Welcome to the final week’s discussion of….
Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler
For the final week of our September book club, please finish the book if you haven’t already. Don’t forget to join us this Thursday, September 28 at 4:30PM EDT to discuss the book on Zoom.
Then, head to the comments below to share your thoughts about the book!
The author of this month’s selection, Lyn Liao Butler, will be joining us on Thursday, September 28th at 4:30pm EDT to discuss her book! Visit the “Book Club Discussion” event page for more details.
Here is how you can obtain a copy of Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler:
Borrow Online
Most libraries in the U.S. allow patrons to borrow e-books or audiobooks through online systems or applications you can download to your smartphone. OverDrive and Hoopla are two of the most popular services. Red Thread of Fate is currently available on OverDrive HERE. If you are in New York State, you can apply for a library card online HERE.
Order a Hard Copy
Contact your local bookstore to see if they are shipping books! We highly encourage you to support the independently owned bookstores in your area.
Or
Visit BookShop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to financially support independent bookstores and give back to the book community.
Or
Read on Your Smartphone, E-Reader or Tablet
Don’t have a Kindle? You can download the Kindle app for free on your smartphone or tablet!
Or
Don’t have a Nook? You can download the Nook app for free on your smartphone or tablet!
Having any issues getting the book? Call (888) 713-3495 for assistance!
Are you new to the book club? Joining is easy! Follow these simple steps:
- Obtain a copy of the current book.
- Read the book club article (updated every Tuesday) to find out the assigned chapters for each week.
- After reading a section of the book, share your thoughts in the comments section of this article below.
- Finally, at the end of the month, join us on Zoom for our group discussion with fellow readers. (September’s Zoom session will take place on Thursday, September 28th at 4:30pm EDT. Click here for more details!)
What did you think of the book? Comment below to share your thoughts!
COMMENTS
37 responses to “Senior Planet Book Club: Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler”
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ?
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).
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?
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Well said, Mary!
Thank you Candi.
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.
Hi,
How do I receive the link to the book club?
Thanks
Hi Lindsay! The link to the group discussion on Zoom will be provided in tomorrow’s book club article.
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?
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?
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.
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.
where do I FIND the book article for today? Thank you!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
12 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
29
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
13 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Krakow, Poland!
線上購物
線上購物
本講座將提供有關使用流行網站 Amazon.com 在線購買從洗碗精到日用雜貨等所有商品的一般介紹。
15 events,
31
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
8 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
P2P Payment Services
P2P Payment Services
In this lecture, you’ll learn about some of today’s most popular P2P payment services, including PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
0 events,
4
15 events,
5
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
13 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Seville, Spain!
管理個人隱私簡介
管理個人隱私簡介
一起來學習互聯網隱私維護的小貼士吧!
14 events,
7
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
8 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
9
0 events,
10
12 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
12
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
12 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Shopping
Online Shopping
This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
14 events,
14
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
8 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
This presentation will introduce you to apps that help you learn different languages, explore the arts and art history, and even show you how to play instruments.
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Today's session has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please join us next week.
0 events,
16
0 events,
17
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
19
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
13 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
In this introductory lecture, we'll go over what you need to start your first meeting, as well as some hosting tips to make it a success.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
21
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Food Delivery Apps
Food Delivery Apps
Learn about the pros and cons, how to search for new restaurants, and how to leave a tip and rating.
10 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Podcasts
Podcasts
In this lecture, you'll learn more about these audio programs available on the internet: why people listen to them, where you can find them, and what the most popular ones are.
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
*REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
13 events,
25
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Health Resources
Online Health Resources
Learn how to evaluate health-related information online.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
26
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
12 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Tunis, Tunisia!
關於 Zoom 的一切
關於 Zoom 的一切
了解如何使用 Zoom 與家人朋友聊天以及參與 Senior Planet 線上學習!
15 events,
28
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
9 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Travel Sites
Online Travel Sites
Learn the basics of using online travel sites to find the best fares and rates for just about any destination.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Krakow, Poland
線上購物
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Money Matters
Morning Stretch
P2P Payment Services
Tai Chi
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Seville, Spain
管理個人隱私簡介
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
Online Shopping
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Learning Apps – Languages & The Arts
Tai Chi – CANCELED
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Hosting on Zoom
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Food Delivery Apps
Morning Stretch
Podcasts
Mobile Health Apps
Morning Stretch
Online Health Resources
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
MyChart
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Tunis, Tunisia
關於 Zoom 的一切
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Morning Stretch
Online Travel Sites
Tai Chi
Recent Articles
Recent Comments