The Cardturner, by Louis Sachar

Got some news for you folks: after a two-year run, I'm going to retire this blog and focus exclusively on my main blog, here. I just don't have time to post here regularly, and if you really want my opinion on books, you can just check out my Goodreads account. (And if we're friends on Facebook or Twitter, all my Goodreads stuff links to those anyway, so yeah.)

So this, my final Chop, is of Louis Sachar's (HOLES, SMALL STEPS) The Cardturner. It's about a kid named Alton who helps his blind uncle play bridge, and he learns some life lessons in the process.

I'm sure that sounds generic, like maybe it's been done before, but I can tell you I've never read another book like this one. Alton is a very well-written 17 year-old boy. His uncle is a very convincing grumpy old man. His parents are overbearing (realistically), his best friend is kind of a piece, and the main love interest is perfect for him.

The writing was wonderful. Alton frequently broke the fourth wall, most often to explain the rules of bridge (a difficult card game with billions of possibilities) to the reader. These sections can be skipped without detracting from the story (I think the way Sachar did this was very clever.)

This book reminds me of Holes, not by formula but by feel, because of how well it all comes together in the third act. You don't realize what the author's been setting you up for until it happens, and you're impressed by the creativity of it.

Overall, The Cardturner is the first "WOW" book I've read in 2011, the book I'll recommend to everyone no matter what genre they like to read. It's not a sci-fi or a fantasy, it's just good teen literature that is good for anyone.

And as far as the rating is concerned, it's a PG. Mild profanity here and there, one A-word, and one instance of blasphemy. (Personally I'll never justify blasphemy, but the frustration with which is was used is certainly understandable. You'll know when you read it.)

I read the hardcover version, and I think it would be wise to read it in print. Normally I do audiobooks but I doubt this one would translate very well into that, because of all the bridge lingo.

So pick it up and enjoy!

And thanks to all of you who have made this a fun blog. I'm sure I'll still review movies and books over at OGP from time to time. See you out there.