The Cardturner

The Cardturner: A Novel About a King, a Queen, and a Joker
By Louis Sachar
Delacorte Press, 2010. 336 pgs. Young Adult

Alton’s content to stand back and take whatever life handles him. So when his mom insists he become his uncle’s cardturner, Alton goes along with it. Trapp (as Alton eventually calls his uncle) is a passionate bridge player who has recently become blind. Trapp is also extremely rich and Alton’s greedy parents are determined to inherit his wealth when he dies. So under the pressure of playing the cards right and playing his uncle, Alton undertakes his new job. Alton discovers he legitimately enjoys spending time with Trapp and that he likes bridge. He begins playing with his little sister and with Toni, a young woman whose family is good friends with Trapp and who have a shady history. All these elements come together, when in an interesting twist, Alton and Toni find themselves on the brink of something big.

I really enjoyed this tale of a young man who grows up and realizes he can make his own decisions regardless of what others want. I also found myself wanting to learn how to play bridge and join a club! While a book about bridge may not sound appealing, give this one a try. You might be surprised.

MN