Why people recommend it
The Color of Money by Walter Tevis is a compelling novel that serves as a sequel to The Hustler, following an aging Fast Eddie Felson years after his glory days as he navigates a changed world of pool halls and high-stakes gambling. On The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan and guest Shane Smith analyzed the book during a discussion comparing the literary source material to its famous film adaptation. Smith pointed out that Walter Tevis authored both stories, but emphasized that the novel version of The Color of Money differs drastically from the movie, featuring a unique plot and ending where Eddie travels alone rather than taking on a protégé like Vincent. The conversation highlighted how the original text provides a much different psychological portrait of the iconic pool player compared to the Hollywood portrayal. Podcasts frequently use this comparison to illustrate the divergence between page and screen, noting how authors often take characters in darker, more solitary directions than filmmakers choose to depict for mainstream audiences. Fans of classic billiard fiction and gritty character studies continue to appreciate Tevis's work for its realistic portrayal of aging, regret, and the relentless pursuit of redemption across felt-covered tables.
Who recommended it
- Joe Rogan Discussed
- Shane Smith Discussed
Joe Rogan — 1 mention
“cuz it was the same Walter tev novel as the Hustler the color money it was very different”
Shane Smith — 1 mention
“well Walter Tevis is a uh the guy who wrote both of them and he wrote The Hustler and he also wrote The Color of Money but The Color of Money the book it's a very different book it's very different ending very different it follows fast Eddie like on the like he goes around by himself there's no Vince”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“Color of Money is Walter Tevis same guy wrote The Hustler”