2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Our historical angle comes from Joan’s grandparents, Charlotte and Vince. Your opinion of their story? What did you make of Vince’s role in the early formation of the SEALs? Why didn’t Joan know about his history?

I enjoyed this story. A lot of people returning from the war never talked about what happened. Maybe that is why Joan knew nothing about her grandfather's role in the war.

After the first three WWII stories, which I found difficult to relate to because of the profound sadness and knowledge that many of the characters were dead, the last two have been excellent.

I loved Charlie and Vince's romance but was a bit sad that Vince thought he was second best throughout their marriage.

The fact that he was one of the first Frogmen (early Navy SEALs) was a delightful twist.

As to why Joan was unaware of the family history, it seems her family were so preoccupied with her brother's mental problems that anything else took a back seat.

I loved Charlie and Vince’s story as it was so realistic, honest and authentic. Vince’s influence in the formation of the early Navy SEALs was such a bright light and happy twist. Both of their post war traumas were the stories of many, many others of that era.

Joan didn’t even know Edna wasn’t Charlie’s mother! I was quite surprised she was unaware of that and Vince’s history but after you mentioned her own dysfunctional family issues, Lauren, that was my aha moment.

Jonetta wrote: "Joan didn’t even know Edna wasn’t Charlie’s mother!."

Learning this was actually a wonderful moment. As far as the Da Costas are concerned, Edna was 100% part of the family. Vince is really a special person.

Edna was a remarkable character. If only every mother-in-law was so gracious.

I loved Charlie and Vince's story, but I've loved all the WWII stories so far.

It didn't surprise me that Joan didn't know her family history. I don't know if anyone read The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. The reason he wrote the book is because so many of that generation were dying, and very few shared their history of WWII. Brokaw worried that all their memories and some great events in history would be lost. The norm was that the men and women never talked about what happened because they did what was expected of them.

Charlie was closer to Edna than Edna was to her son. I can see why Joan would think she was her biological mother. I grew up thinking my grandmother's childhood friend was my aunt until her funeral, when my mother told me they lived next door to each other from the day they were born. After they married they bought houses next to each other. They were closer than many siblings.

Thanks for sharing that, Sharon. I remember when Brokaw was promoting his book and it made me sad to think there might be generations that didn’t know these stories.

Being a military brat, there are so many people in my life who I call aunt or uncle who aren’t blood relatives. I can identify with your personal story.

I loved Vince and Charlie's story. I'm not surprised that Joan didn't know their history. The war is something they just didn't talk about. Vince being a frogman was an awesome part of the story.

Now that you mention it, my Dad never talked about the war in my presence. I had to sneak and eavesdrop when he talked with his Army buddies.