So much of horseracing is driven by an analytical frenzy of numbers and equations in an attempt to reduce fate and luck from feared opponents to mere inconveniences. From dosage to Beyer figures; bloodlines to pace, handicappers tend to get so entrapped within the pages of their DRF's that they forget that they stand inside of a vibrant, kinetic world that most have never even imagined. Thank God that Eric Floyd is not one of them.

With a clever, colloquial, Twain-like wit, Mr. Floyd thrusts his lucky readers into a gambling world that both inspires and tears at the heart. Unlike most gambling memoirs, which are set amidst glamour and extravagance, in the spirit of Virgil himself, Eric ferries us through his Inferno- ten years of bizzare tales based in an unassuming Florida jai-lai racebook and dogtrack. His story will shock and amaze as he exposes humanity's base nature in an enviroment where the depths of greed is only exceeded by the heights of compassion.

Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Do your friends a favor and tell them about it. If you are a fan of horse racing, each chapter you read will affirm your passion. If you aren't, by the time you close the cover of THE BACKSTRETCH, you will be. Even if you know nothing about "The Sport of Kings", Mr. Floyd's storytelling simplifies a complex and intimidating enviroment into a wonderfully entertaining literary work that anyone will enjoy. Eric Floyd has given a voice to a previously silent type of gambler- men and women wagering their last dollar in an endless quest to win one more. His stories and observations prove that truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

I love books about gambling because I love to gamble. I love all kinds of gaming and play my share of the horses. I thought I did and seen it all till I happened upon this book. Fella' I said, you ain't seen nothing!!! This author has had some great wins and major losses. Met real nice folk, met some butt-type weirdos too. One thing is for sure, you will be wrapped in Mr. Floyd's world from the minute you open the front cover until you close the last. He takes you on an emotional ride, brings you into his pain of a loss and will make you feel the elation of a win. You will wonder how anyone who has put so much money and emotion into gaming continues to chase that big one beginning on the first Saturday in May. The book is full of knowledge about the sport of kings but also enlightens and entertains the reader with JaiLai, table games, cards, sporting events and more. He will take you on a journey from the east to west coast, on ships and on land. It will be an adventure you won't want to miss and make you always wonder where will it end for this guy. Whether you gamble, know someone who does or just want a good book, easy to read and much to enjoy treat yourself and someone else to a trip around the Backstretch. I found but one fault with the book........it came to a close.

With so much risk involved in gambling, the story of a true gambler can be nothing but intriguing. I’ve always been the occasional gambler. The thought of possibly turning a dollar into one hundred always kept me attentive to the sport. So, when I came across this book, what stood out to me the most was that it was an auto-biography. Hollywood couldn’t write these experiences better than the author has here. It takes you into the mind of a gambler who eats, drinks, and sleeps the game. Like a rollercoaster, the author describes his every emotion through his winning glories, to his agonizing defeats, putting you in his shoes. He was able to capture his stories onto paper with so much detail, that you can easily lose yourself in the book. You’ll even learn some insider gambling secrets that I wasn’t aware of. I was pleasantly impressed by ‘The Backstretch’. If you have ever felt the thrill of gambling…….even if only a quarter on a slot machine……you will love this book.

I bought this book not knowing what to expect. Man, the author wasn't kidding when he said it would be a brutally truthful memoir promising nothing but reality. I have read this book three times now. His very thoughts about the highs and lows of gambling are so vividly detailed that I actually felt the rush of winning and losing while reading his descriptions. Every emotion that you've ever had while gambling will come back to you when you read this book. It really lets you into the mind of a real gambler. It was really fascinating. I told my wife to read it prior to our trip to Las Vegas so she could relate to what she would be feeling while winning and losing in the casinos. We also picked up a few tips from the book on betting strategies on some casino games. The book is well written and a must read for every gambler and every person who wants to know what it really feels like to live a gamblers' life. Well done.

The Backstretch is a refreshing and exciting compilation of stories, experiences, and anecdotes encompassing author Eric V. Floyd's first decade of gambling. The book contains a unique variety of short stories, all of which connect to tell a tale of wildly exuberant successes, devastating & crushing defeats, and virtually every emotion in between. The beauty of this book lies in its ability to cater to and entice the most die hard gambler, while being written in a language and manner that will easily capture and lure in those who have never made a bet in their lives. The author's experiences and connections with some of the most unique and diverse individuals imaginable lay the groundwork for stories and tales that are equally unique and diverse. The short chapters make it a quick read, and the genuine sincerity conveyed throughout makes it quite evident that this is the author's truest passion in life. Perhaps even his fate and purpose. This being a topic that I am not well versed in, I was pleasantly surprised in my ability to connect and relate so well to the author's experiences. This book will not disappoint. A guaranteed great read that is worth its weight in gold bullion!

This book is very well written by an author who pours his heart onto the pages with stories of humor, saddness and thought provoking material. The sincerity within each story makes the reader want more, keeping the pages turning from cover to cover. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants a very creative read and interesting insight into one man's world of gambling.