Afternoon Book Club
An Invisible Thread
Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
March 10, 2015
“An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break.” -- Ancient Chinese Proverb
Readers discussed the author’s story and shared personal stories of their own. They voiced a heartfelt reaction about the author’s connection with young Maurice and supported her activities on his behalf. All were impressed with the introduction of Laura’s family and their acceptance of Maurice into their lives.
Readers wholeheartedly believed in Laura and Maurice and were impressed with Laura’s dedication to Maurice’s welfare and acceptance of his good nature. She believed in him despite his desperate home life. Most agreed that Laura went above and beyond what they would have done for him, but wished that they could have been as generous with their time and resources. Maurice’s expression of gratitude and his acceptance of her good wishes drew the attention of book group members.
There was a brief discussion of the influence of the author’s own family on her relationship with Maurice. Readers felt that the relationship between Laura and Maurice went above and beyond a substitute for what was missing in her biological families, forging a stronger bond. Maurice changed the course of his life as a result of his friendship with Laura and created his own nurturing family dynamic.
All agreed that the author wrote a beautiful story about unique circumstances. There were enough successful outcomes to lighten up the sadness of the character’s lives. The story focused on love overcoming trying circumstances and the redeeming value of true friendship and goodness.
Have you read An Invisible Thread? What did you think? This virtual book club discussion is open to all to comment on.
A couple of us were a tiny bit disappointed in the quality of the writing, though not the story itself. Maybe a good companion book to this one would be The Other Wes Moore (which I keep meaning to read) about two young men -- both African-American, both from a fatherless home, both grew up in the same gritty Baltimore neighborhood -- who end up in totally different places -- the one who has written the memoir has an Ivy League education and successful career, the other is in jail for life without parole.
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