CJ Wiley's New Book Out 2025 – ‘Memoirs Of A Legendary Pool Hustler: Stories From The Road’ —By Patrick Sampey

Memoirs of a Legendary Pool Hustler By CJ Wiley

Preface to the article

This monumental work of pool brilliance – in this writer's opinion – needs to be given the proper introduction it so rightfully deserves. 

I have read any number of volumes of books on the game at this point in this pool aficionado's wonderful ride through this landscape – this dynamic, diverse, world of pool; I must say, that, in my opinion, what Wiley has provided with his "Memoirs," is a raucous ride into both the underbelly of pool, reminiscent of some kind of wonderful mix of the narrative, filled with elements of both Mark Twain, as well as Walter Tevis himself! CJ Wiley has not only achieved the highest professional "gear" in pocket billiards attainable – he writes like the wind; read this, if no other pool book!

Friday, June 20th, 2025 – CJ Wiley's New book, his "Memoirs," just recently out this year, is a landmark work from one of the most intriguing players to ever excel to the highest level attainable in pool – a worthwhile read for any student of the game.

From the Preface, "Looking back, it almost seems like an advanced group of angelic architects laid out my path so I’d meet the right mentor in the ideal place and time." – CJ Wiley.

"CJ Wiley is a celebrated pool player renowned for his exceptional skill and strategic prowess. With numerous tournament victories under his belt, CJ has cemented his reputation as one of the top players in the world of billiards. His career highlights include winning the prestigious 1996 ESPN World Open Championship, conquering The Million Dollar Pool Challenge, and earning the title of Pro Player of the Year during his competitive years. Known for his engaging and charismatic personality, CJ has captivated audiences both on and off the table. In his memoir, he takes readers on a thrilling journey through the raw and riveting world of professional pool hustling, sharing captivating stories from a life dedicated to mastering the art of the game." – Memoirs Of A Legendary Pool Hustler: Stories From The Road, "About The Author."

CJ Wiley is somewhat of an urban legend, as well as professional pool extraordinaire, a pillar of pool greatness – one of the most interesting, multifaceted players the game has ever seen – a "shark," and/or "road player" of old, where the table's slate was the playing field, and it leveled many a man's ego, when faced with the level of gamesmanship and talent Wiley brought to the game – still brings, relevant to this day in billiards annuals – a quest for personal perfection, going by the mantra, "The game is the teacher," finding direction through the game itself, it would appear upon introduction, his book just out, "hot off the presses," as they used to say, 2025, a must read for any pool aficionado interested in that "trial by fire" which leads to greatness in any quest to become something or someone truly great, iconic – which is exactly what Wiley is, one of pool's finest assets and icons. 

Join us at SPM as we take an inside look at the mind of one of the most successful hustlers, the lessons that he learned along the way, and his rise from hustling to winning against some of the best professional players the pool world has ever seen.

As I begin this work, I'm already hooked, with the following quote, and one of Wiley's early lessons in the game:

"(Wiley.) 'Perfect?’ I ask, ‘What do you mean? If you're asking if I play the game perfectly, the answer is no, but I have these moments-" my eyes lose focus as I instinctively reminisce about the feeling of being in 'The Zone.'

(The gentleman at the bar's response.)

He shook his head and chuckled slightly, 'You're human, young man. Perfection is not in your nature. However, it is in the game. The Game is perfect at the highest level.' The man lifted the napkin on the bar, appeared to look under it for something, and quickly placed it back. 'You have to uncover that perfection like this napkin uncovers the treasures beneath it!' He looked back into my now-refocused eyes. 'Do you understand? He lifted the napkin again as if treasure were buried underneath, and then put it back down. Perfection is in the Game, and you must be the one to uncover it. Perfection will play through you; the Game can only express its perfection, like an instrument, through people that play." – From 'Memoirs Of A Legendary Pool Hustler: Stories From The Road' By CJ Wiley.

I love it already! More to come. (I'll check back in here as I progress through this entertaining and educational trip "on the road," as we cover this epic, and enjoyable pool book – one of perhaps the most prolific works ever presented to the body of pool!)

The lessons that follow are in line with the movie, based off the book by Walter Tevis, from his 'The Hustler,' however, the accounts from Wiley exhibit a real-world, down to the "nitty gritty" details of a life less ordinary, choosing the "road less traveled," and making his own way, a maverick pool savant, overcoming adversity, challenges of the road – the life and times of one of the best to ever choose the cueing arts as a lifelong pursuit.

(Note: This reader and fan of pool read the entire work. I was so enthralled and enraptured in Wiley's book; I ended up reading it straight through in a single "sit down"! What a wild ride! Hang on, and enjoy!)

From his early beginnings in the game in grade school, perhaps just age 8, to his rise in the early, mid, to latter 80's – focused on his young symphony of pool proliferation of iconic, savant, hard-edged, "street smart" grit and raw determination of will, exhibiting the highest level of professional pool play arguably by age 19 – Wiley exemplifies the heart and very pulse of the game of pool itself, and appears as a "double threat," possessing both the refined essence of an educated mind, coupled with the awareness that comes from the "school of hard knocks," when dealing with the undercurrent of society at large, and the philosophical, "jedi mind tricks," that come with the "hustle" of the highest order, in a world where only the strongest make it out alive, literally and metaphorically.

I will say no more; Get this book, read this book! You will thank me, and Wiley's pen, and masterstroke here!   You can order CJ's book at Amazon https://a.co/d/f2dXWGA or on his website at https://www.masteringpocketbilliards.com/cj-wiley-book-memoirs-of-a-legendary-pool-hustler/