Lost Connections: Exploring Family Estrangement Book Club Discussion

In "Fault Lines," Karl Pillemer explores the agony of family estrangement, affecting over 65 million Americans. Drawing from a decade-long Cornell Reconciliation Project, Pillemer combines survey data, in-depth interviews, and insights from family experts to offer a unique guide on healing fractured families.

“Unresolved rifts can precipitate chronic stress in one or both participants that undermines their emotional and physical health. The resulting anxiety or depression can worsen heart disease and diabetes, cause reproductive problems, undermine immunity and even shorten the person’s life, studies have suggested. On the other hand, rifts can sometimes be health-saving for the person who precipitates them. For example, people may cut a relative out of their lives who is physically or emotionally abusive or engages in criminal activities or other antisocial behaviors they find threatening or abhorrent.”

The book addresses key questions, provides clear steps for reconciliation, and reassures those experiencing estrangement that they are not alone. Pillemer combines dramatic stories, science-based guidance, and practical tools to help readers navigate the path to reconciliation in an era of diminishing family cohesion.

Join us for this end-of-year book club where we discuss and reflect on our relationships, with a focus on the theme of estrangement.