In His Stead (Sanders)

In His Stead (A Father's War)
Judith Sanders, 2012
Ironword Press
325 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781938573835


Summary
In His Stead explores the tension, devastation, strength, and love of service families during wartime through the story of one man, Retired Army Ranger Thomas Lane, as he attempts to make the greatest sacrifice for his son.

Lane once burned for the taste of gunpowder and thrill of the battle. But as he struggles to cope with his own PTSD and the death of his eldest son who was killed by an IED in Afghanistan, Lane learns that the price of war is far too dear. Now the National Guard is calling on Lane’s youngest son to serve. Consumed with sorrow, Lane knows he will do anything to save his child—even if it means going in his place.

In His Stead follows the tumultuous battle of Thomas Lane as he navigates the United States Army, its JAG corps, a vengeful officer, the very son he is desperate to save, and his own wife, who has the Solomon like choice of losing either a husband or a son. Capturing the essence of family life in wartime—the good, the bad, and the hopeful—In His Stead explores what it means to be a father and a man. (From the publisher.)

Author Bio
Judith Sanders was born in 1942 in central New Jersey, received her BS from Graceland College and worked as a registered nurse for many years, including serving the military as a civilian nurse in Maryland and Texas. Sanders, a mother of three boys, now makes writing her full time career and divides her time between her homes in New Hampshire and North Carolina. (From the publisher.)

Book Reviews
As lovers of books, don’t you wish there was some way, we had the time and could read each and every book on our TBR and Wish lists?  I know I do.  And this is one of those books.
Cmashlovestoread.com

Sanders rich rendering of Civil War law validated in the 21st century to save Thomas Lane's son is rare and spellbinding.  The humanity linking the pages...will pierce you like a sword.
Hugh R. Overholt - Retired Judge Advocate General of the US Army

Discussion Questions
1. Did you learn something you didn’t know before? Were you aware of America’s history in forming our army? What do you think about conscription, the militia (now the National Guard), substitution, and bounty and bonus money?

2. How would you describe Thomas Lane—his personality traits, motivations, and inner qualities? Can you think of someone you know that is like Thomas Lane? Perhaps one of your own parents?

3. Did you think that Tom’s actions were justified, realistic? Do you admire or disapprove of them? What do you think of Tom and his wife Christine’s relationship with each other and their children?

4. Of the characters you met in the novel, whom would you invite for dinner, meatloaf Thursday? What would you like to talk to him/her about?

5. What main ideas—themes—does the author explore? Is the title a clue to the novel’s theme? Do you think there is moral justification for Tom’s actions? What makes Donnie refuse to go along with the exchange? Why does Donnie change his mind? How is Donnie altered through the novel if at all?

6. What passages strike you as insightful, even profound? Where there comments or dialogue that you especially enjoyed, found humorous, or that encapsulated the characters or theme?

7. If you could ask the author a question, what would you ask?

8. The plot of In His Stead brought up the issue of an all volunteer military. What are your thoughts about military service—the draft vs. volunteers? If we had the draft today how would war be different?

9. Both men and women now serve equally in the military. Could you imagine the main character as a mother, one of our many female warriors, instead of the father?  What would be different?

10. The author is passionate about protecting all children from the ravages of war. Is there something one person can do to bring peace during conflict like the one in Afghanistan?
(Questions issued by publisher.)

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