Early Chapters Discussion: The Prison

[Stephanie]

Nat is anxious on her visit to the Chester County Correctional Institution -- and justifiably so, as it turns out. What do we learn about her during the tumultuous events in Chapter 5? How would you have reacted in similar circumstances?

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[Donti]

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Stephanie wrote:
Nat is anxious on her visit to the Chester County Correctional Institution -- and justifiably so, as it turns out. What do we learn about her during the tumultuous events in Chapter 5? How would you have reacted in similar circumstances?

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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.

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Under those conditions, I probably would have panicked or become hysterical! I thought Nat reacted very well, having the presence of mind to try to stop the CO's bleeding and give him CPR. I don't think I would have been able to think clearly in those circumstances.

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Me, too! I just want to add that I did lots of research for that scene, spending the day in the prison to see how a riot would start and how it would be quelled, too. The prison officials really were helpful, and it was a real eye opener, and all that research went into the book. Hope you like it!

[PaulK]

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Lisa_Scottoline wrote:
Me, too! I just want to add that I did lots of research for that scene, spending the day in the prison to see how a riot would start and how it would be quelled, too. The prison officials really were helpful, and it was a real eye opener, and all that research went into the book. Hope you like it!

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Good chapter. I enjoy how you handle the high suspense, action scenes. That was liked about your first book and keeps me coming back. Also it has to be a tough job to work in a prison.

[kiakar]

This prison scene is a terrifically written chapter. marvelous suspense it brings to life. This has opened up my interest into "what is up with this" and how did this all happen in a prison. I think alot of these questons I have zumming around in my head will be answered in another few chapters or by the end of the book.

[Stephanie]

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kiakar wrote:
This prison scene is a terrifically written chapter. marvelous suspense it brings to life. This has opened up my interest into "what is up with this" and how did this all happen in a prison. I think alot of these questons I have zumming around in my head will be answered in another few chapters or by the end of the book.

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Linda,

I agree about the suspense- as a matter of fact, I was so caught up that I read that whole scene too fast and had to go back and reread twice to get all the details!

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Thanks Kiakar and Paul! I have such a hard time writing action because I actually have to almost choreograph it in my mind and I even stand up and act stuff out in my office. (Dork alert!) Then once I get it down on the page, I have to edit like crazy so it reads smoothly. You guys made my day with your very kind comments!

[Lo_Lo]

I agree with Stephanie. I'll have to re-read the chapter about the riot to see if I missed anything.

Something I picked up about Nat's experience in the prison was that she was (is) intuitive. I suspect she'll use that skill as the book moves along. How would I have handled myself in that situation? I would have flipped out.

Lisa, I so enjoyed reading about the research aspect of this book. It is very cool to have that sort of behind the scenes knowledge. As a reader I don't know that I would have considered that you had spent a day in a prison. That must be why Nat's feeling of apprehension was portrayed so well. And acting out the scene...again I would have never considered that that would be part of writing about the experience. Thanks for sharing that. This sort of information is what makes this virtual book club so different than those that are live.

Message Edited by Lo_Lo on 04-06-200707:40 PM

Message Edited by Lo_Lo on 04-06-200707:42 PM

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Thanks, Lo Lo, and also for what you said about the research. I do love it, and fore this book, it was a real challenge. I can't say more on that now or it will give away the surprise ending, but remind me at the end of our club and I'll give you the dish.

[Depet]

I agree Stephanie, I too had to reread the chapter,it was SO full of action and fear. I always pay full attention when I read Lisa's books, knowing I might be participating in the book club.

[Depet]

I am truly amazed you spent the day in prison, searching for research of course!!
The shock, fear, anxiety and anger Nat feels are palpable--great job. I always learn something new from every book I have read of yours---thank you.

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Thanks for the props, Debbie, but I think it's my job. I have done almost everything my heroines do - shot guns, taken boxing lessons - once I even drove my car up the Art Museum steps (hwere Rocky ran up) to see if it could be done (it can). I did that for Legal Tender, I think. I love to do research, and the only way to show the reader exactly what it was like is to go out and do it! And I always learn unexpected stuff. For example, the way the inmate started their fire in the prison - by collecting their feces and lighting it - was what they actually did in the prison I visited. You can't make that up!

[PaulK]

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Lisa_Scottoline wrote:
Thanks for the props, Debbie, but I think it's my job. I have done almost everything my heroines do - shot guns, taken boxing lessons - once I even drove my car up the Art Museum steps (hwere Rocky ran up) to see if it could be done (it can). I did that for Legal Tender, I think. I love to do research, and the only way to show the reader exactly what it was like is to go out and do it! And I always learn unexpected stuff. For example, the way the inmate started their fire in the prison - by collecting their feces and lighting it - was what they actually did in the prison I visited. You can't make that up!

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Whoa! You drove your car up the Art Museum steps! Who did you get permission from? I gotta do that.
I am one of the many idiots who ran up the steps and danced around like Rocky. Probably the must do thing if you visit Phila.

[Depet]

I guess truth is stranger than fiction---it's amazing what the criminal mind can do (lighting your on feces on fire), maybe it's all the free time they have to think.

[Lisa_Scottoline]

Permisson?! No way. I waited until midnight, drove around Eakins Oval a few times for courage, then got up the nerve and did it! Like I say, it was my gutless reversing backwards that almost killed me. But happily, the Philly police had somewhere else to be at the time.....

[Lisa_Scottoline]

GREAT to meet ypu at the B&N Freehold signing!!!!! Thanks so much for coming out and saying hi!!

[Stephanie]

Lisa,

If you're going to do any more driving stunts, give me a call, I want to come along!

[Lisa_Scottoline]

How good is your deductible? xoxo

[Stephanie]

Aw, I trust you. Sorta.

Honestly, I wouldn't even think to research the way you have - but I could learn some pointers, eh?