Stroke: A Novel by Carlos Ledson Miller

Available in Hardcover and Softcover

ISBN: 0972029346 (Softcover)

ISBN: 0979029389 (Hardcover)

Book Description:

With a title that at first glance might conjure up images of hypertension, STROKE is aptly named. Pool players know that being “in stroke” is akin to basketball players being “in the zone.”

But STROKE is not just another pool hustle novel. Rich in images and accurate in the nuances of the game, Miller captures our attention with a story of young woman who suffers life changing loss and injury, but finds redemption in the male dominated, green felt jungle of competitive pool.

About the Author:

Carlos Ledson Miller began his pool adventure as a struggling adolescent in the smoky backroom of a neighborhood bar and grill. The surrogate father who took Carlos under his wing imparted skills and pool wisdom that would prove to be a lifelong legacy. More than three decades later, he is still playing in leagues, tournaments and socially. Miller grew up in both Central America and the United States. His grandfather was one of the Americans who went to Panama in the early 1900s to dig the canal. Carlos' grandmother was Panamanian and his father was a first-generation Canal Zonian. Carlos initially attended school in Panama. When he reached his teens, his father relocated to British Honduras (now renamed Belize) and his mother returned home to the United States. Carlos attended high school and college in Louisiana, and spent his summers in Belize. After a four-year stint in the Marine Corps, Carlos settled on the Texas Gulf Coast, where he now lives and writes. Miller has two other works to his credit, PANAMA and BELIZE . About his work, Carlos says: "I write milieu novels. My objective is not only to entertain my readers with fast-paced stories, but also to give them an understanding of the foreign cultures and landscapes against which they are set.” Carlos lives, writes and shoots pool on the texas gulf coast.

Reviews:

“True lovers of pool will fall in love with Stroke . With a deft touch and a keen eye, Carlos Ledson Miller has captured the sport in all its nuanced beauty. A great read.”

- R. A. “Jake” Dyer, author, Hustler Days

Like A River Runs Through It and The Hustler , Stroke transcends the central activity of its characters and emerges, not only as a great pool story, but simply a great story. As a pool player I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I know it will appeal to anyone who appreciates literature, regardless of any prior exposure to the game.

- Tom Ross, author , Billiards Digest Magazine contributor

“ STROKE is really a fun read. I love Sedonia's heart, guts and her fearless and ambitious determination to be as good as she can be.”

- Ewa “the Striking Viking” Laurance, player, Women's Professional Billiard Association

“STROKE stays true to the game. Inspiring. Ambitious. A thoroughly enjoyable book.”

- Kim White, player, Women's Professional Billiard Association

“An awesome, original novel. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Sedonia's my hero!”

- Deanna Henson, player, Women's Professional Billiard Association and Hunter Classics Women's tour

“A fast-paced, authentic presentation of the world of women's pool. I feel as if I know Sedonia, Hannah, “French Quarter” Jimmy, and all the other compelling characters in this story.”

- Lucille Donahue, director, Hunter Classics Women's Tour

“ Miller, who has shown himself to be a consummate story teller in his past books, proves again that he know a great deal about yet one more subject. Stroke is a real page turner. I couldn't put it down.”

- Guida M. Jackson, author, Passing Through and Women Who Ruled