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Featured Story: About Carl


Renee Stevens

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I hope everyone had a great weekend, but now it's time to start off a new week. A great way to start the week is to take a look at a story that can be found on Gay Authors. Today's feature is About Carl by Diogenes. Timothy M was nice enough to provide us with this great review. If you haven't already done so, maybe it will inspire you to take a look. If you do, don't forget to leave Diogenes some reviews. Enjoy!


Diogenes

 

Reviewer: Timothy M.


Status: Complete


Word Count: 52,148

 

You know the kind of story which grips you right from the start? Where you engage yourself in the main character and want him to find love and happiness? The type of tale which has you longing for and dreading new chapters in equal measure, because after reading each one you’re left with an aching heart and your guts in knots from the unfairness of it all. :pinch: Yet, you’re hooked and keep hoping it will get better ‘next time.’

 

About Carl by Diogenes is such a tale in my opinion, as well as one of the hidden gems of GA. Judging by the number of followers and reviews we’re a small, but dedicated fan group, but I’m sure plenty of other GA readers will love the story. Especially if you’re in the ‘mature’ age bracket and can relate to the theme, but younger readers can gain an understanding of past issues here, too. Though, I guess there are places in the world where the events described here may still take place. :(

 

You won’t find lots of dramatic events or wild outbursts of emotions. Rather, the story begins on a lonely drive home where a song playing on the radio takes Mark back in time and into profound sadness. To the time when he was young and met Carl and fell in love. But Carl is not only in the closet, he’s also in denial, yet the attraction between the two men leads to the inevitable moment of passion.

 

That’s when Mark’s life becomes all about Carl and starts going downhill. Due to the lack of acceptance from society and the expectations of family and friends, indeed of Carl himself, their love is doomed. The story takes us on the journey toward the present, and we suffer and cry along with Mark. :,(

 


Now that I've stopped crying, I have to review this chapter. It is so powerful and beautiful in the way a really bad thunderstorm is lovely.

 


Mark keeps trying to forget about Carl and their unrequited love, and I, for one, admire his efforts to create a life for himself, away from the shadow of the man who broke his heart. But the beginning of chapter 1 keeps looming in the background as a dire reminder of Mark’s continued sadness about Carl and their wasted chances of a life together.

 


It's a well-told story, fully of emotion--and I'm surprised at how much I resent Carl!

 


If the story is so upsetting, why do I recommend it? One reason is it’s well written, making us believe in the characters and their actions and feelings. Another is Diogenes’ story clearly shows the hurt caused by the lack of acceptance from our surroundings, which keeps gay men in the closet and destroys the happiness of so many young people. About Carl should be mandatory reading for those heartless idiots who discriminate LGBT people and refuse to accept same-sex marriage.

 


You capture the angst of what I hope is a time gone by where being gay was the greatest shame, one born alone.

 


Finally, Mark is a wonderful man who I would like to have as a friend in real life. Go make his acquaintance and discover for yourself what his future turned out to be. Please make sure to tell Diogenes you would like to see the promised sequel. The fan club eagerly await news about Mark. :yes:

 

Category: Fiction Genres: Creative Non-Fic, Romance Tags: Mature Adult, Adult, Friendship, Gay, Coming Out, Love Rating: Mature

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9 Comments


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  • Site Administrator

I don't believe I've read this story, but I will after reading this wonderful review.  It sounds like I'll need to have the tissues ready...

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I really enjoyed About Carl. It's takes place in Ontario where I live, has wonderful realistic characters and is a change of pace usual popular themes on GA. Written with care and understanding. 

 

I highly recommend it. It was a joy to read.

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Gee thanks, Tim, now you gave me yet ANOTHER story to put on my "To Read" list. :lol:

 

Another great review, Tim! You have me itching to read it. :)

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I don't believe I've read this story, but I will after reading this wonderful review.  It sounds like I'll need to have the tissues ready...

 

Yes, and comfort food too. I look forward to hearing what you think of the story. :yes:

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Gee thanks, Tim, now you gave me yet ANOTHER story to put on my "To Read" list. :lol:

Another great review, Tim! You have me itching to read it. :)

 

LOL, Lisa, glad to hear it. :D  I look forward to see the reviews you'll write for this story.

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God!!! Carl is such douche bag, just like my Ex. The difference is my Ex is being with many guys. And it really felt like I was looking at my life, as I was reading it. But I decided not to do that mistake Mark had done. I can't loose my life waiting on somebody like Carl or My Ex. I am glad I read this story. Or otherwise, I'd have done the same thing as Mark. Such a heart wrenching but great story. I loved it. :D

 

And Thanks for the extraordinary review Tim... :)

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Such a heart wrenching but great story. I loved it. :D

 

And Thanks for the extraordinary review Tim... :)

 

Thanks, Emi, I'm glad you liked the story. :hug:

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Thank you so much everyone for your kind comments. I've been taking a break from writing for a few months while I worked on some other projects and haven't logged on to GA in a while - what a pleasant surprise to see this wonderful review waiting for me.

 

I'm so glad this story meant something to everyone who commented. I'm planning to write some more about Mark and Carl later this fall - I've been working out the rough story details and I'm almost there. Stay tuned!

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