Background
I am a retired educator who taught social studies and have always been interested in history, government and world affairs.
Why did you start reading Vince?
Two years ago I lost my 54 year old sister to liver cancer. I live 21/2 hours away from the rest of my family. Because I had retired, I was able to drive back and forth to help with doctor appointments, chemo and radiation. Once my sister came under hospice care, my visits became more and more frequent. I had long been a fan of both Vince and Mitch. During the drives I began getting books on CDs to help occupy my mind and keep my emotions under control. Mitch's own battle plus his immense talent in hooking you as a reader and reeling you into Mitch's world helped me keep my sanity. Six months after my sister died, my mother passed away very suddenly. I retreated back into my books. Then, I learned of Vince's death - my hero, my rock. So, within a period of one year, I lost my "sheroes" and my hero.
Do you have a favorite book?
Well, that's like picking your favorite child. Perhaps Consent to Kill. I think perhaps I bonded a little more with Mitch after the death of his wife. His pain was very real.
Who is your favorite character?
Of course I love Mitch and Irene kicks butt but there is just something about Stan Hurley. I just loved the way he played mind games with his captors while they tortured him - you begin to see his motives for the methods of training he uses.
Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp?
I have my own vision that doesn't immediately bring to mind a current actor. I would almost rather see someone of little fame but great talent take this role much the way Matt Damon made Bourne. Just please no Tom Cruise!
If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be?
I love Marcus Dumond and I don't like pain and danger. So, perhaps the computer geek who gets to be the fly on the wall for all the nitty gritty.
Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
I love, love, loved watching Vince speak (on You Tube) to a group I think in the Southwest. He was just so real. His stories about meeting GW Bush and the real Secret Service and CIA agents are priceless. I signed up to work the 1996 Olympics in ATL with security and got to work with every level of law enforcement including the Secret Service. I see Vince's admiration. They are real people but in a split second they can have a red dot on your head. I learned a lot from being around them. Would have loved to spend time with Vince, pick his brain. True talent He is missed.
