Name: javu (Signed) · Date: 22 Nov 2018 09:40 PM · For: Rock Bottom

Dangit! Nooo I'm crying! So far I've only read this story, The Next Great Adventure, and the story about the Ecuadorian myth (sorry, can't remember the name). That's 2 for 3 for sad stories. I don't mind sad stories like these though. 

 

You're really good at generating sad feelings through your writing. I cried in the prologue of The Next Great Adventure. And I am not a crier!!! Or maybe I'm in denial... I mean, I wasn't sobbing, just a few tears leaked out and trailed down my cheeks. 

 

Anyway. I really liked the George/Dennis dynamic. George was totally cool and supportive, but not overbearing. He was understanding, going through losing a sibling and best friend. He was honest, revealing to Dennis about how he hit rock bottom. But I also think he got real with Dennis. "George stopped walking and gave Dennis an appraising look before responding. "I didn't. I don't think you ever do really. You just sort of adjust to the absence and try your best to hang on to the good memories that you have. The truth is that life continues on with or without you, so at some point you have to pick up and try to return a bit of normalcy to your life."" I think those are an excellent couple of lines. I myself haven't lost anyone too unexpectedly, or unreasonably, so I can't really relate. However, I think that quote can be applied to other aspects of life: break-ups, loss of friendship, divorce, and other things. Sometimes life sucks, and it sucks hard. I do believe there's a time to grieve, but after that, you just sort of have to pick yourself up and move on. Not forgetting what you had, but return to normalcy, as you so nicely put it. I liked it.

 

THE ENDING. With Fred and Colin in heaven looking down on their brothers. My heart <3 <3 <3 I love it!

 

Reviewed for RvG November, but also because as I was scrolling down your plethora of stories to find The Next Great Adventure, I saw oh, I dunno, a dozen or so stories that sounded amazing :) 

 

 

Author's Response:

Aww. I'm sorry to make you cry. I do very much have a tendency for writing sad stuff though. Don't ask me why. 

 

I'm glad you liked the George mentoring Dennis dynamic. I always felt like they'd understand each other in ways that others might not. I think because Dennis was so close to Colin, a lot of people's concerns come across as shallow or unrealistic, but coming from George, it's a different story.  

 

I agree with you about grieving. There is a time and a place and then you must move on, but not everyone grieves that way. Some people take much longer.

 

<3 I'm glad you liked the ending. 

 

Thank you for this review and for all the lovely reviews you've left me! They really made me smile. 

 

~Kaitlin