in a while. 

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: a"golden" world

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This book is an exercise in positive outcomes, personally, professionally and especially financially. It is a good description of how hedge funds, derivatives, came about on Wall Street. The protagonist's development from high school through Wharton, and his first two years of employment, was interesting.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I would recommend this book to a friend if I had one who understood investments and enjoyed reading about it.

 

Anita P. from Fullerton, CA 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. The main character, Rogers Stout, is multi-faceted and likeable. I liked the relationships the author touched on between father and son, boyfriend and girlfriend, and business acquaintances. I enjoyed reading about Rogers’s investment acumen since I myself

sometimes dabble in the stock market.

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: honest, intriguing, humorous

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This book reads like a true story. It touches on personal relationships while also giving you a glimpse of the investment world with all its ups and downs. An honest and, at times, humorous fictional account of one man’s journey from young man to adulthood.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes, I would recommend this book to a friend.

 

Kathy I. from Gardena, CA

At first, I thought this was an autobiography. When I realized it was not, I still enjoyed the real-life feel and compelling storytelling.

Rating: 4

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a coming-of-age story of a young man finding his own path. Rather than become the doctor that his father wants, he follows his passions, defies the naysayers and creates his own future.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes.

 

Lois B. from Leesburg, FL

It was interesting and light-hearted.

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: light-hearted, quick read

How would you describe this book to a friend?: MAKE ME EVEN AND I’LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN is a light-hearted, Wall Street, coming-of-age story, sprinkled with bits of baseball, poker, and the competitive environment of the Wharton School. It's a fun read and a trip back to business school.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes.

 

Dorothy M. from Broken Arrow, OK

I enjoyed the story and wanted to follow Rogers as he makes his way from high school through college and on to Wall Street. Adding Charlotte and Elsbeth to the story gives depth. I am not a numbers person, but the author keeps the story in language I can understand. I can recognize Rogers’ abilities and his passion for playing high stakes.

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: absorbing, rich, gripping

How would you describe this book to a friend?: You should read Jerrold Fine's debut novel MAKE ME EVEN AND I’LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN because you will be intrigued with Rogers Stout and his rise on Wall Street. Fine has created a character in Rogers who has great ability, especially in his knowledge of people.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes, I would recommend it because I think it would appeal to several friends. I've posted my review as The Book Whisperer on Twitter, Facebook and my blog. I will also post on Goodreads.

 

Frances A. from Caldwell, NJ

This is a fascinating look at the financial world and the psychology of risk taking and reading people.

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: coming-of-age, Wharton, Wall Street

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a fictional autobiography. A coming-of-age  couched in the world of finance, gambling and the budding players shaping the financial world in the 70’s and 80’s. I enjoyed seeing the development of Rogers personality as he discovered who he wanted to become.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes, I would recommend this book.

 

Cherry W. from Dallas, TX

I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: fascinating, informative, delightful

How would you describe this book to a friend?: MAKE ME EVEN AND I’LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN is a novel that seems more a memoir. I loved the coming-of-age aspect with funny situations that remind me of us. You will laugh while learning the "ins and outs" of poker and Wall Street. I'm brain dead when it comes to money, but I like his risk taking and thinking outside the lines...that's me! I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes.

 

Janice N. from Oak Park, IL

I thought the book was well-plotted with good character development. It was an interesting story. I really enjoyed it.

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: interesting, informative, funny

How would you describe this book to a friend?: I would say it is an interesting coming-of-age story, that covers several subjects very well. I learned a lot about finance, Ivy League schools and life. I did not care for the title, even after reading the book. I still don't get the title.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes, I will recommend the book. I have a friend in mind.

 

Kenneth M. from Fort Lauderdale, FL

I enjoyed this book. I liked the main character/narrator. The narrative flowed easily. I think it helped that I have a background as a financial adviser. 

Rating: 4

Three words to describe the book: informative, engrossing, fun

How would you describe this book to a friend?: It’s a coming-of-age book about a likable young man. It’s interesting to follow his investing during the time period it was set in.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Maybe, if they had an interest in investing.

 

Devan M. from San Francisco, CA

This was a very witty and charming book. Going through the life of a teenage boy while he grows into the man he wants to become, and not his father’s, was refreshing. It seemed like real-life issues a teenage boy goes through, but with a special gift. A gift he excels at and loves, is what eventually turns him to a man his father respects. 

Rating: 4 (A couple areas were a bit slower and unrealistic.)

Three words to describe the book: verisimilitude, analytical, witty 

How would you describe this book to a friend?: MAKE ME EVEN AND I’LL NEVER GAMBLE AGAIN is a journey through a young man’s life as he reaches the age of choosing a path. His father is taking him one way, his heart and mind another. With his love of analytics, which way does he choose? This is a must-read for those who love a good storyline, numbers with an edge of bets, and growth of a being.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I would. I have a couple of friends in mind who would love it!

 

 

Debra S. from Staten Island, NY

I enjoyed the book.

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: funny, insightful, genuine

How would you describe this book to a friend?: It's a story of challenges and decisions that shape our lives. It is, at times, funny, insightful and easily relatable.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Yes, I would recommend.

 

Michael M. from Los Angeles, CA

It was pretty good. Not bad. Not great. Based on the cover and title, I was expecting a memoir about a gambling addict. What I got was a fictional memoir about a guy who works in the financial market. A touch disappointing, but I did enjoy the book overall. The writing was engaging, the characters were interesting. There was no plot (with a beginning, middle and end) as it reads more like a memoir. All the finance talk was boring for the first half of the book (the author must have watched The Big Short and realized boring finance talk needs to be finessed) and was much more interesting in the second half.  Also, there are a few bits that are non-linear and there was a little confusion for me as to when a particular event was happening. Another gripe: There is no conflict. For the entire book, literally everything that happens to the main character is good. I hope nobody reads this book and starts gambling (or playing the stock market or whatever) thinking this will actually happen. Now, having said that, I enjoyed the book very much for the second half and even made time to read (always a good sign) so I could finish it. The characters are likable and engaging and the writing style is endearing. This book could have been dreadful with such an uninteresting (to me) subject matter.

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: engaging, inconsistent, unrealistic

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This book is a fictionalized "memoir" about a man who pursues a career in the financial district. It is engaging, but a bit unrealistic and can be boring and finance-y at times. I only recommend it if that subject matter interests you.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I would recommend this book to someone who has any interest in the stock market or a career in finance. Otherwise, no.

 

Sharon F. from Louisville, KY

I didn't find it very interesting, but I don't know very much about the stock market and such so that could be the reason.

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: stock market tips

How would you describe this book to a friend?: I would let them know that this is about the life of a college-aged man growing up, and learning about money, gambling and taking chances. There is a little romance and cheating on his girlfriend involved, enough to keep you interested. If you are a risk taker, you might learn a little bit to help you make it big in life, or not, depending on if you like to take chances.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I would recommend this to my brother. He might be interested in it as he dabbles in the stocks.

 

Nancy B. from Bluffton, SC

I thought the book was fascinating. It was an opportunity to learn about finance, stock investments and analysis, and even poker, without paying Wharton Business School tuition. However, even though I have written for an investment newsletter, the book got too technical for me at times. It was interesting, Monday morning quarterbacking and knowing how certain investments would turn out --- resort casinos, the oil stocks --- to follow Rogers' analysis at the time. I do not like the title. It's the line that a losing poker player uses toward the beginning, and suggests that Rogers is going to get his comeuppance by waiting too long or investing too heavily and losing it all. Also, I think the dialogue between Rogers and his father and his investment company superiors at the beginning is much too sophisticated for a 17-year-old. Even though he has been around adults most of the time, he wouldn't be speaking this way, realistically.

Rating: 3 --- I found the book interesting, but I think it is going to be hard for a layperson without any knowledge of Wall Street to follow, especially when it comes to issues such as selling stocks short.

Three words to describe the book: worth your time

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This book has a bit of everything from poker to love to even Shakespeare, but it's mostly about Wall Street, how it works, how it has changed and how one risk-taking individual changed with it. If you're a B School graduate, worked on Wall Street or are an individual stock watcher and trader, I think you will find this book particularly intriguing. 

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I already have. My husband has a business background. He is in a book club whose members were all business professionals, although none of them were stock brokers. He is going to recommend this book to the club to read and discuss. I have also told our broker to be on the lookout for it, as well as my brother-in-law, who is a Wharton B School graduate. I’m also going to post on Facebook, Word of Mouth and an email list that I send out with book recommendations, although it will have a caveat about how technical parts of the book are.

 

Janet C. from Niles, IL

I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it, for the most part. It's generally not the type of book I would pick.

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: insightful, educational, funny

How would you describe this book to a friend?: It's the story of a high school student who has an uncanny sense of the stock market and his journey becoming successful on Wall Street. Along the way you get a peak at his personal life, his gambling life and his social life and how those relationships played a part of his growth and success.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Maybe, to certain people.

 

Karen S. from Phoenix, AZ

Sadly, I didn't really enjoy this book. I had a hard time getting into the book. Once I did I thought it began to get better.

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: insightful, greed, honesty

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is sort of a modern coming-of-age story where greed seems to be the driving force. It includes a bit of humor, romance and a day-to-day look at the inner workings of Wall Street. In some ways it reminds me of Leonardo DiCaprio's role in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Maybe.

 

Ginny W. from Omaha, NE

I enjoyed it. I learned a lot about the stock market that I didn't know. I felt it need to be edited in the middle as it started dragging for me. I would rewrite the ending, and I would definitely change the title. I think it is a good book, but it could be better.

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: informative, interesting, long

How would you describe this book to a friend?: It is a book about a young man who gambles not only by using cards, but with the stock market and ultimately, with his function in life. It was an interesting insight into the world of high finance and relationships.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: Maybe.

 

Paula B. from Gansevoort, NY

This is not the type of genre I would normally choose. I need a book that keeps my attention right off the bat and one the has a lot of action. That being said, I found the book to be very well-written, as the author was able to keep my attention. I like how the author intertwined the main character’s personal life with his work involving the stock market.

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: intriguing, informative, self-help

How would you describe this book to a friend?: Be prepared to learn about the workings of the stock market and the ambition it takes to be successful in this world of finance. This book also gives some pretty good life-long lessons that the main character learns throughout his early journey in the working world. You will meet a 17-year-old character who is  mature beyond his years and his father teaches his son many lessons that follow him through his journey.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I have already recommended this book to my husband. As I appreciated the personal life of the character, my husband would appreciate the gambling and microeconomics aspects of this book.

 

Sally H. from Scottsdale, AZ

I enjoyed reading the book

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: fun, unbelievable, enjoyable 

How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a fun read about a young man who gambles as a part-time and full-time job. There is a happily-ever-after ending.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: I already have.

 

Denine S. from Sammamish, WA

I really, really enjoyed the coming-of-age stories in the first section. I liked learning about how he learned to play poker, about his love for baseball and how he met and fell in love with Charlotte. I liked following Rogers through his schooling, but I found it hard to follow once he started his career and as a result, I struggled to want to read that part of the book. It was probably hard to follow because I was not that interested in the details of how he was making money. I also started forgetting who each character was and had to go back when they came back again (when he was working). This part of the book felt like it had been chopped up or heavily edited. And, with all of the baseball analogies in the first part of the book, I thought it would be mentioned again later on. I liked Rogers' relationship with Charlotte, but did not like that he spent any time with Elsbeth. When she said to him "I don't know who she is, but she sure is one lucky girl. Awfully tough competitor, I might add,” I thought I must have missed something that indicated that Rogers showed he was interested in another woman. I guess because he did not seem all in with Elsbeth, but I would not think that automatically meant there was another woman in his life.

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: gambling, tenacity, research

How would you describe this book to a friend?: A high school underachiever realizes that his dreams of riches can be obtained by using his poker skills and knowing his surroundings. He pulls up his socks, does well in school and goes to business school where he hones his skills to reach his goal to be financially independent. Later, while trying to achieve this goal, his success leads to jealousy from others, but this success also affords him the opportunity to change the way investing works and become even richer.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: No.

 

Vicki H. from Brigham City, UT

This was not really my type of book. Although I had a few laughs, I just had a hard time reading it. 

Rating: 3

Three words to describe the book: funny, confusing, informative

How would you describe this book to a friend?: It’s a funny book about the inside workings of finance. It’s confusing at times but, overall, a funny insider’s view. I think it was okay, but not my type of book. It was interesting as you get an insider’s view and I found that part interesting enough.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?: No. If I don’t like it, usually that means the people I know would not like it.