Book excerpt: A “highly entertaining” story of a frustrated novelist who finds fame, fortune—and trouble—in the world of online poker (The New York Times Book Review). When Frank Dixon, a writer who has seen his career crash and burn, decides to dabble in online poker, he discovers he has a knack for winning. In this newfound realm, populated by alluring characters—each of them elusive, mysterious, and glamorous—he becomes a smash success: popular, rich, and loved. Going by the name Chip Zero, he sees his fortunes and romantic liaisons thrive in cyberspace while he remains blind to the fact that his real life is sinking. His online success, however, does not come without complications, as he comes to realize that his “virtual” friends and lovers are, in fact, made of flesh and blood—and one rival player is not at all happy that Mr. Zero has taken all his money. “Brazen, often hilarious . . . an illuminating and fully realized story about identity and reputation in the digital age.” —The Washington Post “[A] recklessly funny, sparky satire of our obsession with the virtual world.” —Vanity Fair “Laugh-out-loud . . . There is a certain Everyman quality to Frank . . . whose self-deprecating humor helps carry him through his midlife angst and denial of addiction; you want to wish him well.” —Booklist