Sue Jackson, President of Unit 178, recently read bridge player and author Louis Sachar's book, The Cardturner. Below are some thoughts from Sue about the book - and from others, too!
By the way; I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing Mr. Sachar during the Houston 2009 NABC. This photo is from that interview.
I just read a great book, The Cardturner by Louis Sachar. It is a young adult book about the teenager who becomes the card turner for his blind uncle, who is a great bridge player. The teen knows nothing about bridge but gradually learns and is excited by the game.
It is a great book for anyone who does not understand our fascination with bridge! I plan to buy copies for my family members who cannot understand how I can spend so much time (and money) on bridge.
Sue Jackson
I went to the library and got the book The Cardturner as soon as I read your email. I loved it! My dad is a Life Master bridge player who is now 92 and completely blind. He loved bridge and has got me going with lessons, etc. We play the hands that are in the newspaper daily, and I am convinced that he (like Lester Trapp) could still play duplicate and win. What a memory he has - I am amazed!
He listens to many books a week from MN State Services for the Blind. They did not have this one, so I purchased the book and someone from that organization will read it on tape so I can give it to him for Xmas. I am familiar with conventions and talk of hands long after they are played. (Mom and Dad went to many tournaments.) He will recall hands, and says he stays up thinking about it at night. I am so happy that we have "Bridge" to share with each other. It has really bonded us this year. I can only hope that someday I can play the way he does. He has taught me so much, and I learn from him daily, although I have a long way to go.
Thank you so much for that reading suggestion.
After he has listened to the tape, we are happy to share with anyone else who has lost their sight.
Cindy Swanson (One of Teri Blu's students)
A very realistic depiction of the bridge world. Also highlights the cleverness of a blind and expert player.
Mike Hoffman
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