In this poignant and realistic novel, Edward A. Dreyfus explores the inner workings of the aging mind to bring a thought-provoking fiction story to life. Join Dave, Richie, Louie, Max, and George--five poker buddies in their septuagenarian years--in The Poker Players. In their waning years, they go on a retreat to a mountain cabin for a weekend of poker and getting to know each other. They find it ironic that they have been playing cards together for thirty years yet know very little about one another. This, they feel, defeats the concept of lifelong friendship. It surprises them to discover that one of them had a divorce six months ago, or that one of them had prostate surgery. They lock their aches and pains inside out of fear of being seen as whiners. As they agree to become more transparent during their retreat, stark revelations about the secrets they keep test their friendships. It alters their lives, including those of the people they hold dear.

Dr. Dreyfus was a practicing clinical psychologist for more than fifty years, and this adds credibility to his exploration of the human psyche. He had the privilege of entering the minds of people from different walks of life. The Poker Players is a close examination of aging, wisdom, and relationships. It vividly demonstrates how caducity affects the way the seniors among us look at life when their prime has left them. Dr. Dreyfus shows us that youth and middle age are mere preparation for us to enjoy the realities and pleasures of our golden years. His dialogue-driven plot makes for outspoken characters and gritty storytelling. He presents a balanced, educated conversation among characters that never get long-winded. The subject he touches can strike our nerves, but it renews our impulse to live longer.