2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

The story begins with a repeat of how the previous story ended, with Tony approaching Adam as he left Jules & Robin’s home. It then leads into what happened to Tony when he rejoined his teammates who’d witnessed the encounter. What did you make of the team members’ reactions before realizing they were bound by the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy? Were you able to see any impact of that policy on the team relations dynamic?

The team's reactions felt real to me. At first, they ignored Tony. I love how Tony broke the silence. Jay was hurt because Tony didn't trust him and left with the others following him. However, Tony was living with the possibility of being fired from a job he loved. I love Izzy's response. Shoulda, Woulda, coulda. Easy for him to say. Izzy recognizes that Tony can't talk freely about his sexual orientation.

Brockman showed the impact on the team perfectly.

This policy puts a strain on team relations. Tony's actions outed him to his team. Then he had to worry about their reaction and the fact that he could lose his job. And, of course, there were different reactions from the members of the team. Some were upset that Tony had never told them.

While I was familiar with the idea of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", I never thought of the practical aspects. Brockmann provides a realistic portrayal of the difficulties the gay soldiers had in not only keeping their personal lives secret but also the problems that their friends have in knowing but "ignoring" the truth. Trust in the military is so important and this policy was degrading and dangerous.

In terms of these characters, it reinforced my dislike of Dan Gillman (which is not improved in the next book either). He is such a self-absorbed jerk!

Ditto Sharon & Lauren. My Dad was career Army and one thing that’s drilled into soldiers (and their families) is the importance of following rules and order. Not doing so can cost you your career, and that includes family members.

Brockmann did an outstanding job of providing the nuanced impact on team relations. While they faulted Tony for not “trusting” them, Izzy got it perfectly right. I’m ashamed to admit I never considered the deeper repercussions. This was enlightening.

Lauren, I concur about Gillman. I really don’t like the guy.