Review: The Uncommon Thread by R. Scott Anderson

For the past three years The Uncommon Thread has been one of the most popular regular features of the JOURNAL: of the Mississippi State Medical Association.

Only a state with a literary tradition as rich as Mississippi’s would dedicate a regular column to literary exploration as part of its monthly scientific medical journal. A strong literary commitment is not something new for the JOURNAL; The Uncommon Thread sprang fully formed from its progenitor Una Voce, which now continues under the pen of its founder Dr. Dwalia South.

But, for two years a madman held Una Voce captive while its true author was serving as the president of the Association and then engaged in both her own and her husband’s battles with cancer. By the time she recovered and returned to restore sanity to her own column, the editors were stuck trying to find someplace to put a stream of consciousness gadfly that somehow continued to charm at least as many readers as he antagonized.

Thus The Uncommon Thread was born. So, try a story or two, if you don’t like them, read a few more. Because, in here, you never know what’s going to show up next.

Hardcover, 205 pages
Published June 20th 2012 by China Grove Press
ISBN: 9780985267
(Goodreads)

Review:

R. Scott Anderson’s The Uncommon Thread is a hilarious romp through the musings of a deep thinker.  Albeit irreverent at times, there is something to be learned from Anderson.

The short essays are witty, full of quips and jabs, but not demeaning or degrading.  They are fun, quick reads, all with a message to be taken from them.  Several had me actually laughing out loud, some in thoughtful silence.  Others brought me to near-tears.  What you need to know going into these essays is that you will see life through the eyes of a very intelligent doctor, and reevaluate how you see your own life, how seriously or not you take it, how you will let what you read and learn change you.

I liked the honest voice in which each essay was written.  It was relatable and genuine, like going to coffee with a dear friend and discussing the latest adventure and lessons learned.  There was a bit of comfort and nostalgia, mixed in with just enough excitement to keep you drawn into the story.  Several short stories were included as well.  Some were humorous, others verging on unusual or weird.

One of the great things about reading a compilation of short stories or essays is that it is full of variety.  I never got bored reading Anderson’s writings!  They were captivating.  I tended to enjoy most reading his retelling of something that happened within his family, stories about his children especially.

This is a fun, easy read that will open your mind, give your funny bone a workout, and most of all, entertain you.

Get to reading,
Richard

*This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review