Early Chapters Discussion: Looking Backward

[jweinstein]

Other characters in the story are happy to give Katie an explanation about why she can't leave the past alone: turning forty, perfectionism, need for adventure. What do you think is prime reason Katie Schottland decides to look into why she was fired by the CIA?

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Note: This discussion topic is particularly suitable for readers who have only read the first part of Past Perfect, through p. 69. If your post includes a revelation from a later point in the novel, please include the word "Spoiler" in the subject line of your post.

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[jweinstein]

Let's look at this question in a different manner:

Can you think of examples where closure was denied you and you are -- to this day -- left wondering on what happened?

Do you think it's healthier to let it go, or to pursue all ends to get that closure? (Leading comment: Recent studies are showing that closure is overrated.)

-Jerry the Mod(erator)

[KathyS]

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jweinstein wrote:
Let's look at this question in a different manner:

Can you think of examples where closure was denied you and you are -- to this day -- left wondering on what happened?

Do you think it's healthier to let it go, or to pursue all ends to get that closure? (Leading comment: Recent studies are showing that closure is overrated.)

-Jerry the Mod(erator)

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Jerry, since I seem to be the only opinion, at the moment, (unless you want to offer yours) I guess I'll offer it...for whatever it's worth.

Without getting into my own personal situations, yes, there are times when I wished I had closure to some things in my life, and hopefully it's not too late. And closure is, in my opinion, not overrated. Basing this on the worthiness of psychological values. Leaving things unsaid, or unfinished, always will sit in the back of your mind, whether you realize it, through cognitive thinking, or not. The subconscious is notorious for beating you up, when you are least aware of it.

Now, as far as Katie is concerned. That's something I wondered about throughout the book. Should she let it this problem go, or should she persue it. The longer you leave a problem, the harder it is to go back and try to resolve it. And obviously, there were lots of people who thought she should just drop it. I think she stuck it in the back of her mind, and was willing to ignore it, until that fateful call came from Lisa.

But dealing with the CIA? Not an agency I'd want to deal with, no matter how many years went by! She should have pursued it at the time she was let go, but, she was young.... Now, I have to hand it to her, she's a gutsy lady.....if not still a tad naive! :-)

[kiakar]

Jerry, I certainly understand Katie's motive. The CIA or the PYD (just made up) fired you, I believe they owe you some kind of explanation, don't you? That is suppose to be an American given right to know the reason for getting fired? Isn't it? If the CIA is an American orginization ,then they need to act like Americans and not like communists. Right? I hope they aren't really like this in real life, but who knows! I have heard stories about them and the FBI, so they need to act more American than German spies. I guess this is the basic of this book, to tell the difference between them? Great book! It is keeping me on my toes, wondering, pondering, who is quilty, who is not? Oh! by the way, I was fired once, and the reason they gave me was nonsense so I saught out the real reason. And I am afraid I got them demoted! But I didnt want the job back, it wasn't very American!

[jweinstein]

kiakar,

Many states in the US are "work for hire" which seems torn right from the pages of misleading rhetorical turns of phrase like "Blue Skies Initiative" and "death tax."

Work for hire means that you can be fired with no notice and no reason need be given. New York is work for hire.

There is a paradox regarding intelligence work. Presuming that your firing wasn't political (like say the six district attorney's now testifying in front of Congress), it was a matter of somehow compromising intel. Providing a substantive reason from the POV of staff would seem to be counterintuitive, yes?

-Jerry the Mod(erator)

[kiakar]

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jweinstein wrote:
kiakar,

Many states in the US are "work for hire" which seems torn right from the pages of misleading rhetorical turns of phrase like "Blue Skies Initiative" and "death tax."

Work for hire means that you can be fired with no notice and no reason need be given. New York is work for hire.

There is a paradox regarding intelligence work. Presuming that your firing wasn't political (like say the six district attorney's now testifying in front of Congress), it was a matter of somehow compromising intel. Providing a substantive reason from the POV of staff would seem to be counterintuitive, yes?

-Jerry the Mod(erator)

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Jerry,

I live in Virginia and I don't believe we have that. I think they have voted on it before. I worked for the State of Virginia for twenty eight and some odd months and they have a grievance committee that goes all the way up to the Director of the work affairs. Mine didnt even have to pursue that far before some so the light! It was a pushover situation that you find in alot of jobs across America.
I guess if you look the wrong way or don't say the right thing you could get fired. That is a boistous law! Another one of those rich boy schemes to rid the middle person of all their pride and pennies. Oh! Well! So the World turns lopsided alot!
Thanks! Linda

[jweinstein]

Did anyone -- post Scooter Libby trial -- think of this? The Wilsons are pursuing a civil complaint and a filim is in production.

I can imagine VPW being unmasked in the process...

-Jerry the Mod(erator)

[juliejon]

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jweinstein wrote:
Other characters in the story are happy to give Katie an explanation about why she can't leave the past alone: turning forty, perfectionism, need for adventure. What do you think is prime reason Katie Schottland decides to look into why she was fired by the CIA?

---

Note: This discussion topic is particularly suitable for readers who have only read the first part of Past Perfect, through p. 69. If your post includes a revelation from a later point in the novel, please include the word "Spoiler" in the subject line of your post.

Click on "Reply" to post your thoughts about this discussion topic, or click "New Message" on the main page to start a new topic thread.

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I was of the opinion in the beginning that she should move on. However, the kind of rejection she suffered in her dismissal was of a type that can cause the greatest trauma..WHY? I think that is the universal question of being on this planet..why. In order to give her present life some meaning and direction, she truly needs to answer this question. The more the answer ekudes her, the more compelling the search for the truth.

[kiakar]

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juliejon wrote:

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jweinstein wrote:
Other characters in the story are happy to give Katie an explanation about why she can't leave the past alone: turning forty, perfectionism, need for adventure. What do you think is prime reason Katie Schottland decides to look into why she was fired by the CIA?

---

Note: This discussion topic is particularly suitable for readers who have only read the first part of Past Perfect, through p. 69. If your post includes a revelation from a later point in the novel, please include the word "Spoiler" in the subject line of your post.

Click on "Reply" to post your thoughts about this discussion topic, or click "New Message" on the main page to start a new topic thread.

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I was of the opinion in the beginning that she should move on. However, the kind of rejection she suffered in her dismissal was of a type that can cause the greatest trauma..WHY? I think that is the universal question of being on this planet..why. In order to give her present life some meaning and direction, she truly needs to answer this question. The more the answer ekudes her, the more compelling the search for the truth.

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Juliejon you are so right! I bet she searched her mind for days and weeks maybe longer, trying to cunger up reasons for this abrupt action on the agents part. I have always felt firing belittles a person even though the statistics are that a person gets fired usually more than one time in their lifetime.Even if Katie had a good self esteem, before this, it would have to level it off some what. It seems to me by being fired, after I got over the hurt and dismay, my curiosity would drive me to find out the reason. I think once Lisa called, that was enought to peek her desires full force and she headed for the nearest phone. Have you finished the book yet? I have read it and really enjoyed it. I do not know why more people aren't posting.

[jweinstein]

May I also offer that sometimes we think that we have made peace with the past when a loose thread become visible and that reignites unresolved feelings?

I had a falling out with a close friend. The reasons were very vague - growing apart, etc . but there is some mystery. I know that his wife, with whom I matchmade the couple - stopped liking my presence and never told him why. We were like brothers going back to college and still have mutual friends. On a daily basis I have let go, but seeing him puts the matter front and center...

Lisa's call must have had some of that impact, yes?

Susan, in any of your drafts did you have Ben contacting your heroine?

-Jerry the Mod(erator)