Compare Yourself to Spradlin! Do you think you would have been able to do what he did?

Use this forum to discuss the June 2024 Book of the Month, "Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side" by Thomas Richard Spradlin.
User avatar
Maria Bardis
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 99
Joined: 01 Aug 2020, 20:56
Currently Reading: Tuesdays with Morrie
Bookshelf Size: 61
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-maria-bardis.html
Latest Review: Somawise by Luke Sniewski
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Compare Yourself to Spradlin! Do you think you would have been able to do what he did?

Post by Maria Bardis »

Imagine yourself in Spradlin's position, searching for a client in a foreign country with a vastly different culture. What challenges do you think you would have faced? How do you believe cultural sensitivity could have been an asset in overcoming these challenges?
Kathy-Smith
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 120
Joined: 03 Jul 2023, 17:38
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 55
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kathy-smith.html
Latest Review: Gracious Gift by Abiah Patterson

Post by Kathy-Smith »

Spradlin had the advantage of having literally just been in the country and immersed in the culture, so he had a leg up. Even if I was in the exact same scenario (Nigeria in the 1970s, previously been there, etc.) I would still find myself at a great disadvantage because I am female. My story would have QUITE a different ending.
User avatar
Lauren Victoria
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 200
Joined: 20 Mar 2024, 09:53
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 60
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lauren-victoria.html
Latest Review: Freddy Finds a Friend by Charles W. Page MD

Post by Lauren Victoria »

Absolutely not! I wouldn't have had the ability to navigate such an extremely different foreign policy nor would have been able to pick up the language from studying a book on my there. My hats off to Spradlin for what he did.
Chad Anthony
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 550
Joined: 30 Jun 2023, 09:15
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 103
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-chad-anthony.html
Latest Review: A Summer with the Hermit King by William Todd

Post by Chad Anthony »

If I were to find myself in Spradlin's shoes, I would have planned well ahead knowing the diversity in Nigerian culture and a whole lot of different languages they speak. So, my challenge would have been the language barrier. And I would have learnt about some of their basic cultural practices to integrate well and blend without running into an issue of mine.
Emmanuel Chiahulamiro
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 259
Joined: 25 May 2024, 01:56
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 24
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-emmanuel-chiahulamiro.html
Latest Review: Winning the War on Cancer by Sylvie Beljanski

Post by Emmanuel Chiahulamiro »

Spradlin's immersion in Nigerian culture gave him an edge. As a woman, my experience in 1970s Nigeria would differ greatly. I couldn't navigate the foreign policy or learn the language as he did. Hats off to Spradlin!
User avatar
Vivian Writes
In It Together VIP
Posts: 303
Joined: 17 Sep 2022, 15:00
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 67
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-vivian-writes.html
Latest Review: A knock at the Door by Ory Slonim

Post by Vivian Writes »

I doubt I would have been able to do what Richard did. It took not just experience of the Nigerian terrain but also a kind of personality and international relations skill.
User avatar
Obido Samuel Chiemerie
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 243
Joined: 24 Jun 2024, 04:11
Favorite Book: Quest: Finding Freddie
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 24
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-obido-samuel-chiemerie.html
Latest Review: Deadly Waters: The Vietnam Naval War And Its Aftermath by Randy Miller

Post by Obido Samuel Chiemerie »

Imagining myself in Thomas Richard Spradlin’s position, searching for a client in a foreign country with a vastly different culture, I believe I would face significant challenges. Navigating cultural differences, dealing with language barriers, and understanding the local political climate would be tough. Limited access to local resources and networks could also complicate the search.

Cultural sensitivity would be a crucial asset in overcoming these challenges. Building trust by respecting local customs and traditions, facilitating effective communication by understanding cultural nuances, and adopting culturally appropriate problem-solving strategies would be key. Demonstrating respect for the local culture could enhance personal safety and encourage cooperation from locals and authorities.

While I possess determination and adaptability, the complexities Spradlin faced highlight his strength and resourcefulness. If I were in his position, I would approach the situation with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a deep respect for the local culture to overcome obstacles and achieve the goal.
Ajay Pratap Singh Tomar
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 94
Joined: 28 Jun 2024, 12:53
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ajay-pratap-singh-tomar.html
Latest Review: A Poet's Labyrinth by Remo Perini

Post by Ajay Pratap Singh Tomar »

In Thomas Richard Spradlin's role, navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and understanding the local political climate would be challenging. Cultural sensitivity, respect for customs, effective communication, and culturally appropriate problem-solving strategies would be crucial. Despite the complexities, Spradlin's strength and resourcefulness would be evident. An open mind, willingness to learn, and respect for the local culture would help overcome obstacles.
User avatar
Carissa Ann
In It Together VIP
Posts: 52
Joined: 21 Sep 2022, 12:05
Currently Reading: The Black Phone
Bookshelf Size: 35
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-carissa-ann.html
Latest Review: Chaos is Gift: Leadng oneself in uncertain and complex environment by Andrew Campbell

Post by Carissa Ann »

Spradlin was extremely well-versed in the customs of the area and was very personable which put him at a great advantage. I would never be able to diffuse situations as he managed to throughout his journey.
Jensyn Runkle
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 67
Joined: 23 Mar 2018, 23:19
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 21
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jensyn-runkle.html
Latest Review: At the Chameleon, Turn by Victoria Carisimo

Post by Jensyn Runkle »

Absolutely Not. I probably would have been arrested or disappeared quite quickly. The level of bravery and tact required to do as he did is something beyond my reach. I think I would try with the best of intentions, but his experience and quick thinking played a huge role in his mission. His knowledge of the region and the customs/nuances required to navigate the country also largely played a role in his ability to survive.
I would have to leave it to the pros, or else I might end up needing my own rescue mission.
User avatar
Thomas D Flowers
In It Together VIP
Posts: 122
Joined: 01 Jul 2024, 16:41
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 34
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-thomas-d-flowers.html
Latest Review: My Trip To Adele by R.I.Alyaseer and A. I Alyaseer

Post by Thomas D Flowers »

This is a challenging question. I would also like to try entering new country for a specific assignment as that of Spradlin. I really commend him and appreciate him for confirming the authenticity and how realistic is my adventurous side. I like to challenge myself on things like that.
User avatar
Sbitan Mohammad
In It Together VIP
Posts: 188
Joined: 07 Nov 2023, 16:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 95
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sbitan-mohammad.html
Latest Review: Break by Wes Grant

Post by Sbitan Mohammad »

Honestly I do not think I will. Richard went to another country at a time of chaos to search for his client at a time when no one would. His courage is intriguing and commendable.
Latest Review: Break by Wes Grant
Ruka NK
In It Together VIP
Posts: 183
Joined: 17 Feb 2022, 17:21
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 94
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ruka-nk.html
Latest Review: Corporate Escapades by T.K. Ambers

Post by Ruka NK »

Maria Bardis wrote: 08 Jun 2024, 13:05 Imagine yourself in Spradlin's position, searching for a client in a foreign country with a vastly different culture. What challenges do you think you would have faced? How do you believe cultural sensitivity could have been an asset in overcoming these challenges?
Unfortunately, I wouldn't have been able to do it. Going to a foreign country even with background knowledge about the culture isn't always safe for women. I would be too scared to try. Maybe if it had to do with one of my children, I think, then I would be able to push down my fear and go
Varisha Khanna
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 299
Joined: 22 Jun 2024, 17:01
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 62
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-varisha-khanna.html
Latest Review: The Vasterbottensost Affair by Robert Mucci

Post by Varisha Khanna »

I don’t think I could do what he did. He was very courageous and did everything in his power to protect his client.
As a women, in that time period I don’t think I would be able to accomplish even half of what he did.
Rahul Rajpoot
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 85
Joined: 17 May 2024, 08:33
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 27
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rahul-rajpoot.html
Latest Review: What Do You Think, Mr. Collins? by Neal Bialostosky

Post by Rahul Rajpoot »

Spradlin's immersion in the country and culture provided a competitive advantage, unlike a female who would face disadvantages due to her gender. Spradlin's ability to navigate a different foreign policy and learn the language from studying there is commendable.
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss "Quest: Finding Freddie: Reflections from the Other Side" by Thomas Richard Spradlin”