Pinball Wizards: Jackpots, Drains, and the Cult of the Silver Ball

This book includes an abbreviated history of pinball machines, along with a much more detailed description of the author's personal fascination and experience with them. His focus on national competitions seems, to this reader, to deviate a bit from the sheer joy of playing, and the wonder of hearing the loud "pop" that signified a free game.Reading it brought back a lot of "stuff that can't bought...," memories from the 50's through the 70's. I was in college during the resurgence in popularity around the mid-1970's. This book brought back the sweet memory of attaining the highest score ever on a certain machine, and seeing my name posted above it as a "wizard." Perhaps the finest moment was, having attained the maximum number of free games available on that machine (24), simply walking away and letting the crowd that had gathered to watch me play enjoy the free games among themselves. Not quite the accomplishment of, say, turning in your organic chemistry final exam and knowing you scored nearly 100%, but in its own unique way a wonderful souvenir of long ago.Hard to say how a younger reader would react to this book. If you grew up on video games, the silver ball likely holds little if any mystique.Four stars feels right...great memories, but a bit too much emphasis on competition for this reader, and a story appealing to a small and aging subset of readers. It will not create fond memories if they are not there already, waiting to be resurrected.

Ruben's clearly a gifted writer. Even if someone is not into pinball, this is still an enjoyable trip through the industry's history which he documents commendably. Love his humor and wit: it actually got me LOL. But I have to take points away for the excessive and annoying hero worship of Roger Sharpe -- seems like he gets quoted on every other page -- and the political correctness lecturing about a cult that was more laughable than PI-incorrect; his noted examples IMO were more exception than norm. Get over it.

Adam Ruben's a great writer, just naturally funny. This book alternates between his personal stories trying to be the best pinballer he can be and interviews with the movers and shakers of Big Pinball telling its tale. Somehow, by keeping every page centered on the people who build the machines and the people who play them, he makes the game itself the main character in it's own story. It's captivating to watch over his shoulder as he's learning about something he so clearly loves, and by the end you feel part of a secret cabal of pinball insiders. Can't wait for the movie adaptation.TLDR A coming-of-age story of a gritty, illicit, forgotten game finding its place in the modern world

Pinball Wizards was such an enjoyable book. I looked forward to picking it up, and was sad to finish it. The book reads "easy" because Adam Ruben is such a good writer. I learned a lot about pinball history, which made a visit to the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas more rewarding than if I hadn't read Pinball Wizards. A great book that was satisfying on so many levels. Adam tells an engaging story and is a great observer of people! And since the book has come out, pinball was enshrined in the Strong Museum's Toy Hall of Fame. Long live the silver ball!

As someone just getting into pinball, this is a great introduction. As of this writing it's very up to date on the latest developments from the new manufacturers entering the space (Heighway Pinball, Spooky Pinball, Jersey Jack, etc). I really enjoy Adam Ruben's writing style and sense of humor, and I honestly wish the book was longer and had more backstory on the legendary pinball designers. A fun read!

Author Adam Ruben captures the essence of his love for pinball with this irreverent and informative book. Pinball lovers everywhere will enjoy reading this and if you're not yet a pinball lover this will make you want to seek out a pinball machine and see what all the fuss is about. Two flippers up!

Very down to earth style of writing and much interesting detail from what seems to be lots of research.Well, that is how the introduction and the first chapter seem to me. Enjoyed the first 50 pages so far and look forward to the rest!Thank you for putting this together.

Adam takes the reader on an adventure pro pinball competition while zinging the reader along the pinball backstory. Adam's own pursuit of pinball glory follows the ups and downs and loops of pinball's past, and he's woven the two together to create a terrific tribute to his favorite pastime.

Good book, if you're a pinball wizard.

Book arrived on time, was well wrapped and in amazing shape. Book is well written and fun to read... highly recommended 👍