COMMENTS

37 responses to “Senior Planet Book Club: Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler”

1. Just jumped in today; don’t think I’ll be completely caught up by tomorrow’s Zoom but I’ll try, I’m already immersed in the characters . The flow is quick, with back & forth thoughts and conversations but I think I’m keeping up! See y’all tomorrow!

   Reply to Maureen Pyburn

2. Hi all,I finished the book it was a great book as two cultures Chinese and
   Taiwanese interact. Tam is still greving
   over Toneys’ death. She is having doubts whether she should go ahead with the adoption.Tam does not stand up for her self and don”t want nobody telling her anything.There are several different foods mention,and many cultural things that take place.Tam is
   feeling so guilty after reading Mia”s dairy.I was so glad Adam came in the picture,there was a happy ending for all.

   Reply to Mary (Angellove)

3. When, in Chapter48, Tam says “I let my hurt overpower the needs of a helpless little girl…” I thought of how often we make snap decisions, often without concern for or awareness of the outcome.

   Reply to Candi Foster

4. I keep feeling that the other shoe is going to drop on Tam’s adoption of Charlie.
   Why are the officials rushing the two mothers? Why change plans about taking money to the bank? Will someone claim the adoptions are illegal? Curiouser and curiouser.

   Reply to Candi Foster

5. So glad to see the many comments. The book has taught me to ask hard question and listen then make a decision. I agree with another reader–Angela is far to mature in her thinking and understanding for her age. I’m so looking forward to the discussion on Thursday. Remember to have your comments and questions ready as we have limited time with the author! Have a wonderful rainy weekend.

   Reply to Saundra Woods

6. Regarding the “Red Thread” referenced in the book and the connections it signifies, I recently read another novel, Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club, by Roselle Lim, in which the “Red Thread” figures prominently in traditional Chinese culture. Professional matchmakers depend on their ability to “see” red thread connections between clients and potential mates.

   Reply to Bernadette Session

7. Just finished and can’t wait for the discussion. Loved it so much, I actually sat up all night to finish it.
   The August Wilson’s play turned movie, Fences happened to be showing today which addresses one of the issues Tam has to come to grips with.
   I don’t like spoilers for those who haven’t finished reading so I won’t elaborate further.
   Great choice.

   Reply to Cleta Bradwell

8. I didnt quite like the going backand forth but it gives me feel of each person.It seems that Tam has been sheltered all her life.When Toney got killed, she was totally unleased,were her friend Abby seems a good friend she has some past that she finally share some with Tam.She had a feeling that her husband had fathered a daughter by Mia name Angela.Tam and Tony were to adopt a little boy name Charile from China, and now Angela since both parents have been killed.Now she has a overfull plate.

   Reply to Mary (Angellove)

9. I got so involved in the book that I didn’t catch some of the nuances in chapters 21-24. So, I’ve gone back to see what I missed.
   As another reader said, Tam seems very naive. Is it because of the culture she grew up in? As a girl, was she entitled to the same educatiion
   as the boys? These are questions I want to answer.
   This is a book that generates a great deal of thought and is also sa pleasant story.

   Reply to Candi

10. Is there any reason why we read these books so quickly? Week 2 and we are up to Ch 40? I am a fast reader but can’t keep up with the schedule. Is anyone else finding the same ?

    Reply to Pat

    1. Hi Pat, just read at your own pace; you don’t have to follow the schedule nor the threads here. Reading is meant to be enjoyable, so enjoy the read and if you don’t finish tune in to the Zoom discussion and enjoy the comments (if you don’t mind spoilers).

       Reply to Cleta Bradwell

11. That looks like an amazing book and will for sure check it out. What is the best way to start a book club with other seniors?

    Reply to Bobby Sands

12. I began to read this week’s portion and never stopped until I finished the book. To quote from ch 43: “it was like staring at the scene of an accident. She was horrified but unable to tear her eyes away”. Like others have said, though- I found the dialogue and Mia’s letters to be a bit tedious, and lost patience with Tam’s drama. Seriously, wait till you get to her first night with her new son!

    Reply to Ellen McNett

13. Wondering: Are Tony and his “cousin” actually married?
    Why does Tam refer to all she has done for them? Was she a surrogate mother and is Angela her child?
    What do you think?Candi

    Reply to Candi Foster

    1. Candi:Tam founded out though Mia journal that actually she was a orphan, and Toney family took her in a raised her but no cousin of Toneys’.She revels all this in her journal. Also loving Toney when she was 6 years old.

       Reply to Mary

14. I’m just a few chapters in; another good read. I’ll hold my comments for the discussion. Glad to see so much interest though.

    Reply to Cleta Bradwell

15. I will finish this book (Chap 23 now) but am finding Tam a bit annoying. For me, the writing style doesn’t flow and I’m skim-reading the long irrelevant conversations. Would a child of that age simply be allowed to stay with Jenny under these circumstances? Wouldn’t there be far more intervention by the police and the State both in terms of her care, guardianship and investigation of the deaths? Angela also seems mature beyond her years. I preferred the previous book.

    Reply to Christine McLafferty

16. Started reading this thinking it was historical fiction..Nope. It quickly grabbed my attention with the characters, but I find myself thinking, “Who’s this??” I guess I’m the loner here: I’m invested in the book, so I want to finish it, but I feel like I’ve been yanked along with all the “secrets,” waiting to be told…and I kept wondering when I was going to KNOW those secrets. (One I had guessed). I’m at Chapter 25 and hope it gets better. Thinking I like HF better.

    Reply to Mary Ann Cole

17. I am loving this book. There is so much secrecy and mystery. I am enjoying the complexities of all the characters and the tensions that exist within the Taiwanese & Chinese cultures. Looking forward to the book discussion on Zoom.

    Reply to Deborah Vaughan-Gaines

18. I am really enjoying reading this book. I also like the use of Tam’s brother having to translate Mia’s journal. I am just as anxious as she seems to be to get the next translation.
    I was sorry that I missed the Zoom meeting today. Is there any transcript of the meeting? Thank you for recommending this book.

    Reply to Chrissy

    1. Hi Chrissy! The Zoom meeting is actually scheduled for Thursday, September 28th, so you haven’t missed anything yet. Feel free to keep sharing your thoughts here in the comments until we meet on Zoom on the 28th!

       Reply to Nicole Alcime

19. I am loving this book. Actually read through to ch 20 in one sitting! I noticed also how it focuses on developing female characters – does the “red thread” link also apply to men, according to tradition- does anyone know? Tam’s mother’s comments also inspired me to try to find out more about the origins of the perceived difference between Taiwanese and Chinese persons. I am excited to read on and discover the conflict between Tam and Mia. Also how Angela reacts when Charlie arrives!

    Reply to Ellen McNett

20. Hi
    I am loving this book,the characters are having so many secrets.Their culture is so interesting. Also you can feel the pain and fear in Tam.It makes you keep on reading to see what’s coming next.

    Reply to (Mary) Angellove

    1. Well said, Mary!

       Reply to Candi Foster

       1. Thank you Candi.

21. I am enjoying Red Thread Runs Through It. It is sometimes difficult to keep the characters straight, but I figure it out.
    Interestingly, the characters, except Tony, are all female. Unless I missed it, Tam’s father is not even given a name. The women certainly have their weak moments, but for the most part, they are stronger than even they knew. I’m anxious to see how Tam grows as the story continues.
    I enjoy learning about the Chinese culture and castes.
    The red thread. It touches all of us.

    Reply to Candi Foster

22. Hi,
    How do I receive the link to the book club?
    Thanks

    Reply to Lindsay

    1. Hi Lindsay! The link to the group discussion on Zoom will be provided in tomorrow’s book club article.

       Reply to Nicole Alcime

23. This book is fascinating. I wonder why the author chose to tell the story as she does, jumping back and forth in time? iIt allows her to set up tension around the mystery of why Tam and Mia don’t get along. Still, there are other ways of doing that. Perhaps it makes for a more interesting character development. Any ideas?

    Reply to Nancy McDowell

    1. Nancy, the “jumping back and forth” (flashback) is simply a technique that some authors believe adds more “depth”. Do you think maybe this is Butler introducing the two characters and setting a mood?

       Reply to Candi Foster

    2. A lot of the books I’ve read recently jump back-and-forth in time. I believe it may be the author’s way of creating intrigue and seeing the development of what happened in the past and how it manifested in the present. As for this story, I have my assumptions of what happened in their past, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out to be something entirely different from what I envision. For these reasons, I’ve found this book hard to put down.

       Reply to Carol Howard

       1. Finished the book, and actually enjoyed reading it. I’m the outlier here, because I enjoyed the back and forth timeline; for me it gave voice to Mia/Mei and the tragedy of unrequited love & her desperation, which I think can be traced to her childhood in an orphanage.
          For an educated person, Tam’s naivete was somewhat tiring. I liked Abby, Bee and the dogs. Adam the pediatrician is an interesting character, too. I do yoga, o the yoga classes references were good for me.

24. where do I FIND the book article for today? Thank you!

    Reply to Katherine Hope Schutte

    1. Hi Katherine! The article you commented on is actually the book club article. We update this article every Tuesday. Feel free to join the discussion right here! Visit the Book Club Archives page every Tuesday to read the most updated book club article.

       Reply to Nicole Alcime

25. The book selection this month was intriguing. I chose the audio version as a rural resident I do quite a lot of driving. This book had me looking for opportunities to drive and then added to my walking time and the while working on a puzzle. Looking up the meaning of the red thread as the author connects the characters has kept my interest. Hope y’all are enjoying the story.

    Reply to Susan Kempthorne

    1. Hi Susan! Glad to hear you’re enjoying this month’s selection. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the readings as the story unfolds.

       Reply to Nicole Alcime

    2. Hi, Susan. I too like the meaning and imagery of the red thread. I was also interested in the meaning of white. I looked up other colors such as blue, green, yellow. Each one has a special meaning.

       Reply to Candi Foster