Each month we choose a newly released book that we feel is perfect for a book club. Then we roadtest it. Here are our thoughts on whether Anne Tyler’s A Spool of Blue Thread is a good pick for for book clubs.

There are no spoilers in this blog post. To read our notes from our book club discussion, click here.

The response from this month’s book clubbers was an overwhelming thumbs up! The book was considered utterly ripe for discussion with an unusual structure that divided readers – an essential element to any great book club pick. The wide range of characters of different ages and temperaments was also considered a plus as different readers connected with (and sometimes were frustrated by) different characters.

This novel is also a safe choice if you’re worried about offending anyone in your own book club. There’s no swearing, no graphic sex and no disturbing issues. The tale is not terribly bleak or depressing as the sad turns in the narrative are bolstered by Tyler’s warmth and humour.

The ideal reader would enjoy tricky family dynamics, and thinking about the nitty-gritty of character motivations. Fans of Alice Munro, Elizabeth Strout and, and of course, already-existing Anne Tyler fans are excellent candidates. (Half of our book clubbers were established Tyler fans pre-reading and assure you, this is not one to miss.)

Not to mention, the story is filled with themes and important questions about family and sacrifice. What makes a good marriage? What kind of stories do we tell ourselves and why? Tyler gives human relationships the thrilling drama of a car chase. Highly recommended.