IN HER NAME: Week of 2/22 - Reading & discussing chapters 17 - 23

[Michael R. Hicks]

Tease!!!  Besides, I don't deserve it.  I'm reading even further ahead. 

Bad Gertie! Bad!

NAH, NAH, I WAS RIGHT!!!  Okay, choking up, here, so you know what part I'm up to. 

For the benefit of those who I'm sure are lurking, I won't say anymore.  I'll wait for Jan's excellent questions.  (sigh)

The Plain of Aragon...cried myself the first time I read what I'd written. I guess the author's not supposed to do that, but I can't help it. I'm a big softy... 

[Dazlyn]

OMG!  This book is driving me crazy because I can't stop reading!  I received my first Kindle on Tuesday and started In Her Name on Wednesday in order to catch up with the book klub.  Now, I have caught up and I can't put it down.  Must......find.....out......what.......happens! 

I will still try to answer the questions, but right now I want to finish the chapter I am on.  Thanks Mike for a great book that has made me laugh, cry, and cheer.....so far.

Kelly

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

OMG!  This book is driving me crazy because I can't stop reading!  I received my first Kindle on Tuesday and started In Her Name on Wednesday in order to catch up with the book klub.  Now, I have caught up and I can't put it down.  Must......find.....out......what.......happens! 

I will still try to answer the questions, but right now I want to finish the chapter I am on.  Thanks Mike for a great book that has made me laugh, cry, and cheer.....so far.

Kelly

I usually read 3-4 books at the same time.  Sometimes I get to a point with one of the books where I have to stop reading anything else and finish it.  I'm getting that feeling with this one. 

[Michael R. Hicks]

OMG!  This book is driving me crazy because I can't stop reading!  I received my first Kindle on Tuesday and started In Her Name on Wednesday in order to catch up with the book klub.  Now, I have caught up and I can't put it down.  Must......find.....out......what.......happens! 

I will still try to answer the questions, but right now I want to finish the chapter I am on.  Thanks Mike for a great book that has made me laugh, cry, and cheer.....so far.

Kelly

Cheater! LOL! 

Glad you're enjoying it so much - faaar better that than "Oh, I can put this down any old time and forget about it..." D'oh!

So, where are you in the story now?

[Michael R. Hicks]

I usually read 3-4 books at the same time.  Sometimes I get to a point with one of the books where I have to stop reading anything else and finish it.  I'm getting that feeling with this one. 

Ohhh, just wait... 

[bkworm8it]

I usually read 3-4 books at the same time.  Sometimes I get to a point with one of the books where I have to stop reading anything else and finish it.  I'm getting that feeling with this one. 

your not done yet?!! How can you stand it? I stayed up all night and read book 2 through the end in one night.  But then again, I have no job, no family, no life, no ummm hmmmm ok I have pets that beg for food when I forget then I remember to feed myself too! They also get huffy when it's bed time so I had to move to the bed to read so they could sleep!

Ok I'm going to take a chance here and ask "What do I need to do to get an autographed copy?" Since I need to purchase a hard copy for my sis to read I would love a signed copy. Ok ready.. set...go... oh btw, I have no threshold for pain so I could not survive life on the Kreelan home world so think of something else!! LOL   

theresam

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

your not done yet?!! How can you stand it? I stayed up all night and read book 2 through the end in one night.  But then again, I have no job, no family, no life, no ummm hmmmm ok I have pets that beg for food when I forget then I remember to feed myself too! They also get huffy when it's bed time so I had to move to the bed to read so they could sleep!

I have no "paying" job, but somehow I've evolved into the family chauffeur, homework grandma, school volunteer (10 hours a week) and all around gofer.  I'm thinking of getting a pet so I have an excuse to stay home and enjoy my "retirement."   

Yes, it's been tough to hold back, but I'm not entirely a saint.  I have read a few chapters ahead Jodi and Eustus are flying in to rescue Reza, and I can't see how that will turn out well.

See, I'm just trying to take it easy on Jan.  If I read too far ahead, she's going to have to work faster on those questions.   

Does that excuse work for you?   

[bkworm8it]

I have no "paying" job, but somehow I've evolved into the family chauffeur, homework grandma, school volunteer (10 hours a week) and all around gofer.  I'm thinking of getting a pet so I have an excuse to stay home and enjoy my "retirement."  

Yes, it's been tough to hold back, but I'm not entirely a saint.  I have read a few chapters ahead Jodi and Eustus are flying in to rescue Reza, and I can't see how that will turn out well.

See, I'm just trying to take it easy on Jan.  If I read too far ahead, she's going to have to work faster on those questions.  

Does that excuse work for you?  

LOL Gertie, everytime I'm unemployed I wonder how I managed a job and everything else! Seems I'm busier when I'm unemployed and I don't even have kids yet to worry about. Now that's going to be fun.

Part of me wishes I hadn't read the book. Then I would be enjoying it right now! I envy those who are just starting or still reading. The same thing as with Outlander. Sometimes I wish I hadn't already read them so I didn't know what was coming and wanting to avoid some of it!!

Good for you on helping Jan out.  On that note - hey were are this weeks questions? Yeah I'm helpful <gggggg>

theresam

[Michael R. Hicks]

your not done yet?!! How can you stand it? I stayed up all night and read book 2 through the end in one night.  But then again, I have no job, no family, no life, no ummm hmmmm ok I have pets that beg for food when I forget then I remember to feed myself too! They also get huffy when it's bed time so I had to move to the bed to read so they could sleep!

Well, it's clear that you *do* have a job: pet servant! LOL! And it sounds just like one of our cats, Nina: when it's bedtime, she sprawls across the bed, shoving us all the way to one side. Good grief... 

Ok I'm going to take a chance here and ask "What do I need to do to get an autographed copy?" Since I need to purchase a hard copy for my sis to read I would love a signed copy. Ok ready.. set...go... oh btw, I have no threshold for pain so I could not survive life on the Kreelan home world so think of something else!! LOL   

theresam

Well, I'd certainly be happy to provide the autograph!    As for the mechanics of it, I suppose you could order it and have it delivered here, then PayPal me the cost to ship it to your sis (or back to you)? Courier pigeon (or African swallow, for those who remember Monty Python and the Holy Grail)...

[Michael R. Hicks]

I have no "paying" job, but somehow I've evolved into the family chauffeur, homework grandma, school volunteer (10 hours a week) and all around gofer.  I'm thinking of getting a pet so I have an excuse to stay home and enjoy my "retirement."   

Jeez! I better stay at work so I don't have to work that much! LOL!

Yes, it's been tough to hold back, but I'm not entirely a saint.  I have read a few chapters ahead Jodi and Eustus are flying in to rescue Reza, and I can't see how that will turn out well.

Um. Well, you probably already know by now how it turns out!

See, I'm just trying to take it easy on Jan.  If I read too far ahead, she's going to have to work faster on those questions.   

She's been giving me the evil eye this evening, muttering things about doing my own darn questions because she wants to read! D'oh!

[Gertie Kindle 'a/k/a Margaret Lake']

Well, I'd certainly be happy to provide the autograph!    As for the mechanics of it, I suppose you could order it and have it delivered here, then PayPal me the cost to ship it to your sis (or back to you)? Courier pigeon (or African swallow, for those who remember Monty Python and the Holy Grail)...

DG does signed bookplates.  That's something you can design and print on your computer.  One first class stamp to mail out and then the recipient can stick it on the inside of the book.  Just a suggestion.

P.S.  I'm falling asleep at the wheel, so I'll answer questions tomorrow.  No rush since it's just you and me.   

[Michael R. Hicks]

DG does signed bookplates.  That's something you can design and print on your computer.  One first class stamp to mail out and then the recipient can stick it on the inside of the book.  Just a suggestion.

P.S.  I'm falling asleep at the wheel, so I'll answer questions tomorrow.  No rush since it's just you and me.   

Hey, great idea! I'll look into that. I hate the idea of folks having to spend more money on shipping stuff around...

You, me, Theresa, and the crickets!   Kelly was here a while ago, but she must've been like the rest of you and pulled an all-nighter reading, and is now semi-conscious somewhere... LOL!!

No matter - for everybody (lurking or otherwise), ENJOY!

BTW - the next set of questions are up at http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,4732.0.html

[bkworm8it]

DG does signed bookplates.  That's something you can design and print on your computer.  One first class stamp to mail out and then the recipient can stick it on the inside of the book.  Just a suggestion.

P.S.  I'm falling asleep at the wheel, so I'll answer questions tomorrow.  No rush since it's just you and me.  

I like that idea as well. Easier than shipping the book all over....Unless Mike keeps stacks of them around the house LOL. (of course by your response I'm guessing that's a No  ) anyhoo, let me know if this will work for you mike. I can send a SASE <ggggg> and would not mind using something to stick in the cover of the book. Otherwise I'll figure out another way but may have to wait until job since shipping is not so cheap these days  !

theresam

[Michael R. Hicks]

Okay, 8 March questions are up: http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,5220.0.html

[Ann in Arlington]

Well I finally got through Chapter 23.  Please note it is NOT because I'm not enjoying the book.  Simply that I'm not having the time I'd like to read.  But I've been doing a chapter (at least) per night.

So, Fr. Hernandez. . . .the disconnect with him seems to be that he started out as a pacifist but gets all het up about Reza.  At first it seemed incongruous but on the other hand, he was hoping for a Messiah type -- and I would expect, had a very specific picture in mind.  Peacemaker type, lion and lamb to lie down, turn the other cheek, swords into plowshares and all that.  But Reza is patently NOT that type so the only alternative is to see him as the Anti-Chirst, as it were, and to destroy him.  I was impressed that Reza was able to win him over and hope to see more philosophical discussion between the two. . .the government is not wise in keeping them apart because Fr. Hernandez may be the one who could get Reza talking about his belief system.  Or not, he's still got a problem with not seeing men as all the way worthy.

Jodi. . .I like. . . .strong character. . . .that Nicole is her roommate:  kind of a 'duh'; figured she'd have to show up sometime otherwise why dwell on their relationship on Hallmark.

I expect Reza will be somewhat indoctrinated into the Marines, but I expect that to an almost equal extent, the Marines will be indoctrinated into his "Way". . . . .and I expect he'll have Eustus ending up as one of the best and strongest Marines because he'll treat him -- to an extent -- the way EZ treated him.  Gotta get rid of that sadistic Captain though. 

Ann

[Michael R. Hicks]

Well I finally got through Chapter 23.  Please note it is NOT because I'm not enjoying the book.  Simply that I'm not having the time I'd like to read.  But I've been doing a chapter (at least) per night.

I suffer the same problem - I love reading (and writing), but for some reason the last few months have hardly had any time to just curl up with my Kindle and read! Hmph!

So, Fr. Hernandez. . . .the disconnect with him seems to be that he started out as a pacifist but gets all het up about Reza.  At first it seemed incongruous but on the other hand, he was hoping for a Messiah type -- and I would expect, had a very specific picture in mind.  Peacemaker type, lion and lamb to lie down, turn the other cheek, swords into plowshares and all that.  But Reza is patently NOT that type so the only alternative is to see him as the Anti-Chirst, as it were, and to destroy him.  I was impressed that Reza was able to win him over and hope to see more philosophical discussion between the two. . .the government is not wise in keeping them apart because Fr. Hernandez may be the one who could get Reza talking about his belief system.  Or not, he's still got a problem with not seeing men as all the way worthy.

Actually, that's a very good point about it not being smart for them to have separated Hernandez, from Reza. Unfortunately, with someone like Dr. Rabat in charge...

Jodi. . .I like. . . .strong character. . . .that Nicole is her roommate:  kind of a 'duh'; figured she'd have to show up sometime otherwise why dwell on their relationship on Hallmark.

Yeah, the beginning of the book - particularly the time on Hallmark - was actually the toughest part to write. I went back and forth on that quite a bit. I know to some it seems like a disjointed piece of the story at first, but it sets up the relationship between Reza and Nicole as something much more than friends (although not lovers) - and she plays a very critical role in the story later (even beyond being Reza's friend once he returns "home" from the Empire).

I expect Reza will be somewhat indoctrinated into the Marines, but I expect that to an almost equal extent, the Marines will be indoctrinated into his "Way". . . . .and I expect he'll have Eustus ending up as one of the best and strongest Marines because he'll treat him -- to an extent -- the way EZ treated him. 

I think Reza simply tolerates the Marine training - after all he's been through, it's a cakewalk! And I think yes, Eustus winds up benefitting from the relationship - even if Reza doesn't beat him like Esah-Zhurah first did to Reza...

Gotta get rid of that sadistic Captain though. 

You'll be seeing lots more of him, unfortunately!

[Betsy the Quilter]

Instead of being in the book klub, I was reading the book!!!  I'm done but now I have some tim efor the book klub, so I'm joining this program already in progress.

Chapter 17

What are your first impressions of Jodi? Jodi is one of my favorite characters in the book.  Tough, takes no cr** off of anyone, good at what she does.  What's not to like?

Father Hernandez?  Not sure I trusted him....

Were you surprised at the way Reza first approached Jodi? Why do you think he singled her out over all of the others in Rutan at the time?  As others have pointed out, she was a woman warrior and that was the kind of person he was used to dealing with.

Now that we know why the Kreelans prefer hand-to-hand combat, do you find it surprising that the humans who have been fighting them for so long have never figured it out? Were you surprised at the way Reza fought and killed all of the Kreelans on Rutan? (1) I don't think the humans have thougt much about the reasons behind it, they've been so busy trying not to be decimated... (2)It's so contrary to human thinking, I'm not surprised that the humans haven't figured it out.  As for Reza, he gave up everything to defend his birth people; according to the code of honor he was raised with, it was his only option.

Chapter 18

Were you surprised to learn that the Confederation was considering a "deep scan" of Reza that would have left him a vegetable? What would you have done with Reza at this point?  No, not suprised, it's the typical response of a bureaucracy to steamroller over something it doesn't understand, especially someone who could be considered an "enemy combatant."  Not sure what I would have done, but I don't think I would have risked permanent damage to such an important resource.

Chapter 19

Did you find it rather ironic that the villagers who were so against bloodshed were getting worked up enough to rush out of the town and take on the Marines who had protected them, just to get to Reza?  I'm afraid that I think that for many people, their belief systems are very shallow, and in time of crisis, they revert to their worst natures....

Which side would you have been on in Rutan, fighting with the Marines to try to defeat the Kreelans, or remaining the village, standing fast in your belief that war and bloodshed are not the answer?  I don't know...I like to think I would be firm with my beliefs but I'm not sure....I guess if it were the difference between life and death I would trash my beliefs.   

Do you see any similarity between Father Hernandez' doubt in Reza's beliefs and the Empress' and Tesh-Dar's "experiment" to see whether humans had souls?  Very normal psychology to think your belief system is the right one and has all the answers.  Hadn't thought to compare them, good question!

Why is it so hard for Jodi and Father Hernandez to believe that Reza is homesick for the place he lived for so many years?  In their minds, it is an awful place filled with enemy creatures.  They no more think the Kreelans have souls than the Kreelans do about humans...

Chapter 20

What do you think your first impression of Reza would have been, if you were Commodore Sinclaire?

What were your first thoughts when you realized that Nicole was Jodi's commander and the person that she loved?  Not unexpected by that time.

Did you have any thoughts/ideas on what might happen when Reza and Nicole see each other again for the first time?  They had both moved on by that time; I thought there might be some awkwardness though.

Chapter 22

What do you think of Reza's re-introduction into human civilization so far? Do you think he's being treated well, considering where he came from? What would you have done differently, if anything?

I think he's being treated very well, and given some leeway, for instance, the hair...

Chapter 23

Okay, who cheered when Reza knocked Thorella off the bridge?  All of us!



Do you think the Ancient Ones are still watching over Reza? Do you think they have always been, and perhaps that's what Tesh Dar sensed in him?  Didn't Tesh Dar have the memories of all who came before her?  I think she knew someone was out there who would answer the prophecy, and her previous encounter with Reza when he was very young marked him in her mind.

Mike, this is just a fantastic book!!!  All of you who've finished should march your little fingers over to Amazon and leave some reviews!!!!  I did!

Betsy

[Michael R. Hicks]

Instead of being in the book klub, I was reading the book!!!  I'm done but now I have some tim efor the book klub, so I'm joining this program already in progress.

Yaay!

Were you surprised at the way Reza first approached Jodi? Why do you think he singled her out over all of the others in Rutan at the time?  As others have pointed out, she was a woman warrior and that was the kind of person he was used to dealing with.

Don't know if I'd mentioned this earlier, but when I was writing the book - and even as many times as I've read through it during editing - I never thought of why Reza showed up with Jodi. But this makes perfect sense...

Now that we know why the Kreelans prefer hand-to-hand combat, do you find it surprising that the humans who have been fighting them for so long have never figured it out? Were you surprised at the way Reza fought and killed all of the Kreelans on Rutan? (1) I don't think the humans have thougt much about the reasons behind it, they've been so busy trying not to be decimated... (2)It's so contrary to human thinking, I'm not surprised that the humans haven't figured it out.  As for Reza, he gave up everything to defend his birth people; according to the code of honor he was raised with, it was his only option.

I suspect the humans have given it a great deal of thought, but what conclusions could they possibly come to, knowing absolutely nothing about their enemy's motivations or true capabilities? There was no communication, no understanding of the enemy's motivations - nothing except for seemingly endless, bloody combat...

Did you find it rather ironic that the villagers who were so against bloodshed were getting worked up enough to rush out of the town and take on the Marines who had protected them, just to get to Reza?  I'm afraid that I think that for many people, their belief systems are very shallow, and in time of crisis, they revert to their worst natures....

I heartily agree - I think this is, alas, all too common even in "advanced" societies such as our own.

Why is it so hard for Jodi and Father Hernandez to believe that Reza is homesick for the place he lived for so many years?  In their minds, it is an awful place filled with enemy creatures.  They no more think the Kreelans have souls than the Kreelans do about humans...

Ha! Good point!

Okay, who cheered when Reza knocked Thorella off the bridge?  All of us!

The big scumball... Grrr...

Do you think the Ancient Ones are still watching over Reza? Do you think they have always been, and perhaps that's what Tesh Dar sensed in him?  Didn't Tesh Dar have the memories of all who came before her?  I think she knew someone was out there who would answer the prophecy, and her previous encounter with Reza when he was very young marked him in her mind.

Well, Tesh-Dar seems to have an extraordinary sense for the Ancient Ones, but it's the living Empress who embodies the spirits of all who came before her since the First Empress. But the Ancient Ones are left in a bit of mystery, perhaps to be explored in a later book...

Mike, this is just a fantastic book!!!  All of you who've finished should march your little fingers over to Amazon and leave some reviews!!!!  I did!

Thanks so much, Betsy, both for the kind comments and the review! Reviews are *always* welcome, and they're a big element in how well books do on Amazon, particularly from small/self-press publishers (like me!).