Playing The Cards You're Dealt

Juvenile fiction 

     In Varian Johnson's Playing The Cards You're Dealt the title carries two distinct meanings.

"The house always wins.

     At least that's what us card sharks say when things don't go our way.  It's an old saying about gamblers.  No matter how skilled, sharp, and slick you are--if you ain't smart enough to quit when you're ahead, you'll eventually lose all your hard-earned money to the 'house.'  Which, for all you youngbloods out there who don't know better, means the casino."

     As Ant (Anthony) starts fifth grade academics aren't the first thing on his mind.  The annual Oak Grove spades tournament isn't far off.  Playing in it is a family tradition.  Last year he'd tanked while big brother Aaron brought home a trophy.  Ant wants to win this year and see the look of pride in his father's eyes.

     Things get complicated when Ant's spades partner, Jamal, gets into a fight at school and is grounded.  Ant needs a new partner.  But can he ditch Jamal for a highly skilled girl he just might like.

     At home Ant also seems to be holding a crappy hand.  His father, an accountant, has been losing business.  He's taken on online gambling just til he gets more customers.  And he may be drinking again.  Ant's mom and Aaron can remember when his addiction put toddler Ant in danger.

     This sensitive coming of age narrative tackles the sensitive issue of alcohol abuse in the family.  It comes with a list of resources for kids who may see this problem in their own households.

On a purrrsonal note, even though we haven't hit calendar spring and it's far from spring in Maine I've started my spring cleaning.  Even though I have a storage shed it's a challenge.  It's been much more of a challenge in the last few years.  Back in the summer of '19 the kids decided that we should transform Adam's old room into a man cave for Eugene just as the girl's old room is now my studio.  We meaning me for the clean up phase.  It was slow going.  The pandemic slowed things even more.  Now the place is just about full of bags of bottles and cans that need to be redeemed and stuff Adam no longer wants that needs to go to a thrift shop.  It would be no problem if I could drive.  But I can't.  And Eugene is always too busy.  So once again I have to try to figure out how to accomplish the seemingly impossible.  (Jules)

I help as much as I can.  (Tobago)

A great big shout out goes out to those of our readers who are celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

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