|
|
|
|
More on Double Or Nothing
This is a compelling tale of a teen's spiraling descent into the world of compulsive gambling. Between his winnings and his salary from his job waiting tables, Kip is adding to the college fund that his single-parent mom has struggled for years to build. Kip's girlfriend's father introduces him to the high stakes world of horse racing and casinos. Soon Kip is hooked. He begins skipping school to play the slots. As his losing streak continues, his desperation grows, and eventually, Kip begins dipping into his college fund. The ending is depressing though realistic. Although Kip has stopped gambling, he hasn't really changed. He is still going through his life with a gambler's attitude. This is a quick, entertaining read with a powerful message. The ease with which Kip slides from a hip, confident winner to a desperate thief is totally believable. The writing style is breezy and contemporary, and even some of the minor characters have well-defined personalities. Kip narrates the novel, and his voice is the real force behind the action. He is brash, sarcastic, and egotistical but likable all the same. Teen readers will relate to Kip.
- Book Report
|
|
