2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Sophie has the job of interviewing the incredibly boring, arrogant William Harrington for the paper. Share your thoughts on their meeting and the fact he skipped out on the race he was so adamant about winning. At this point, did you in any way connect his disappearance with the scientists’ project?

He was certainly an inconsiderate fool. I have no idea how he thought his life would turn out well, but I did not connect him to the scientists' project as an illicit offshoot of the research until very much later in the story.

I thought he may have been kidnapped by someone who wanted information on the Alpha Project since he said he was part of the project. I couldn't imagine lining up a reporter to attend the race and take his picture, then just flaking out and leaving town.

He was so egotistic I was really surprised when he didn't compete in the race after making such a big deal about it. I thought he had been kidnapped and was surprised that Sophie waited before she tries to track him down.

Yes, I immediately thought of the scientists in Alaska because of the beginning of the book but didn't put it together with his brag about the Alpha program at this time.

I agree with Robin. I thought he was kidnapped by someone who wanted more information on the Alpha project. I did think it had to do with the Alaska project but I didn't think the scientists were behind his disappearance.

Actually, now that I think about it, do we really know how Harrington disappeared so suddenly? It could have been that he was kidnapped by the fake security guard the scientists were using. Or it could have been that they simply called on him and told him that he had to go right away. He probably would have gone without being kidnapped, so that's probably what happened.

Jessica wrote: "Actually, now that I think about it, do we really know how Harrington disappeared so suddenly? It could have been that he was kidnapped by the fake security guard the scientists were using. Or it c..."

I returned my book to the library, but I thought they said he wouldn't have left the race voluntarily because it was so important to him. He wanted Sophie to write about it, and he wanted to post his results on his blog.

Jessica wrote: "Actually, now that I think about it, do we really know how Harrington disappeared so suddenly? It could have been that he was kidnapped by the fake security guard the scientists were using. Or it c..."

How Harrington ended up in Alaska was never made clear. I can't see him ditching the race to go to Alaska. He called all over town trying to get coverage for the race. Why wouldn't he leave after the race?

Robin wrote: "Why wouldn't he leave after the race?"

Exactly what I thought. I wonder if the scientists had him kidnapped because they realized Harrington would get a lot of attention from the race and they didn't want any focus on him. Sorry if you all already figured that out. I am slow on the uptake lol.

Great points! It wasn't made clear why he fell out of the race to go to the Alpha project. My assumption was that they contacted him making it sound urgent that he come immediately - as in come now or forfeit your spot in the Alpha project. His ego wouldn't have allowed him to refuse.

Excellent point, Jessica! That explanation makes the most sense.