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AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader
Dear Reader,
I was sitting in a restaurant having breakfast and I noticed the people at the table next to me were playing cards. Nobody else seemed to be paying any attention to them, but I was intrigued. So I pulled up a chair, sat down at their table and met Susan and Dan, who say they always play cards while they're waiting for their food.
Susan and Dan started playing cards in restaurants after a trip to Europe. They said it's common in Europe to see people playing games while waiting for their meals. What do they play? Well, that all depends on the restaurant and the speed of the service. If they don't expect to wait too long, Crazy Eights, otherwise it's Gin Rummy.
They're a competitive couple, who've been married "forever" Susan said, so they always play for the check, even though it all comes out of the same pot. "It makes for a more interesting game." Susan's been on a losing streak for three weeks now, but she's confident that her luck is bound to change soon--so she's planning on heading to pricier restaurants.
When their kids were little, the whole family would play cards, and sometimes their kids were embarrassed by their parents' behavior, especially if they had invited a friend to dinner. One time they took a board game into the restaurant, but in order to win the game you had to yell out the answer. Their family made quite a scene, but the waitstaff loved them, and said they were welcome back anytime.
I appreciate it when people go outside of their comfort zones and do unusual things. It makes the world much more interesting--and it makes for a great column, too.
If you'd like to play cards while waiting for your next restaurant meal, you're in luck. I'm giving away a brand new deck of cards. And even though you might just be playing 'Go Fish' you will look very literary to the other people in the restaurant because these cards contain quotes from Shakespeare. To enter the drawing, send an email (and tell me your favorite card game) to: [email protected]
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
* This month's Penguin Classics book is DEATH OF A HERO by Richard Aldington. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/July13Classics
AUTHORBUZZ: THE TUDOR CONSPIRACY (Fiction) by C.W. Gortner
When sister turns against sister, nothing is as it appears. A spy with a secret of his own, plunges into a dangerous game that could make Elizabeth the Tudor queen--or send her to her death. This fast-paced adventure, set in one of England's most fascinating eras, is full of suspense, passion and betrayal--a perfect summer read!
Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE TUDOR CONSPIRACY to read more and to email author C.W. Gortner, you'll get a reply.
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