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Soapboxing is our platform for talking about books and book-related topics that matter to us. Soapboxing posts may be rants, they may highlight awesome or terrifying trends, or they might tackle bookish issues on our minds…
The content will vary but the posts will (hopefully) never be boring!
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It's been a long time since we last hosted a Soapboxing post and with my like of reading time lately I thought it would be a good time to dust it off. I've been thinking about all those books I read, with mentions of gambling, casinos, and what not and I realized they are much more present then I thought.
Just to mention a few, in Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series The People (Vampire pilots in a Dystopian universe) host all of their business from The Casino. There 
are even a few scenes there even though it's not the main theater. There is also an awesome series of novellas called the Sin City Collectors, written by Amanda Carlson and Kristen Painter. The whole series takes place in a paranormal version of The Strip and it's actually quite awesome! A twitter follower also mentioned there is a moment in The Hollows by Kim Harrison when they also go to a casino. I honestly don't mind since they are series with an adult audience.
I mean, we are adults, not as impressible and we are (at least suppose too lol) responsible of our own actions.
This leads me to Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead. This title is meant for young adult audience and the last couple of chapters at the end are happening at the Strip in Vegas. The main couple are being chased from Casino to Casino, running away from their enemies. A very action packed moment! Of course, the focus isn't gambling, but I am wondering if any parents would forbid their teens to read such books for that reason? You know, banned books and all. I am a big fan of Richelle, and I don't condemn her of course, but I am wondering if others are? I am sure there are more YA titles with games but it's the only one coming to mind right now.
With online gambling being so accessible, such as many Royal Vegas games to play, or even lottery at the convenience store is this something you thought about? Does it bother you? Or on the contrary, do you feel it might be an educational tool to some extend? Do you have any other titles with reference to casinos or gambling that comes to mind?
Thank you all so much for taking part in the discussion, and I hope you'll be able to host more Soapboxing posts in the near future!
EDIT:
Suggestion from Melanie: The Cassie Palmer series by Karen Chance
Suggestion from Robert: Percy Jackson: Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Cassie Palmer series by Karen Chance has a casino in it, but like the ones you mentioned, you really don't see much actual gambling in it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a gambler personally. I just never enjoyed it. I do buy lottery tickets on occasion, but casino type gambling is not anything I would ever do.
I worry about people with addiction. It is such a problem. I don't know how to allow it for people to enjoy who don't have addiction problems, but help the ones who do. The biggest issues now are things like DraftKing, people are loosing money by the bucket loads because of addiction problems.
Now, I'll get off my soapbox. :-)
Thanks Melanie! I own that series but havent read it yet.
ReplyDeleteive been to casinos myself, 2 times, with a 20$ budget, no more!
From my friends who do gamble in casinos, that is the way to do it. Go in with the idea that you're going to blow $X. If you win some, great! If not, you spent what you were planning to spend. Kinda like going to Disney for adults. LOL
ReplyDeletePercy Jackson: Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan has a big scene set in Las Vegas and of course a casino. It's integral to the story and if anything serves as a warning. I guess it is like many subjects and all in the presentation.
ReplyDeleteGambling is a sore subject to me near to my heart. My mom had a bad gambling addiction that last almost ten years, almost cost my parents their marriage, ended p getting them so behind on my childhood home they lose it. I remember she would be gone for days at the casino, every few months get a car repo notice unless they paid, the electric would randomly be shut off. She would end up having to lie and fake being robbed, claiming someone stole her money and purse. She ended up lying to relatives for money, going through a lot of my dad's retirement, all their savings, ruining their credit, and creating a lot of issues. Her friends who were hooked with her were going through the same thing of almost losing everything and troubles with their family and marriages. It's a horrible thing and I don't think our society takes it seriously enough at all. People don't seem to see how really big the danger is by playing these games - for some addiction won't happen but if it eventually does the results are devastating.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. All addictions are destroying and while most are self-destroying, gambling away your money costs a lot to all family members. I'm so sorry you had to live it first hand. I hope your mom is better now?
ReplyDelete