River House: a Memoir by Sarahlee Lawrence

I already know who I'm going to recommend this book to. I think she might like this one. Although, based on the title, I never would have guessed River House: a Memoir by Sarahlee Lawrence would reveal the tough life on a ranch.

This is a true adventure story. River rafting in South America, log home building by hand in the frigid U.S. north, maintaining cattle on a ranch, longing for a life away from these struggles, Ms. Lawrence takes us on her journey and to the edge of our seats. This is also the story of a daughter's relationship with her father. You will see parallels between Sarahlee's hopes and dreams and those of her father.

She's a young woman, an only child, trying to find her place in the world. An expert guide for river rafting, she's been away from her parent's home in Oregon several years when she longs to return home. Her work as a guide is tiresome and physically draining. Life back on the family ranch is not easy either. The author is one hard-working, tough gal. She sets her sights on high goals and wants to achieve them herself.

When you finish reading River House: a Memoir, be sure to check out Ms. Lawrence's website. Her photos will bring to life all that you've experienced while following her story. You'll see that beyond what learned from her memoir, Sarahlee is one courageous woman. She has taken life by the horns and there is no stopping her. Kudos to her and others who experience life to the fullest!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Cardturner : a Novel About a King, a Queen, and a Joker by Louis Sachar

This may be the first YA novel about playing the card game of bridge that I've ever seen. Growing up in a home where my parents played bridge and were active members of bridge clubs, I had to give The Cardturner by Louis Sachar a try.

Alton is 17 years old and his great uncle needs him. Uncle Lester Trapp is wealthy, in poor health, blind, and an avid bridge player. To continue to play bridge, he needs someone to be his "eyes" at the bridge tournaments - a cardturner. As many great uncles in novels, Uncle Lester is also a bit cantankerous. Alton is a typical teen, a bit lackadaisical, looking for a focus to his life AND a girlfriend. Yes, there is also a love story here.

What I didn't expect in this novel were all the details about the art of playing bridge including some play-by-play tricks taken at the bridge table. Although I have tried to play bridge and understand some of what's involved, I will admit that I scanned over the bridge plays. As it turns out, the author, Louis Sachar is also an avid bridge player.

Alton finds himself immersed in Uncle Lester's bridge world and friends. Over time he develops an appreciation for the skills needed to play. You may guess it, before this novel is done, Alton does become a bridge player in his own right. Now that is not a "spoiler" for you, the reader, because there is much to enjoy in this book. If you don't play bridge or even card games, this may not be a book for you. If you enjoy your grandparents or other elderly relatives, you'll want to give this a chance.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm