Early Chapters Discussion: Nat [ Edited ]

[Stephanie]

It's an unlikely opening for a thriller, and an unlikely introduction to a heroine -- as we watch Nat Greco struggle to bring her law school class out of lethargy. What do we learn about Nat's weaknesses in these opening chapters? What about her strengths?

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Message Edited by Stephanie on 03-30-200702:12 PM

[PaulK]

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Stephanie wrote:
It's an unlikely opening for a thriller, and an unlikely introduction to a heroine -- as we watch Nat Greco struggle to bring her law school class out of lethargy. What do we learn about Nat's weaknesses in these opening chapters? What about her strengths?

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Note: This discussion topic is particularly suitable for readers who have only read the first part of Daddy's Girl, through the end of Chapter Sixteen. If you wish to discuss plot elements introduced later in the book, consider posting in a separate thread.

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.

Message Edited by Stephanie on 03-30-200702:12 PM

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I like how Nat is introduced. She has insecurities and is realistic because of them. My favorite character in Lisa's books is Mary DeNunzio (sp?). She had a lot of weaknesses but had the ability to step up when needed. I have a hunch Nat will have some similarities.

[Stephanie]

Paul,

Good point about Nat's insecurities being realistic. I considered her insight into her ineffectiveness a strength! At least she's not oblivious, right?

[Lo_Lo]

I appreciated that she wasn't intimidated, outwardly that is. We knew that she was doubting her own self worth in that situation. Add to that the entrance of the Dean of hiring and firing and she was intimidated even more. But she overcame her fear by doing something that was uncomfortable and out of the box. It looks like she gained respect from her students as a result. I like her.

[Donti]

I like this character, too. I agree with PaulK and Lo_Lo. It's good that Nat has weaknesses and insecurities. I do too, and it helps me to identify with her. I also liked the way she got the class's attention. I think she handled that situation real well.

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Thanks, Paul. By the way, Mary's coming back in the next book! Yay! After my father's passing, I found I couldn't write Mr. DiNunzio anymore - he has my dad's soul, I think. But after a few years I've gotten ready, and hope you are, too.

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Thanks! I like to write about normal women like us, and I think we all feel insecure at times, especially in front of a group. Also I wanted to write about a teacher because they don't get the credit they deserve, and now that I'm doing some teaching, I REALLY appreciate how much they do for all of us and how difficult their job is! Teachers rock!

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Thanks, Donti! I wanted to show that she was clever, even if she was anxious inside. I like what she did, too. It took me forever to think of!

[PaulK]

I finished the prison chapters and was not surprised that Nat has heroic abilities, all Scottoline female characters do.
However I have my doubts about Holt in the early going. Did I read it right? He has a beard and a pony tail?? He also seems engaging, considerate, and talkative. Hmmm! I hope you toughen him up a bit.
Now Nat's brothers seem like real men. Immature and self-centered. I bet they like dogs and not cats.

[kiakar]

I love Natalie. She is definitely a strong woman. Now, of course she has serious doubts, don't we all. Women will admit and show sometimes that there are definitely doubts at time but men want show it, but they too have as many doubts and insecureity moments as we do. I will just say we are smarter for admitting the truth about the matter!

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Paul, You are too funny! I'm so glad you're in the club again!

[Lisa_Scottoline]

I always wonder about making a woman main character insecure, because I worry that it will give the wrong impression of women. But I think the truest thing is that women - and men - feel strong sometimes and weak sometimes, and it's okay to admit all of that. Now I sound like Dr. Phil....

[kiakar]

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Lisa_Scottoline wrote:
I always wonder about making a woman main character insecure, because I worry that it will give the wrong impression of women. But I think the truest thing is that women - and men - feel strong sometimes and weak sometimes, and it's okay to admit all of that. Now I sound like Dr. Phil....

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Hey! You are probably as smart as Dr. Phil but you are quite more attractive than he is. By a long shot! I wish the other gender would admit to more weaknesses. I am sure they feel them the same as we females do. It might make them stronger against domestic violence. Also it would ward off alot of mental problems if guys could admit to being afraid and the feeling of weak alot of times in their lives.

[Lisa_Scottoline]

I agree with you but there are still people in society who think boys shouldn't cry! I mean, is that crazy or what. Sometimes I think our culture is so judgmental on hard on people of both sexes. People need to lighten up!

[PaulK]

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Lisa_Scottoline wrote:
I agree with you but there are still people in society who think boys shouldn't cry! I mean, is that crazy or what. Sometimes I think our culture is so judgmental on hard on people of both sexes. People need to lighten up!

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We discussed this when your last book was part of BNU. I am not commenting whether boys should or should not cry. However being raised a boy I can say that clearly you learned early from your friends that crying was a sign of weakness and should be suppressed at all cost. On the other hand kids can be mean and you can show off to your friends by making someone else cry.
Men do feel emotionally upset when something goes wrong just like women it is just that we are conditioned not to show it. So a woman can be very supportive to a man by showing empathy and concern even when a man is indicating he does not want it. In other words women need to be mind readers when it comes to dealing with men.
Sorry ladies but it is just they way we are.
The one exception to the boy rule about crying is mothers. It is OK to cry privately to your mother. I think that is one reason mothers always support their boys no matter what. The world often sees a man as cold and emotionally barren. Only moms know the truth about their boys. Moms are good!

[Stephanie]

Paul,

I'm not going to comment on whether or not boys should cry either- I think that anyone who shows emotion in the extreme is frowned upon in some sense - male or female. Perhaps it's that excess emotion used to be private... now it appears that "letting it all hang out" has taken on an entirely new meaning! What's nice about reading is that the character's thoughts (which are still private) let us feel that we're not alone in our thinking. Good authors show us that we're really not all that different.

[Depet]

Paul, I love your incite about boys being able to cry in front of their mothers. And that is so true-- a mother's love is unconditional.

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Agree, Debbie. Paul is so great and I do love that he appreciates moms. I just got off the phone with mine! I sent her a box of large print books and chicken potstickers. Now doesn't that sound like heaven? Am I the only one who is a total BOOKWORM, like Nat? And why is it so much fun to eat and read - two activities that are great alone and even better together!!!! xox