COMMENTS

16 responses to “Senior Planet Book Club: Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea”

1. I just googled your book club, I saw you finished & discussed “Good Night Irene” last Thursday. By coincidence I am in the middle of reading this book, and very sorry I missed your discussion. My Dad was in the army during WW2, overseas from early 1942 until December 1945,in N Africa,Italy, D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, France & Germany. My Dad never discussed the war. This book’s details of the day to day relentlessness and danger he & others endured all those years, helps me understand.

   Reply to Marjorie Ruppel

2. I got a late start but am thru Parts 1 and 2. Appealing for two reasons: 1) I am a retired Air Force officer so am glad that the story included the Dollies work with the air crews in England; and, 2) my dad was a WWII infantryman in Europe (Nov ’44 to the end) so this provides some new images of what he might have experienced over there. I have also developed a new appreciation for the damage and destruction of combat in a small town, and the amazing odor of war — especially, of the “grunts.”

   Reply to Eric Wallace

3. Parts 2 & 3 are filed with romance as well as the tragedies of war. Irene who had an abusive childhood, does not trust men and is determined not to become romantically involved with anyone. As the story evolves, however, she meets Handyman(Hans) a fighter pilot, and they fall in love. He is respectful and kind. They have plans for the future when the war ends, but tragedy strikes when Hans and his plane are gunned down at the end of Part 3. I am hoping for a miracle and a happy ending!

   Reply to Carol Perlowski

4. My parents were in San Diego having moved there from Wyoming to help in the war effort. Mom shared stories of comradery with others who had relocated. I’m seeing the same connections. Enjoying the read and look forward to discussing.

   Reply to Mary Johnson

5. This book is well written and gives a glimpse of the war not covered in high school history class. I would probably not have selected this if I was just looking for “a read” but I have been drawn in by the characters, their motivations for signing on and the growing complexities of relationships.

   Reply to Cassie Elliston

6. Excellent, enjoyable read. Won’t spoil it for everyone else. However, I enjoyed the emotional highs and lows of the Dollies (yes, I went there, LOL). It made the war more personal, despite this having happened the middle of the last century. The personalities of the women, their expectations when they signed up for the duty, are presented well in the story telling.
   Despite the tragedies on war, the ending is a delight.
   Looking forward to the group discussion.

   Reply to BERNADETTE SESSION

7. Hi, am probably too late to start this one but do we know what the December read will be?
   Thank you.
   Regards,
   Janice

   Reply to Janice Sheppard

   1. Hi Janice! We will share a poll in the weekly book club article on 12/5 for participants to vote on the books we’ll read in December and January. The results of the poll will be shared in the weekly article on 12/12.

      Reply to Nicole Alcime

8. Just getting started with this book it is interesting

   Reply to Nancy Olsen

9. A well written book that is both emotional and informative. The authors clevery weave the atrocities of war with the brief moments of joy brought to the troops by the Dollies who made them coffee and donuts wherever they were stationed. Such a simple act of kindness lifted their spirits enough to forge ahead. The Dollies also provided first aid as well as a sympathetic ear. In Part 1, you’ll be taken through the dangers that the girls experiene as they find themselves dodging explosions.

   Reply to Carol Perlowski

10. Thank you so much Nicole.
    I appreciate so much your collaboration.
    I will read it!

    Best regards,

    Isabel Pimentel Pardi

    Reply to Isabel Pimentel-Pardi

    1. Hi Isabel! We hope you enjoy the readings. Feel free to share your thoughts here in the comments each week.

       Reply to Nicole Alcime

11. I love the selection. Eager to read.

    Reply to Pat jackson

    1. Hi Pat! Great to hear you’re excited about the book. Happy reading!

       Reply to Nicole Alcime

12. Excellent choice!

    Reply to BERNADETTE SESSION

    1. Hi Bernadette! We’re glad you like this month’s selection. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the book!

       Reply to Nicole Alcime