Comments on: Paco’s Story Readalong Week 2

By: Literary Feline

Literary Feline — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:36:16 +0000

I like the perspective the author chose to take with the novel, but I can’t help but wonder what is going on in Paco’s mind. I like how you described him as being motionless. That describes him perfectly. In as much pain as he is in and with the psychological weight of the war on his shoulders, is it any wonder?

By: Jules

Jules — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 19:27:55 +0000

He does seem focused on finding a job and a place to stay, but I think that’s all he can focus on. What else can he do?

I’m also intrigued by his thought process and what he was like before versus now. I want to know more about him, but we are only getting small glimpses of who he is.

By: Serena

Serena — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:12:27 +0000

I’m sure connecting is the hardest part of his return home.

By: Staci

Staci — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:27:48 +0000

I’m totally intrigued by this part of the story….I’m sure it’s easier to disconnect than to connect at this point in his life.

By: Serena

Serena — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:05:04 +0000

This is a re-read for me, so I’m sure that I’m noticing things I hadn’t noticed the first time I read this book.

By: Kris

Kris — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:51:53 +0000

It’s funny that for some reason I didn’t focus much on how Paco was just, well, a bit “out of it” and just sort of going through the motions and not really reacting. I think maybe I was focused on more on the actions he did do and the way people reacted to him. That’s one reason I’m loving participating in the read-a-long, I get to see what you and others are saying, and it seems to be things I keep missing.

By: Serena

Serena — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:07:07 +0000

Thanks for reading along…sounds like a book you should read.

By: zibilee

zibilee — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:30:50 +0000

It sounds like Paco is the epitome of the traumatized soldier but it also sounds as if the reader doesn’t know all that much about him personally. I am really interested in following this read along to discover more about this book because the Vietnam War experience is one that really interests me for several reasons. It does sound like a great read! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

By: Serena

Serena — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:05:13 +0000

I agree.

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:03:07 +0000

I must admit I am curious about his thought process, but it could be that he would just be focusing on the physical and mental pain and just getting through the day. That would make the ghostly narrator necessary to provide a glimpse of his surroundings. I think the narrator also is critical in showing what other people thought about the returning veterans, how much support — if any — they were willing to offer.