Pool Books That Feature Reyes

Renegade

Renegade

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I've just read in a post (Parica vs. Paez) that Paez was discussed quite extensively in a book. Now are there any books out there that have more than a passing mention of Efren Reyes?

I only have two pool books at present. Byrne's does not mention Efren at all. Efren does get a special mention in Mizerak's book as one of his (Mizerak's) top ten players, Mizerak included, but he doesn't go into detail about Efren.

Is there any other pool book out there that has a more extensive discussion on Efren, or of the so-called Filipino Invasion? And is it available anywhere (Amazon probably)? I'm really very curious about this. Thanks!
 
Theres a book called Billiards:Hustlers, Heros, Legends and Lies. Written sometime in the late 70s early 80s if memory serves. Doesnt have alot about him, but the author (John Grissim) writes about a trip to the Phillipines and a "kid" named Efren Reyes who was already stroking a shade under god then, has a picture to boot. Pretty cool book with alot of old road stories in it.
Chuck
 
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RiverCity said:
Theres a book called Billiards:Hustlers, Heros, Legends and Lies. Written sometime in the late 70s early 80s if memory serves. Doesnt have alot about him, but the author (John Grisham) writes about a trip to the Phillipines and a "kid" named Efren Reyes who was already stroking a shade under god then, has a picture to boot. Pretty cool book with alot of old road stories in it.
Chuck
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The book is "Billiards: Hustlers and Heroes, Legends and Lies and the Search for Higher Truth on the Green Felt" by John Grissim. As of the time of this post, the cheapest available issue is about $30 at Amazon. I've got a good pool library, and I don't have this one (waiting for a good deal). I haven't seen any book that really covers Efren in any detail; there is probably more coverage of Efren in the pool magazines that any book that I know of. What a world we live in...there is a biography of Ashton Kutcher on the shelves and nothing on Efren. Efren gives him the 3 out and robs him. I'll re-post or PM you if I find something good regarding Efren, right now I'm in a beer-induced fog.
 
Renegade said:
I've just read in a post (Parica vs. Paez) that Paez was discussed quite extensively in a book. Now are there any books out there that have more than a passing mention of Efren Reyes? !
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The great book Billiards:Hustlers and Heroes, Legends and Lies, and the Search for Higher Truth on the Green Felt, John Grissom. This was the first writing by and American author on the meeting of Efren Reyes. This was how his legend got started, long before he stepped foot onto U.S. soil.

The book also has an entire chapter detailing the word-for-word banter between Jersey Red and the great Gene Nagy during a one-pocket match-up. Priceless.

You can sometimes find this book on Amazon in the used section. I got mine a few years ago for the paltry sum of $25, whereas you can't find the book normally for less than $100.

Fred
 
Here is a pic from the book. Check out that groovy shirt.......

efren.jpg

Chuck
 
RiverCity said:
Here is a pic from the book. Check out that groovy shirt.......

efren.jpg

Chuck
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OMG, I wonder who that shooter is.
Notice so many people CLOSE to the table?
You better have nerves of steel while those guys are talking and betting on every shot.:eek:
 
JoeyInCali said:
OMG, I wonder who that shooter is.
Notice so many people CLOSE to the table?
You better have nerves of steel while those guys are talking and betting on every shot.:eek:
Click to expand...

The other great thing Grissom notes about this match was that they wrote the score in chalk directly on the cloth of the table! (You can see this in one of the other photos)

The other book that discusses Reyes in detail in terms of actual Pool playing is the book by Phil Capelle that analyzes an entire match between Johnny Archer and Efren Reyes. He published it both as a book and a DVD. I don't have a copy of this yet myself, perhaps someone who does can comment on the quality/interest for a Reyes fan.
 
Heres the "scorekeeping"...... I always called it book making though......... lol
phillipines.jpg


Im not positive, but Ive always thought the first pic was a early 20s Efren.
Chuck
 
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RiverCity said:
Heres the "scorekeeping"...... I always called it book making though......... lol
phillipines.jpg


Im not positive, but Ive always thought the first pic was a early 20s Efren.
Chuck
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I never thought so. The neck is wrong, IMO.

Fred
 
jnav447 said:
The book is "Billiards: Hustlers and Heroes, Legends and Lies and the Search for Higher Truth on the Green Felt" by John Grissim. As of the time of this post, the cheapest available issue is about $30 at Amazon. I've got a good pool library, and I don't have this one (waiting for a good deal). I haven't seen any book that really covers Efren in any detail; there is probably more coverage of Efren in the pool magazines that any book that I know of. What a world we live in...there is a biography of Ashton Kutcher on the shelves and nothing on Efren. Efren gives him the 3 out and robs him. I'll re-post or PM you if I find something good regarding Efren, right now I'm in a beer-induced fog.
Click to expand...

Thanks, guys! I'll check this out.

I agree with you -- someone out there should really write a book on Efren. Even an unauthorized biography. Or at the very least compile all the great magazine articles about him. (Can you guys believe there's not even a website dedicated to the guy???) Heck, if no one wants to do it, maybe I will! (although, i don't have any internet skills to speak of, or any publishing experience whatsoever)

Anyway, all the guys out there with clippings of articles about The Magician please send them to me for compilation...maybe I can even include all the stories about him here in AZ. c", (i might need to get permission on that though.....)
 
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