What Critics Say About
McGoorty, The Story of a Billiard Bum

"A vivid character, a ripe language, a great cast ... a marvelously readable biography, touching and hilarious."

The San Francisco Chronicle

"Byrne captures perfectly the sound of the poolrooms, the blunt language of the characters, the gestures, the sarcasm, and the wit. A fascinating book that offers an authentic inside view of a strange world."

Deland Sun Times

"The seamy side of America, a view from the bottom up that can't be found this side of Dos Passos or Orwell -- a burst of applause for a remarkable book!"

American Billiard Review

"Pool hustler, hobo, alcoholic, ladies' man, and a tournament player, McGoorty was a Runyonesque character and a first-rate raconteur. The result is a memoir that should rack up many readers, even among those that don't know a cue from a swizzle stick."

Publishers Weekly