2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

The NYPD hires its first Italian American police officer, Gino Donatelli. How well did the author portray the prejudice and the irony of it? Was he instrumental to the case?

When I learned they had hired an Italian American police officer, I wandered how the Italian immigrants would handle him. Would they think he would always side with them? Would he work harder than the Irish cops?

I think Gino is a good addition to the series. He seems like a smart guy. I'm hoping we see him again in these books.

There’s no way the author could ignore the prejudices of the era and I thought she handled it well. She showed how Frank was skeptical about the hire but came to see how useful Gino was with the case. That’s how attitudes change.

It was smart of Roosevelt to realize that officers from other ethnic groups would benefit the force.

Gino's character was very likable. A bit naive (to be expected as a rookie), but also quick on his feet and he contributed a lot to the investigation.

I also hope we see more of him.

Me, too, Lauren.

Jonetta wrote: "There’s no way the author could ignore the prejudices of the era and I thought she handled it well. She showed how Frank was skeptical about the hire but came to see how useful Gino was with the ca..."

You're right Jonetta. I like when the author leaves all these prejudices typical of the era instead of going for the kind of perfect protagonist that'd be considered open minded even in the present day.

Me, too, Giulia. The story would have been less authentic.