Bringing Down the House

Title Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions
Author Ben Mezrich
Mezrich is a writer of non-fiction and is the author of eleven books, including Ugly Americans and The Accidental Billionaires. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and is a graduate of Harvard. This book and his latest have been adapted for the screen.
ISBN 9780743225708
Publisher The Free Press (a division of Simon & Schuster)
Copyright Date 2002
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Non-Fiction; Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
In this supposedly true tale, Mezrich recounts the story of six MIT students who, fostered by a former professor and gambler, count cards in blackjack and take Las Vegas by storm. Mezrich tells the story about Kevin and his classmates at MIT who are taught a very complicated form of counting cards and who are bankrolled by investors. They also learn how to take on different personalities and disguises in order to fool the always-watching security people in Vegas. From living the high life in Vegas complete with suites and high-roller treatment in some of the most exclusive casinos on the Strip to dangerous dealings with the often unregulated Vegas security, Mezrich takes us on a journey that you will unlikely forget soon.
Critical Evaluation
This is an enthralling, addictive read. Mezrich's account of these students and their success in cheating Las Vegas out of millions of dollars is fast-paced and absorbing. The glitz, glamour and danger are all there and Mezrich leaves nothing out. His careful descriptions of how the card-counting works adds to the mystique as it is a complicated process, but brilliant. The reader is put in awe of the card counters who have to be not only incredibly intelligent, but also quick on their feet and good at acting and taking on different personas. Young readers will be excited to learn about these students and how they are able to make a lot of money in a very short time. The book will also appeal to teens who enjoy reading about "sticking it to the man."
Reader’s Annotation Card counting is not easy, but these MIT students sure make it look that way.
Curriculum Ties None
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read the jacket cover description about sneaking money through security at airports to draw the audience in and encourage them to read more about these students.
2. Do a character sketch of Kevin, ending with the fact that he's also an extremely rich card counter who helped to take Vegas for millions of dollars.
Challenge Issues
Issue: sexually explicit, some parents might object to the glamorization of gambling/"cheating"
Defense: In the end, the students are not able to get away with everything scott free.
Why did I include this book?
Wanted to include a non-fiction book that was fast-paced and interesting for teens; personal favorite.