Book cover of Titanic Thompson: Card-Sharking, Gun-Slinging, Fast-Living American Legend

Book description

Titanic Thompson is the rollicking true story of one of the most charismatic characters in twentieth-century America. Travelling only with his golf clubs, a .45 revolver, and a suitcase full of cash, this is the legendary tale of a man who was married five times to five different girls, all…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Titanic Thompson as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Like lots of books I’ve ended up loving, I came across this by chance.

It turned out to be an immensely entertaining portrait of a twentieth-century American gambler whose name meant nothing to me until then. Born Alvin Thomas, he ended up being known as Titanic Thompson.

He was a so-called proposition gambler, who challenged wealthy people to all sorts of often bizarre wagers. One of my favourite anecdotes from Kevin Cook’s anecdote-stuffed book involves Titanic betting Al Capone that he could hurl an orange onto the roof of an adjoining multi-story building.

Read Titanic Thompson and you’ll have plenty…

From Paul's list on twenty-first century true-crime.

If you love Titanic Thompson...

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Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

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Dive into this small-town, steamy romance between two opposites who find love…

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