Cardturner by Louis Sachar

Title: Cardturner by Louis Sachar

Short Introduction

When Alton's ageing, blind uncle asks him to attend bridge games with him, he agrees. After all, it's better than a crappy summer job in the local shopping mall, and Alton's mother thinks it might secure their way to a good inheritance sometime in the future. But, like all apparently casual choices in any of Louis Sachar's wonderful books, this choice soon turns out to be a lot more complex than Alton could ever have imagined. As his relationship with his uncle develops, and he meets the very attractive Toni, deeply buried secrets are uncovered and a romance that spans decades is finally brought to a conclusion. Alton's mother is in for a surprise!

Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Review

This may seem silly, but I have always loved card games. My grandma and I would play doubles solitaire and have a great time. I only wish I would have done it more often. This book made me want to join a bridge club, I want to sit around and discuss different hands of bridge. I am old? Well that depends but I would say no. I really hope this book which is way more than just card games gets people excited about playing games again. Of course there is great romance and teenage angst, but the main point is love. Love of a game, its players and how it brings people together.

Songs I think complement the book

The gambler by Kenny Rogers

Queen of hearts by Juice Newton

Amazing quotes

“Maybe she just perceives better than the rest of us. Maybe the voices she hears are uncommunicated ideas, floating free.”- Trap

“I then astound him with my brilliant play, and of course we win, thanks to me. I know it’s sick”- Alton

Read Alikes

There really are no books like this so I am adding books that teach you how to play bridge!!

Complete idiot's guide to bridge by Anthony H Medley

Teach yourself visually bridge by David Galt

If you want to learn how to play bridge in Wisconsin go here for different bridge clubs and lessons

Audio Version

I listened to this book and it was read by the author. It was good but I would suggest reading it if you are not good at visualizing different card hands. I am no Trapp when it comes to remembering bridge hands!!

Also posted on Teenzone