Our June CC Book Club selection is A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler, the story of a Baltimore family whose history is told through several generations.
Discussion begins June 1st. Please join us!
Oh, I just read that about a month ago. If I can remember what happens long enough, I’ll join in! 
I adore Anne Tyler.
Looking forward to it. Thanks, Mary13.
Always happy to read the newest Anne Tyler. I got introduced to her in college when I took a creative writing course at the Radcliffe Institute with a bunch of middle aged women (who are now all my age) who recommended her to me so enthusiastically I’ve been a fan ever since.
I’ve actually already read A Spool of Blue Thread. When I finished it, I wanted - needed - to talk about it with someone. So … yea!!
I’ll reread it and join you guys June 1.
I’ve always loved Anne Tyler. It’s tough for me to choose a favorite but Ladder of Years may be the one. I’m anxious to read A Spool of Blue Thread.
I started A Spool of Blue Thread today. I read it in February but wanted to read it again for the discussion. If I remember correctly, it reads quickly so no problem finishing before June 1.
I liked it (the first time I read it) and look forward to the discussion.
I’m glad it reads quickly because I haven’t started it yet! Just finished As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (reading along with my high school junior).
Favorite Anne Tylers: Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Ladder of Years, Saint Maybe. Should probably go back and read some of the older ones I haven’t read in decades.
A favorite Tyler: Saint Maybe - and I want to reread it at some point.
A not-so-favorite Tyler: *The Accidental Tourist
^agreed and agreed.
My favorite is Celestial Navigation, but it’s also very sad.
Ladder of Years amused me greatly because we used to go every year to the beach in Delaware with my in-laws and I could really relate to just walking away from it all. Though ironically she walks into a life that is not very different from the one she left.
On page 304 of spool of blue thread.
I, also, liked Ladder of years, one of few books I read twice, and Seperated by decade or more. My older self, gleaned more from the story.
I had trouble with A Spool of Blue Thread because I got bogged down at about the halfway point (after a certain major plot development) and didn’t want to continue…though of course I finally did. Thanks for your encouragement, ignatius!
I agree about the major plot point.
@ignatius. Just finished the book ( very quick read) and understand why you would want to discuss this.
Afraid, I might forget much of it before the discussion, but not that major plot point.
Just downloaded. Please no spoilers! I want to reread some of the mentioned titles but searched my bookcases in vain. They must have been read durng the years of weekly library visits with kids at home.
I just got back from a 2 week trip. I started A Spool of Blue Thread last night. 
I guess I should get off my iPad and go read!
I did not think much of it in the beginning. Glad I stuck with it! Will finish it this weekend.
Welcome to June and our discussion of A Spool of Blue Thread!
I have a great deal of respect for Anne Tyler’s writing. When it’s hard to put down a book that’s essentially about nothing, when you keep turning pages because you’re dying to know what color a porch swing ends up….that’s a pretty good storyteller.
Also, I have to add that you people should write the blurbs on book jackets. One of the things that kept me reading on was curiosity about the repeated references above to a “certain major plot development.” As various surprising plot points revealed themselves, I kept wondering, “Is this it? No wait, is this it?” Until boom! Poor Abby. I guess that was it.
From a literary/organizational perspective, I wasn’t bothered by Abby’s death. Elderly parents die (although granted, not usually like that) and the death allowed Tyler to explore Red’s grief, the actions of the adult children, the dismantling of the treasured home, etc.
But I did have other issues with the story, one being no follow-up to that opening phone call from Denny about his being (possibly) gay. To me, it just hung over the story and I kept waiting for any kind of reference. I even thought for a moment that the lover waiting at home for Denny (with whom he had those secretive, whispered conversations over the phone) might be a man. But no, just some mysterious woman named “Allie.”
So, let’s begin! Discussion questions below to peruse if needed.