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Praise for
Bridge Table or What’s Trump Anyway?
From the World of Bridge
"There are millions of bridge players in
North America, even tens of millions, yet only a small
percentage are represented by the competitive bridge leagues.
Maggy wanted a book that put a spotlight on the vast majority
of players whom she feels are responsible for the growth of
the game. . . . The game comes in many possible formats. The
players decide what they want from the game. . . . decide what
it will bring to their lives, and there are no apologies
necessary for choosing to play sociable bridge.—Audrey
Grant,
Better Bridge
(Nov-Dec 2009)
"All bridge players who have an interest in the evolution,
history . . . of the game of bridge, should read this . . . .
A fascinating and original perspective about the early days of
yesteryear's sociable bridge . . . addictive . . . . Maggy Simony has produced something lasting and original . .
. introduced us to people who gave the game of bridge
momentum and kept it alive, exciting, and sociable . . . and
which continues to be played . . . by millions of bridge
players . . . . A unique time capsule.—"Claus and Raymond of
bridgeguys.com [an
Internet source of information for bridge-related items
regarding all aspects of the game.]
“Maggy Simony has provided a fascinating look at the world of
sociable bridge. At one level, Bridge Table is an ode to a game that
has brought enjoyment and community to millions of American women. On
another level, the book provides historical and sociological insight into
the rise and fall of a popular North American pastime. Although sociable
bridge’s heyday is in the past, Maggy is optimistic that the game is due
for a renaissance. Bridge players and students of popular culture alike will
find Bridge Table an enjoyable and interesting read.”—David Scott, author of Dissertation: “An analysis of adult play
groups: social vs. serious participation in contract bridge.” Leisure
Sciences, 14 (l), 47-67
"For someone like myself who
has been in the bridge world for over 40 years, it was
wonderful to visit those years just before I got involved . .
. the in-fighting, the self-promotions . . . especially
enjoyed the stories from the Culbertson era."—Jeff
Bayone [president of Manhattan Bridge Club];
It's Bridge Baby
“I think it’s [Bridge
Table] excellent – really. You’ve
hit the nail on the head – breaking down the barriers [between
serious and sociable bridge] is the key. . . . Bridge is
enjoying a good resurgence over here – and as you say
especially amongst the early retirees. That’s the market to
focus on . . . .”
—Andrew
Robson
[Andrew
Robson Bridge Club, London]
“The
book is extremely refreshing and original—well done!”—Pamela
Granovetter,
Bridge Today
"By
turns humorous and honest, pointed and passionate—and, above
all, with good table manners—Maggy Simony offers an insightful
look at where sociable bridge has been and an optimistic view
of where it might be going. Part affectionate history, part
clarion call—Bridge Table is
aces!”—Edward McPherson, The Backwash Squeeze
& Other Improbable Feats—A Newcomer’s Journey into the World
of Bridge
From the
World of Food
“Your
book is wonderful and deserves wide recognition. The ladies
luncheons described in Maggy Simony’s Bridge Table hearken
back to an era that predates the nouveau chic of celebrity
chefs and the blaring gaucherie of television cooking shows.
Here is a way of dining that is all about charm, sociability
and friendship—food as a way to share good times with others.
This book is a virtual time machine taking readers back to
those wonderful bygone meals.”—Jane
& Michael Stern, Roadfood.com
“A delightful look back at a time when
ladies lunched on creamed and curried dishes and molded
salads. Simony recreates bridge meals with affection and
precision.”—Dianne Jacob, Will Write for Food: The
Complete Guide to Writing Cookbooks, Restaurant Reviews,
Articles, Memoir, Fiction and more . . .
From
the Outside World
"Maggy
Simony’s book is delightful. Meticulously researched yet
conversational and personal, it vividly—and often
humorously—depicts an aspect of American life that hasn’t been
covered much in print. Bridge Table made me want to whip up
some chicken-salad-something-or-other, call up a few friends
and spend the day at the table like my grandmother used to
do.”—Amy Faust, Morning Show Co-Host, 99.5
The Wolf, Portland, Oregon
“After
reading Maggy Simony’s terrific book, now I know what’s
missing from my life. A weekly game of social bridge. Simony’s
fascinating look at the juicy—yes juicy—history of the game is
a real page turner. But her real purpose is to persuade a new
generation of women that this stimulating game can provide the
social glue of life-long friendships. Women today often feel
lonely for friends but neglect to make regular time for them.
Simony’s book will convince you that a weekly date around the
bridge table is the perfect antidote.”—Marla Paul,
The Friendship Crisis:
Finding, Making, and Keeping
Friends
When You’re Not a Kid Anymore
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