Chapters 9-10 Summary

Mrs. van Amersfoort tells Thomas that the first read-aloud meeting will be held at his house instead of hers. She also tells Thomas that it was arranged with the help of his mother and Aunt Pie. This makes Thomas nervous, but she tells him to breathe deeply and close his eyes. Thomas tells Mrs. van Amersfoort that he often sees Jesus, which she understands.

After dinner that evening, Thomas, Margot and Mother hurry to prepare for the reading aloud meeting, and Father is confused by all the activity. He knows nothing about the planned meeting. Three of Thomas's aunts arrive first, including Aunt Pie. Eliza also arrives, and says she would like to sit next to Thomas. Then the group is joined by Mrs. van Amersfoort and four elderly women friends, carrying the gramophone and records.

When the program begins, Thomas...