Louis Sachar’s publisher, agent and wife all tried to dissuade him from writing a book for young readers about playing bridge. But he loves the game, his pleasure is infectious, and he is a master storyteller who made digging holes in the desert fascinating (Holes).

Seventeen-year-old Alton becomes a cardturner for his rich Uncle Lester, a brilliant player who has gone blind. With an eye on inheritance, Alton’s mother is embarrassing in her encouragement. Despite himself, Alton becomes fascinated by both his uncle’s life and the competitive world. Together with his attractive cousin Toni, a former cardturner, he begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding their families. This mixes a coming of age story and a romance in a surprisingly rich setting.