This is not the kind of book I could finish and then just go on to another book. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland. . . An Amazon Best Book of the Month for February 2015. ANNE TYLER is the author of more than twenty novels. . They were getting ready for bed at the time. The caller is their son, Denny. I couldn’t wait to finish reading it to see if anything ever interesting happens. Please try your request again later. “Whitshank residence,” he said. A Spool of Blue Thread review – in defence of Anne Tyler. There are a number of her novels in the 'library' downstairs, and they have been added to my (ever-growing) to-read pile. Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2015. probably the best novel you will read all year.”—Chicago Tribune“A miracle of sorts . Please try again. Sale Price $2.60 $ 2.60 $ … . This is not the kind of book I could finish and then just go on to another book. . . The spool of blue thread plays an integral role at the end of the book and it is the perfect title for the ongoing narration by Anne Tyler. She’s a comic novelist, and a wise one.”. Does this book contain quality or formatting issues? These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2017. The Whitshank family is a typical Baltimore family, one of blue-collar workers whose hard work has brought them success. [She] has a knack for turning sitcom situations into something far deeper and more moving.”—The New York Times Book Review“By my count I’ve now reviewed around fifty books for USA Today. 41 by George W. Bush A Last Goodbye by J. Would you read this for us? Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2018. I have always previously enjoyed Anne Tyler's books but this one disappoints, it's disjointed and at times lacks the empathy that is her hallmark. Please try your request again later. There are resentments about who is doing more, which child was loved most, and who will help with their parents as everyone realizes that the couple may not be able to live alone much longer. Vintage; Reprint edition (April 26, 2016). A Spool of Blue Thread Anne Tyler No preview available - 2015. Very disappointed in this one. [Anne] Tyler remains among the best chroniclers of family life this country has ever produced.”—The Washington Post“Quintessential Anne Tyler, as well as quintessential American comedy . Their four children are grown now and Abby and Red are slowing down as they age into their sixties. Although set in Baltimore, the characters reminded me of people and dynamics within my family and the families I grew up with in Minnesota; not exactly endearing, not exactly offensive, but in that grey area of complacency and nothing special. Navy Blue 100% Polyester Thread. Perspective is everything in this book. A Spool of Blue Thread is Anne Tyler’s twentieth novel and it shows in every flawless sentence... A stunning novel about family life which just rings so true—it depicts the bonds and the tensions, the love and the exasperation beautifully... A terrific novel.” —The Bookseller, UK (Book of the Month) The Whitshank House on Bouton Rd, lovingly, carefully and painstakingly built by Junior Whitshank for Mr. Ernest Brill, was eventually home to Junior, … Why did she jump to that subject? Graceful and capacious . A Spool of Blue Thread is a miracle of sorts, a tender, touching and funny story about three generations of an ordinary American family who are, of course, anything but . Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 15, 2017. Her newest book chronicles the Whitshank Family, and the family history they've created for themselves. (By the way, what happened to the 'gay' plotline that went NOWHERE with Denny). I've sadly never read a novel by Anne Tyler before, and I didn't realise what I had been missing. “Happily, A Spool of Blue Thread is a throwback to the meaty family dramas with which Tyler won her popularity in the 1980s... As in the best of her novels, she here extends her warmest affection to the erring, the inconstant, and the mismatched—the people who are ‘like anybody else,’ in … An Amazon Best Book of the Month for February 2015: It’s pretty clear that Anne Tyler is comfortable with the art of storytelling. Their four children are grown now and Abby and Red are slowing down as they age into their sixties. All 110 characters in A Spool of Blue Thread are listed by chapter with character descriptions included. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2015. I needed a little time to let go of where I was in the story, and to process the way that the author gave me all I needed to tie up all the loose ends without insulting my intelligence. A Breath of Fresh Air, Welcome back Anne Tyler! I have read a lot of Anne Tyler's books over many years and this is the first I can remember that left me feeling disappointed. Red, a dark, gaunt man in striped pajama bottoms and a white T‑shirt, had just sat down on the edge of the bed to take his socks off; so when the phone rang on the nightstand beside him, he was the one who answered. Tyler has a knack for turning sitcom situations into something far deeper and more moving. . Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2019. Why did she add this add some question? . This is her twentieth novel; her eleventh, Breathing Lessons, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1988. Additional gift options are available when buying one eBook at a time. Throw in the two daughters and their families and wait for it all to explode. Please try again. This is a multi-generational story of a family on many different levels. Quintessential Anne Tyler, as well as quintessential American comedy. . A Spool of Blue Thread was unsettlingly familiar to me — like when you walk into a hotel lobby and just know you’ve seen that tomato-red Persian rug before. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Unable to add item to List. My main question throughout the book way, "Why?" I have read a lot of Anne Tyler's books over many years and this is the first I can remember that left me feeling disappointed. Denny left and went back to his life away from his family, and they all just went their separate ways. Look for special features inside. . Sold by Kevabooks and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, No Import Fees Deposit & $9.48 Shipping to Singapore. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2015. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It is a novel to cherish. The thing I liked least was the ending. Start with an elderly couple living in their dream home but needing 'help'. There was nothing wrong with the characters or the setting, but the structure really annoyed me. They are such ordinary families in Anne Tyler's books, yet they always think of themselves as extraordinary, as special and admired and unique. I was excited to read this one as well. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Although the children are grown, that doesn't mean there are no more sibling issues. Throw in the two daughters and their families and wait for it all to explode. It's a winding tale of several generations of the same family, moving back and forward. She’s a comic novelist, and a wise one.”, The Restaurant (The Nantucket Restaurant series Book 1), The Queen of Paris: A Novel of Coco Chanel, Reckless Memories (The Wrecked Series Book 1), Trouble in Bayou Sabine: A Bayou Sabine Novel (The Bayou Sabine Series Book 1), Dark Stranger The Dream (The Children Of The Gods Paranormal Romance Book 1), Red Mountain: A Novel (Red Mountain Chronicles Book 1), Growing Season: a novel (Book 1) (Melinda Foster Series). I'd hoped that somehow the blue thread would be like the "tie that binds", but it was just a separate afterthought. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2019. Please try again. Had it not been a Book Club choice I suspect I would not have been as patient , and possibly not finished it, as I cared too little for the central characters and their outcomes. In the end I was left asking, "Why did I waste my time?" To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. Although I did like the character development and back stories. Red, a dark, gaunt man in striped pajama bottoms and a white T‑shirt, had just sat down on the edge of the bed to take his socks off; so when the phone rang on the nightstand beside him, he was the one who answered. Additional gift options are available when buying one eBook at a time. I have real Anne Tyler before and have really enjoyed reading her books. There was a problem loading your book clubs. It was kind of depressing. All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. This is a fast read, sadly, and when I finished it I was sad that there were no more pages to turn. Quintessential Anne Tyler, as well as quintessential American comedy. [The Whitshanks are] rendered with such immediacy and texture that they might be our next-door neighbors.”—Los Angeles Times “The magic of Tyler’s novels [is that] you imagine these characters carrying on, muddling through, enduring the necessary sorrows and quiet joys of their lives somewhere beyond the page.”—The Seattle Times “The sort of novel that’s hard to disentangle yourself from. Why did she leave me hanging on this topic? I love Anne Tyler. . The book has a few separate "books" within it, and the whole story revolves around the family home, which has a life of its own. Her great gift is playing against the American dream, the dark side of which is the falsehood at its heart: that given hard work and good intentions, any family can attain the Norman Rockwell ideal of happiness . A Spool of Blue Thread Quotes Showing 1-30 of 92 “Houses need humans,” Red said. Late one July evening in 1994, Red and Abby Whitshank had a phone call from their son Denny. The thing I liked least was the ending. There are resentments about who is doing more, which child was loved most, and who will help with their parents as everyone realizes that the couple may not be able to live alone much longer. As the story opens the reader sees Abby and Red Whitshank receiving a call from their middle child, Denny, who has … Her eleventh novel. A lifelong feud. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. --This text refers to an alternate. Jr Whitshank, Abby, and Denny are key players in this story, as well as Red and Stem. Please try again. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 31, 2017. 11:19:15. Abby was standing at the bureau in her slip, drawing hairpins one by one from her scattery sand-colored topknot. Do you believe that this item violates a copyright? Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Is she going to give closure to any of the multiple story lines she has started? Its probably an ideal beach book or a curl up by the fire read, just a nice easy read which I would thoroughly recommend. Are all families like this? A Spool Of Blue Thread was a Man Booker nominee as well as an Orange Prize nominee. I've sadly never read a novel by Anne Tyler before, and I didn't realise what I had been missing. (By the way, what happened to the 'gay' plotline that went NOWHERE with Denny). A Spool of Blue Thread, her 20th, is no exception. A Spool of Blue Thread. You could say she writes in a rambling prose throughout the book in revealing the characters to the readers as she goes. They are strong people who want to make the best possible lives for their families, except maybe for Denny, who seems to want any family but his own. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant: A Novel, “Graceful and capacious . We work hard to protect your security and privacy. I know mine are, which is why so many of Anne Tyler's books strike a chord. Do you think he’s the main character? Join the Random House Reader’s Circle for author chats and more. ” This is how Abby Whitshank always describes the day she fell in love with Red in July 1959. Details . Abby was standing at the bureau in her slip, drawing hairpins one by one from her scattery sand-colored topknot. If not, who is? There was a problem loading your book clubs. Although set in Baltimore, the characters reminded me of people and dynamics within my family and the families I grew up with in Minnesota; not exactly endearing, not exactly offensive, but in that grey area of complacency and nothing special. (Whether I'll ever get to them is another matter...). Red is the head of his own construction firm while Abby was a social worker. Winter 2015 Reading List. My main question throughout the book way, "Why?" . Sold by SKMG and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. I know mine are, which is why so many of Anne Tyler's books strike a chord. I love Anne Tyler. She s a comic novelist, and a wise one. Brimming with all the insight, humor, and generosity of spirit that are the hallmarks of Anne Tyler's work, A Spool of Blue Thread tells a poignant yet unsentimental story in praise of family in all its emotional complexity. 3/21 Spool of Blue Thread—Anne Tyler Reviewer: Mimi Roberts 4/25 – The Storied Life of A.J. A Spool of Blue Thread is a 2015 novel by American author Anne Tyler, following the trials of the Whitshank family. It's a new Anne Tyler! Start with an elderly couple living in their dream home but needing 'help'. Don’t recommend it unless your life it totally boring. 250 yards Aquiestoi. Once again, her focus is on the relationships … Anne Tyler's expressive writing makes the reader visualize the "paper towel box in the attic" or the muffins being cut exactly as described. . To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. They were getting ready for bed at the time. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2016, Wow. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2016, Wow. [an] understated masterpiece.”—Associated Press“Exploring [the] dichotomy—the imperfections that reside within a polished exterior—is Tyler’s specialty, and her latest generation-spanning work accomplishes just that, masterfully and monumentally.”—Elle“The story of any family is told through the prism of time. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. A Blue Thread is a first-of-its-kind blog commenting on topics of interest to the Jewish community from a Karaite perspective. . . What are the main themes of the novel? What's not to love? . What is most remarkable about it is the extent to which Tyler is able to relax into an ordinary, homely … I felt it just got chopped off, like there was no real future. A Blue Thread leverages the resources of the entire Karaite Jewish community to become your go-to site to learn about Karaite Judaism, its rich culture and its contributions to Judaism as we understand it today. Bring in one of their children and his family to help out then introduce the missing son with chips on both shoulders to stir things up. Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group. . Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. I felt it just got chopped off, like there was no real future. I found it a bit confusing at first, and there was a lot of shifting around in time periods and character studies. They were getting ready for bed at the time. The Secret Life of Evie Hamilton: A Heartwarming Family Saga, Birthright: A novel about three siblings and one fortune. Her great gift is playing against the American dream, the dark side of which is the falsehood at its heart: that given hard work and good intentions, any family can attain the Norman Rockwell ideal of happiness . Fiction Literature. . In the end I was left asking, "Why did I waste my time?" Quintessential Anne Tyler, as well as quintessential American comedy. Denny left and went back to his life away from his family, and they all just went their separate ways. It's a new Anne Tyler! , A story of loss that's unsettlingly family, yet not quite satisfying, Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2020. “Whitshank residence,” he said. I love Anne Tyler with a big love, so there was never any doubt about my enjoying this. Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2018, I couldn’t identify with characters. This book written by Anne Tyler and published by Bond Street Books which was released on 10 February 2015 with total pages 304. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. PART ONE Can’t Leave. I suspect so, to a degree. A Spool of Blue Thread is the twentieth adult novel by award-winning American author, Anne Tyler. There was nothing wrong with the characters or the setting, but the structure really annoyed me. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! I suspect so, to a degree. Her characters practically breathe. A Spool of Blue Thread shows how lives intersect -- very rarely neatly -- and how that messiness gives meaning to every human connection. Unable to add item to List. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Abby From shop Aquiestoi. I couldn’t wait to finish reading it to see if anything ever interesting happens. . Although the children are grown, that doesn't mean there are no more sibling issues. This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction and those interested in … 3. I have always previously enjoyed Anne Tyler's books but this one disappoints, it's disjointed and at times lacks the empathy that is her hallmark. Navy Blue 100% Polyester Thread. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin Reviewer: Cele Covatta 5/23 – My Year in Harper by Malcolm L. Wilkinson See More books on the website! Brimming with all the insight, humor, and generosity of spirit that are the hallmarks of Anne Tyler's work, A Spool of Blue Thread tells a poignant yet unsentimental story in praise of family in all its emotional complexity. Bring in one of their children and his family to help out then introduce the missing son with chips on both shoulders to stir things up. "New York Times Book Review, “Graceful and capacious . In her 20th novel, the American chronicler of domestic life slyly dismantles the myth-making behind all our family stories. Part Four: A Spool of Blue Thread Chapter 14 A Note About the Author Reading Group Guide. 1 LATE ONE JULY EVENING IN 1994, Red and Abby Whitshank had a phone call from their son Denny. "A Spool of Blue Thread" by Pulitzer-Prize-winning author, Anne Tyler, chronicles the loves and lives of three generations of the Whitshank family living in Baltimore, MD. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. Many of the other reviews mention that the book doesn't really "go" anywhere, theres no real conclusion and that's true. Her great gift is playing against the American dream, the dark side of which is the falsehood at its heart: that given hard work and good intentions, any family can attain the Norman Rockwell ideal of happiness . . All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. It is a novel to cherish. It's a winding tale of several generations of the same family, moving back and forward. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. . To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. A Spool of Blue Thread Anne Tyler No preview available - 2015. A. Jance All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Being Mortal by Atul Gawand Betrayed by Lisa Scottoline Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty Blood Magick by Nora Roberts Captivated by You by Sylvia Day Curves 'Em Right by Milly Taiden Dark Places by Gillian Flynn Fall Of Giants by Ken Follett I needed a little time to let go of where I was in the story, and to process the way that the author gave me all I needed to tie up all the loose ends without insulting my intelligence. Perspective is everything in this book. Why did she jump to that subject? , A story of loss that's unsettlingly family, yet not quite satisfying, Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2020. From Red’s parents, newly arrived in Baltimore in the 1920s, to the grandchildren carrying the Whitshank legacy boisterously into the twenty-first century, here are four generations of lives unfolding in and around the sprawling, lovingly worn house that has always been their anchor.NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY PEOPLE AND USA TODAY | NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Washington Post • NPR • Chicago Tribune • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Telegraph • BookPage. , one of blue-collar workers whose hard work has brought them success or computer - no Kindle required. Restaurant: a Heartwarming family Saga, Birthright: a novel, wears its domesticity proudly its! Of Fresh Air, Welcome back Anne Tyler with a big love so! In 1988 she has started start with an elderly couple living in their dream home but needing 'help ' happy. Late one July evening in 1994, Red and Abby Whitshank always describes the she. 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Author, Anne Tyler is the twentieth adult novel by award-winning American author Anne Tyler and published by Bond books.