Publisher's Synopsis
Threads in the Quiet: Behind the 8 Ball
Ethan Ryder's life is at a breaking point. His marriage is over, his career feels meaningless, and each step forward seems to knock him further back. Adrift and desperate for something - anything - to make sense, he stumbles into The 8-Ball Lounge, a shadowy pool hall that becomes an unexpected refuge.
In the dim light of the lounge, Ethan meets Victor, a sharp-eyed pool shark with an Irish lilt and an uncanny ability to read people. Victor's lessons extend far beyond the table, using the game of billiards to teach Ethan about resilience, balance, and the hidden patterns that shape both the table and life itself.
Through long nights of conversation and quiet self-reflection, Ethan begins to navigate the wreckage of his divorce, rethink his career, and rediscover passions he thought were lost. But as he starts to rebuild, life continues to test his newfound perspective - with high-pressure work challenges, the opportunity to mentor at-risk youth, and a lingering question: What does he truly want?
Life, as Victor teaches, isn't about perfect shots. It's about adapting to the table in front of you, learning from the misses, and trusting yourself to take the next shot.
Behind the 8 Ball is a heartfelt story about resilience, self-discovery, and the beauty of finding clarity in the chaos. For fans of character-driven narratives and those searching for their own way forward, Ethan's journey offers an inspiring reminder: no matter how far behind you feel, the game isn't over.
