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Book Review By Matthew Christensen
Bob the Gambler by Frederick Barthelme

    On a whim, Ray and Jewel Kaiser decide to check out the new floating casino that has opened near their home in Biloxi, Missippi. After one night of gambling, the Kaisers are hooked. What starts out as a thrill and a diversion soon becomes a compulsion. Ray and Jewell find themselves reading up on blackjack strategy and sneaking off to the casino, all the while trying to set an example of responsibility for their teenage daughter, RV.
    Finally, one night, Ray loses it all. Heavily in debt, the family is forced to sell their house and move in with Frank's mother. As the Kaiser's try to get back on their feet, they're surprised to find that, in many ways, their lives have actually improved since they lost all their money. Having made it through their darkest hour with humor and loyalty, the Kaisers watch together as the sun rises again.            


Plot & Themes
Time/era of story - 1980's-1999
Life of a profession:
Job/Profession/Status story Yes

Main Character
Gender - Male
Age: - 40's-50's
Ethnicity/Nationality

Setting
How much descriptions of surroundings? - 5 ()
United States Yes
The US: - Deep South

Writing Style
Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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