Some readers of my reviews will get upset when they see that I've given this book a hearty recommendation! They might argue: The author is nothing special as far as chess strength goes and the games are certainly not top quality.

While I can't argue with these criticisms directly, I can say that the author honestly discusses his many failures and failings. In fact, this look into a postal master's mind and musings gives the book an amazing amount of charm.

Yes, the games are not top quality affairs; but they are interesting. The notes bring up many worthwhile opening suggestions and the author's ability to describe the mood of the moment brings each contest to life. The fine typesetting, interesting quotes, and intelligent layout aside, it's Mr. Gerzadowicz's writing style that makes this book very worthwhile. Postal chess is somehow turned into something exciting and a colorful human being bares his soul (well, at least a little part of it!) to give us an uncommonly good read.

Actually, the front cover sums up the book's contents perfectly: we see over a dozen gray figures looking seriously at a chess board while a full color Gerzadowicz smiles out at us, injecting energy into an otherwise sterile situation.

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