Site Administrator Cia Posted December 29, 2010 Site Administrator Share Posted December 29, 2010 E-fiction Reviews as of 12/29/2010. Title: Postscript from "Brian" Reviewer: fred-singapore Hi,actually i don't really know what to say.. it was just that, my heart goes to Sam.. For all the sufferings he had gone through and at last when Brian hold on tight to him.. Brian too had a bit of trouble.. anyway, I wish i can find a friend like Brian... There are alot of questions in my mind..anyway, i just wanted to wish Brian and chris all the Best.. Do take care of each other.. And i am very sad that Sam had to go at such a young age when things got much better for him with Brian.. I wish i know Brian personally tobe there for him it his difficult times.. anyway, guys all the best... Date: 12/23/2010 03:34 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Postscript from "Brian" Reviewer: DragonFire I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am that you shared part of your life with us. Both tragic & moving, this is something I will always remember for the rest of my life. How painful it was for you to remember and re-live those times I cannot imagine, nor will I try. In the end the love was beautiful and that’s what’s important. God Bless. Date: 12/09/2010 04:57 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Postscript from "Brian" Reviewer: bhavya its touching story i ever read.and thank u john for ur perspactive its realy nice.sam was a good man . he will live forever in heart.sure he's in peace. Date: 12/09/2010 12:59 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Postscript from "Brian" Reviewer: Nanmander That was honest-to-God the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. God bless you both. Date: 12/08/2010 03:55 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Postscript from "Brian" Reviewer: hh5 Wonderful posscript ... it opens the eyes to see things from a bit clearer perspective Thank you all for writing the novel. Date: 12/08/2010 01:34 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Postscript from "Brian" Reviewer: Nephylim It was a beautiful story fabulously told. Adam never looked for thanks or sensationalism and answered every question with sensitivity and humility never attributing anything to anyone but Sam. You all did a great job and if there are people who think otherwise... well, it's their right to think what they like, reaading is a very subective passtime and people can get cynical and judgemental. You know the truth and that's all that really counts Hugs and blessings to you all Date: 12/08/2010 10:09 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: rustyy That was beautiful. Through everything. All the emotion. Beautiful Date: 11/20/2010 04:56 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 31 Reviewer: rustyy Incredible. This his been an intense journey just reading everything. Date: 11/20/2010 03:11 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 16 Reviewer: rustyy Emotional rollercoaster right now. This whole thing was a little heavy from the start of the book, but in life after high school it seemed to affect me more. Date: 11/18/2010 11:58 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 15 Reviewer: rustyy Wow, that was intense. seriously Date: 11/18/2010 11:02 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 9 Reviewer: rustyy Really powerful. I like how it makes you feel. Not the feeling it gives you exactly, but the extent to which you feel. Date: 11/18/2010 04:31 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Vince Very touched by Sam's and Brian's story. Even more so when I found out it's a true story. For a person with so much tenacity and courage, I respect you Sam. It reminded me to look at my own self. Everyone comes with baggages, but don't give up hope. Date: 10/14/2010 01:59 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: ketiba I also like to add that this story will be graved in my heart and in my life. I will not forget this story as long as I live. Date: 10/13/2010 05:18 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: ketiba I think you've got already tons and tons of comments and emails about this story, but I really had to tell you this. I don't know how to begin, so I would start like this. I would like to introduce myself; my name is actually not ketiba. I'm 20 years old and my origin is Moroccan while I've been born and brought up in Holland. First of all, as I read from other people: thank you so much for finishing this marvellous story. It was really very courageous from you. Thank you so much form the bottom of my heart. I wish I could tell this to Dan Kincaid as well, but unfortunately he left us earlier.. Reading that news at a comment of yours at the last chapter, I cried my eyes out untill I couldn't cry no more. Secondly this touched my heart from the very first chapter. I cried, laughed and fell in love with it. I'm even still crying right now typing this. Your writing and Dan's writing is just breathtaking. I know that I'm late with reading this story, but I think this story will be timeless. Adam, could you give my greetings and love to "Brian" and "Chris" for me?. I'm really serious about this. This just made my eyes and heart way more open than it already was. If you and other think this all is only rambling and babbles, than you're wrong. I'm all saying this out the bottom from my heart. And it's not even the half of it what I'm trying to say. Actually, my feelings are undescribable. and again: THANK YOU SO MUCH FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! Date: 10/13/2010 05:09 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: DevFlower Wow.. love just transcends all barriers.Brian amazes me. So much of love, overflowing enough to cover many deep valleys.I barely trust anyone..and wish I had someone like that to surrender my trust totally.Dan.Such strength in all the downfalls..Even when the journey was dark, deep and depressing to go through from his point of view, yet simply can't escape the underlying strength there. When you portrayed everyone else as beautiful, but being you simply humbles me.Adam.Such amazing effort in recreating a life journey. So grateful for all your hard work and simply for keeping it going till the end. Date: 08/18/2010 01:36 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: russian Will do, Adam. By the way, dear readers, I'm perusing Adam's flagship story now, Crosscurrents, and I can't recommend it highly enough. If you are bisexual, or gay attracted to girls too, (I'm the latter), it's a must read. It's GA hosted as well. Go read it, you will be glad for it. Date: 08/10/2010 01:39 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: russian Adam, thanx so much for finishing this story. A buddy of mine from London (a fellow Russian, by the way) recommended it to me the other day, and I've read it all in one gulp, overnight, such is its pull. You have a fan in Russia now in me!I have several questions. if you don't want to answer in open forum, you can email me (look up my registration info). First off, please tell me Chris is ok, that he was not just placed in foster care, that he is still with Brian, or Mary, or somebody who loves him and will cherish him for the rest of their life. 'Cause children are truly the measure of our lives, as long as Chris is alive and well, Den's life will not have been in vain. My heart goes out to this boy, and I wish him all the happiness this world can possibly bring. For Dan's sake, as much as his own. Secondly, I know this story is a memoir, but please tell some creative license was taken there. It just makes me feel awful that somebody like Dan, so loving, so pure, would have to suffer so much in his short life. It kind of makes one question the existence of god, to see this happen to a wonderful soul like Dan.Third, you are Drew, arntchya?And lastly, even though Dan has been dead for almost two years now, or so I gather, his memory will live for as long people read his life story, and learn from it. You know, in Russian we have this saying, good ones always die young; and Dan is as good as they come. And you are a wonderful friend, Adam, to finish it for him, so that Dan's legacy can live on forever. This is as much as any of us could only hope for. A life well lived, albeit so painfully short. But no matter, this story is not a tragedy. It's an affirmation. Of live. Of love. For not matter what curve balls life threw at him, Dan persevered and came out with his humanity and compassion intact. Major kudos to him. And at the end of it all, Dan died in the arms of the love of his live, the man of his dream, his one and only. So even though Dan and Brian didn't have long to enjoy it, it is, and I'm paraphrasing here, better to have loved and died, than never to have loved at all. I'm 36, so maybe time is running out for me romantically, but I can only wish I could love somebody like that and be loved back by them in return. A love like this, transcending preconceptions and labels, pure, and all consuming, is one of a kind, and Dan is so lucky to have had it in his live. It's a beautiful, poignant, uplifting in its own way story, and I will keep Dan, Brian, and Chris with me forever now that I've had the privilege to get to know Dan's life story. Thanx Adam for this, you have no idea how blessed I feel to have this privilege. And now there is a guy in Siberia Russia who will carry a part of Dan's essence in his heart. I promise you that.Author's Response: I'm a Hosted Author here, so rather than my going on a search for your registration info, why don't you go to my site and leave me a pvt message? Here's the URL to my pages: https://www.gayauthors.org/adamphillips/.'>https://www.gayauthors.org/adamphillips/. I'll answer the questions that I can. --Adam Phillips Date: 08/09/2010 05:05 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: russian Oh, forgot to add. Maybe the reason this story has affected as much as it did is for the simple reason that there are obvious straight best friend parallels here. I've also had a very handsome athletic - he was a pole vaulter on our track and field team - best friend all though high school and med school and beyond (in Russia we go to med school straight from high school without going to college first). He's 37, will turn 38 come November, as is as beautiful to me now as the first day I laid my eyes on him when he was 15 (and I 14). He's married, happily from what I can tell, and raising two beautiful sons who look so much like him as a boy, it's like taking a trip down memory lane every damn time I see the two of them. His oldest has just turned 15, the same age his dad was when we first met all those years ago on the first day of our 10h grade (we have two years of high school to the four stateside). Sometimes it seems just like yesterday, and sometimes a lifetime ago. I've never stopped loving him, yearning for him, desiring him. But this being Russia, it has just always seemed safer to bury it as deep as possible. Having read It Started With Brian, however, maybe there is still hope for me, after all. Just one kiss, one embrace from him, and my life will have been well lived. If only... Date: 08/09/2010 04:57 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: nimmz Must be the millionth time I've read this story from the first chapter to the last and it never ceases to amaze me the strength of the human soul and words cant express how much hope this story has given me that despite how you look at yourself or think of yourself that there is always someone there who will love you because of who you are. All i can say is that I'm happy that even after everything that happened that they were able to find their way home to each other. Thank you for writing this. Date: 08/07/2010 03:07 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: totodile2mew First off, I know I'm probably getting to this story really late, but I only just recently found this site and all of its glory, but I just wanted to thank you for finishing this story for Dan. When you took over, I couldn't tell the difference in the writing styles whatsoever; it was truly amazing to me. Second, I wish I had caught this story before Dan has passed. Even though I couldn't truly empathize with him (except maybe for family issues), it would have been nice to tell him how much his story had touched me. I discovered this story when I needed to cry due to pent up family issues and a recent break up; just like Dan, I'm the type of person that bottles up my emotions and tries to hide them from everyone. Crying is a stress relief for me and is quite therapuetic and this story helped push me over that final edge and to start crying. It really helped. I'm so thankful to him for finding the courage to write this out and to you for finishing it. I'm sure this story will continue to provide an outlet for others for many years to come. I also wished I had had a chance to tell him how much I admire him for continuing on no matter what life threw at him. He will forever remain one of my heros and reminders that no matter what, I need to keep moving forward. Thirdly, I'm so happy that "Brian" and all of Dan's friends (especially his online ones) were there for him. I'm feel that if he had no one, he might have removed himself from this Earth before the cancer did. I hope that everyone knows just how much he loved them (I'm sure they do) and how much he needed them. I truly believe his energy and love lives on in those of you who knew him personally and in those of us who have only read his story and known him through that. Lastly, I have to say my favorite chapter and by far the most heartfelt for me is that last one. As I listened to the song and read along with the lyrics, hot, silent tears tracked down my face once more as I remembered his story. That song truly fits them wonderfully. Okay, I'm finally done with this very sappy review/comment. Again, just thank you so much for finsihing this. I plan to check out your work very soon Adam Phillips. I'm looking forward to reading Crosscurrents. Date: 07/10/2010 02:33 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: ddz008 It's difficult to express how much this story made feel, how deeply it moved me and how I'm sure I'll will always remember it. I started reading yesterday and I didn't go to sleep until 5 am.... now I have read the final chapter and I don't have any words that can do it justice. Reading about the actual life of someone was so powerful, reading about his problems, fears and dreams... and knowing that at the end he could find love, he could find peace and happiness. I would have wished that my thanks could have been read by him but thanks to you, Adam Phillips for finishing his story even if it was surely something difficult to do. I'm sure that Dan wanted this story to be read by others and you did a great job. I know that many other people are going to be touched by this and are going to leave with a lot of lessons... the most important, like you said... cherishing the good things in our lives and been happy for all the blessings that we got. It was terrible that Dan couldn't get more years to live and I can't imagine how this has affected all those that love him, but I'm glad that he could experience a love as powerful as the one he had with Brian, a love that goes beyond gender and labels and also that he had so many friends that loved him. I sent you, 'Brian'. 'Chris' and all of Dan's loved ones my best wishes. Thanks for this gift. Date: 07/05/2010 05:52 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: StangenBaer Well, I have to admit that I started crying when I found out Dan Kincaid is dead. I feel it is incredibly unfair for someone like him to go through so much heartship and die so young. My heart goes out to him, his "Brian", his "Chris"and everyone he held close. Adam Phillips, I think you have a lot of courage for finishing this, and for this, I take my imaginary hat off for you! Love, Stangy Date: 07/03/2010 05:10 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Jindal Oh I see, thanks to the author for clearing it up, though labels or not, I don't see how anyone could be "straight" and be in a healthy, loving, 'sexual' relationship with a person of the same sex. Seems more like denial to me, except if Sam is the ONLY guy Brian is attracted to? I'm really not trying to be close-minded, but it's a concept I just can't grasp. Of course love can transcend labels, gay people have straight friends and vice-versa, however can sex(which seems to be a part of their relationship by the last chapters) transcend the labels of sexuality? Don't see it myself.Author's Response: You are basing your assumptions on you own experience. That's fine. That's what we all do. But of course there are all kinds of experience out there. You need to keep in mind that what you call "labels of sexuality" are just that: Labels. They are not the reality itself. It appears to me that you have not experienced being able to love someone sexually who goes against your primary sexual attraction. My own experience has been very different. My own experience has caused me to realize that, at least for some people, sexuality and sexual loving are a function of the specific relationship under consideration. And in any case, "sexual orientation" runs a much wider and more variable range than the concepts "gay," "bi," and "straight" allow us to conceive. I'm good efriends with the real Brian. Trust me, he's straight. And as I've said, my own experience in love and sex has taught me that the shorthand labels sometimes confuse things rather than clarifying them, because they can blind you to what's right in front of your face. Date: 07/02/2010 09:39 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: xvader123123 i also have a best friend that i have been in love with for years and years. a day before i finished the story, events unfolded to where me and him are no longer seeing each other... i decided though that it is a good thing since he's straight, and i'm gay, and we could never be together anyways... buy who knows? A guy can dream can't he? Date: 06/24/2010 06:42 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: xvader123123 what a powerfull and touching story. Date: 06/24/2010 06:34 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: Jindal It was lovely to see the story end happily, but am I the only one who was bothered and slightly confused by Brian never truly admitting what he is to himself or at least Sam? That part confused me, so is he bi or gay or confused?Author's Response: Brian was perfectly clear to Sam and to himself about what he is. What part of that do you not get? He told Sam he is straight. One of the main points of the story is that love can transcend questions of labelling. That's certainly been my experience. And it was certainly Brian's. --Adam Phillips Date: 06/21/2010 12:21 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: LiveYourLife ive loved this story, its soo exciting to read, along with emotions, i loved it soo much, hope theres a movie to this!! Date: 06/05/2010 06:11 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 15 Reviewer: Tom in LV Okay, a little bit of strife in life is good. overcomming obstacles and fears is good. Making mistakes and LEARNING from them is good. But this story just involves one bad decision after another. Worse and worse, more and more miserable. A study in insanity. Sorry.... I can go no further. I'm stopping now. TomAuthor's Response: Your compassion is touching. Read or don't read, but don't presume to pass on judgment on somebody else's pain unless you've walked in their shoes. Sam did learn, against formidable odds. And he never lost his hope or his compassion for others. And the conclusion of his story, and his life, was a happy one, filled with love I'd call that a life well-lived life. I'm sorry if his difficulties got in the way of your entertainment. --Adam Phillips Date: 04/28/2010 10:14 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Sliver this is the first story i read in this website and it is so impressive to me. It is a wonderful story. Struggle for flashbacks, raped in child, love, desperating . .. and at the end Brian and Sam has a happy ending . . .. So good . . . . I love this story somuch and i'will read it again . . . . .Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the story. Sam was a first-rate guy, and Brian is too. I still touch base with Brian semi-regularly; I miss Sam like crazy. I was honored beyond words to be able to finish his story for him. By the way, if you thought I did okay, you might want to check out some of my own writing. I'm a hosted author at Gay Authors now, and my flagship story, Crosscurrents, is being brought to GA at the rate of a new chapter per week. Readers of It Started With Brian will have some familiarity with Crosscurrents, whether or not they know it. That story plays a role in Sam's own story. Anyway, here's my home page at GA: https://www.gayauthors.org/adamphillips/ Thanks again for reading. --Adam Phillips Date: 04/09/2010 11:58 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Tim Price I just don’t know what to make of Dan/Sam’s story. I assume the events happened as he described them. I know the dialogues were probably as best as he remembered them, but the events themselves were accurate. I also assume he wrote his story mostly in hindsight because any discerning reader would have seen from at least that first night Sam spent at Brian’s house with him and Mary that Brian wanted to be tight with Sam, no matter what. And it was reconfirmed at camp. I just can’t get why Sam couldn’t let himself, and Brian for that matter, be happy. I don’t get why he constantly made decisions for Brian about Brian liking him, like, “oh he just thinks he likes me, but he’s straight”. I don’t get it. It frustrates me to no end. ‘Straight’ is just a word with no meaning, especially if a guy tells me he loves me and he doesn’t care that he is ‘straight’. And then I really didn’t get the Duane thing except as another way to run away from Brian. I mean he was concerned about Brian, not wrecking his life to be with him, but had no concern about Duane wrecking his life with his wife and family? It seemed un-Sam-like other than as a way to not deal with his feelings for Brian. I don’t understand the demons of abuse, or having unloving, unsupportive parents, mine are more after the fashion of Brian’s, they have always loved me no matter what. I hope it doesn’t sound like I am being hard on Sam, I am not. As odd as it may sound, this story has made me a better person. My frustration comes from Sam not letting himself be happy. I am sure everyone wondered, Sam included, what would have happened in his life if he and Brian had gotten together and stayed together from that summer after high school on. Would something have ruined the relationship? I am so happy Sam found a measure of happiness with Brian before he passed, but it hurts and I cried and teared up for hours after finishing the story. I want to scream at God and know why he couldn’t have let Sam alone to be happy after all the pain in his younger years, but I know that isn’t the answer. I just hope Brian cherished the time he had with Sam and I hope Chris is okay after the loss of his father. I know that is never easy, I have been through it with young friends before. So thanks Sammy, God love you. Date: 04/05/2010 04:10 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: JasonMadeFighter Thank you, to Dan, his "Brian" and Adam. This is one of the very few stories I have ever read that I could really relate and resonate with. It's also one of the most sadly beautiful stories I've ever read in my life, especially because of the author's death. I am truly sorry I never got to know him. To be honest, there were points in the story where I've got so frustrated with the plot and the seemingly-never ending dead ends that Sam take that I skimmed through those parts, searching for something positive but it was all worth it just to read the last scene. Sam's strength inspires me, Brain's unconditional love gives me hope, and this story has left me feeling like I personally experienced a lifetime of sadness, happiness, learning and wisdom and it's ultimate conclusion. I always hate goodbyes to such...awe-inspiring stories but I realize I have my own life to continue, a life that has been reshaped, even if in the smallets way, and given strength by this reading. But for me, this story never ends, Sam, Brian and Chris continue to be a family together, living their lives with struggles and triumphs but their love always everpresent and continuous in my head. Thanks again. Date: 03/14/2010 05:48 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: PrincessElle I was in happy tears at the ending! Such a sweeeeeet ending for such a sad story. This is like better than chocolate! :') Thank you for finishing this story. <3 Date: 01/18/2010 05:57 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: rebelghost85 Quite honestly one of the greatest stories out there. Thank you for completing it. Date: 01/17/2010 08:01 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 33 Reviewer: Ricky I hope he got the help he needed. But still, so young. Date: 01/15/2010 03:44 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 32 Reviewer: Ricky Almost? Date: 01/15/2010 03:25 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 31 Reviewer: Ricky It's about time. There is hope. Date: 01/15/2010 02:19 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 30 Reviewer: Ricky I hope this young man had loving last days. Date: 01/15/2010 01:50 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 29 Reviewer: Ricky You are a much stronger man than I am. Being able to complete this creation for the young man who's life was so messed up. I weep for his misery. Date: 01/15/2010 07:23 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 28 Reviewer: Ricky Was the drinking thing an escape? We all know there is no cure. Once addicted, never beaten. When can he say he is "over it"? Never. Date: 01/15/2010 06:21 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 27 Reviewer: Ricky I guess the underlying fear I have is that he died so young that I know natural causes is out. The rest of the story scares me for that reason alone. Date: 01/15/2010 04:51 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 26 Reviewer: Ricky Damn, the outpouring. Date: 01/15/2010 04:27 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 25 Reviewer: Ricky More grief. How to let Jonah go, reconcile it to Christopher and to embrace that which he tried so deserately his entire life to find a substitute for. Date: 01/15/2010 03:40 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 24 Reviewer: Ricky Alas, a bit of sunshine. My curiosity now is down to, who ends up being the 'Sam's Man' in the dedication. The Jury is still out. Date: 01/15/2010 03:21 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 23 Reviewer: Ricky Is there hope? And what of dear Jonah. Will he understand? Oh this is really starting to suck. It is a great story. One I can not help but finish. But in a way I wish I were strong enough to walk away from it, leaving what will be, what is, behind for what I wish, had been. Date: 01/15/2010 02:42 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 22 Reviewer: Ricky All I can think of is how difficult it is to type through tears. You have a courage I don't know that I have. The story continues to be great. Sad but great. Date: 01/15/2010 02:20 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 21 Reviewer: Ricky So much pain in such a short life. Date: 01/15/2010 01:22 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 20 Reviewer: Ricky It was indeed a great day. Will he ever find out how much Brian loved him and wanted him? Date: 01/15/2010 01:08 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 19 Reviewer: Ricky I guess that explains my tears. I'm sorry that he did not get to read it either. I'm hoping for some remaining happiness in this last chapter. Date: 01/15/2010 12:49 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 18 Reviewer: Ricky More sun. We should be hearing more about Christopher next I think. He should be approaching that time of blossoms and jasmine. Date: 01/15/2010 12:25 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 17 Reviewer: Ricky It takes both the sun and the rain to make a rainbow. He is coming out of the rain. Date: 01/14/2010 11:57 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: 94Crispy He gave me a lopsided grin as I walked over. I found myself staring dumbly into piercing blue eyes.“You get lost too? It took me forever to find this damn room.” I nodded at him and managed to tear my eyes away long enough to slide into the seat. “My name's Brian.” “Uh, I'm Sam.” “Nice to meet you, Sam I am. So, do you like green eggs and ham?" they have come a long way. very bittersweet and amazing story. thanks Date: 01/14/2010 11:31 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 16 Reviewer: Ricky When good lives go bad. An excellent story. Heart wrenching but excellent. Date: 01/14/2010 11:06 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 15 Reviewer: Ricky It went from happy to disturbing. Why do I get the feeling that because of now needing help and a ghost writer that this story was/is theraputic. I hope this isn't a hell you lived through. Date: 01/14/2010 11:49 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 14 Reviewer: Ricky Bad is never good until worse comes along. Chinese Proverb Date: 01/14/2010 11:12 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: Nephylim Oh my GOD. That was the best ending there could possibly be for the most wonderful story. Thank you sooooo much. Date: 01/14/2010 10:46 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 13 Reviewer: Ricky Too Funny Date: 01/14/2010 10:42 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 12 Reviewer: Ricky Heart wrenching. Date: 01/14/2010 10:13 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: hh5 Never thought they get back to each other. Life is sure strange. But its great to finally see that the two are meant for each other. Date: 01/14/2010 09:53 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: Ricky Wow, that one racheted up the emotions one more notch. Well done. Date: 01/14/2010 09:32 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 10 Reviewer: Ricky oo, Didn't see that one coming. Date: 01/14/2010 09:04 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 9 Reviewer: Ricky A good story exercises all the emotions. It will make you laugh, make you cry and make you serious and make you silly. You're doing the job just right. r Date: 01/14/2010 08:49 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 8 Reviewer: Ricky Well I called it half right. Let's see if I'm truly psychic. A great story. Thanks. Date: 01/14/2010 08:36 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 7 Reviewer: Ricky Oh man, this one is going to hurt. I can tell. Let's see two years difference, she will be off to college and Sammy boy will get laid. By her brother I'm betting. Date: 01/14/2010 08:22 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 6 Reviewer: Ricky oo, Tough break. I know, I know. If I was going to ARM myself with a pun, couldn't I Break in with something better? Sorry, not with this cast! r Date: 01/14/2010 08:07 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 5 Reviewer: Ricky Excellent chapter, out of the blue that was. Date: 01/14/2010 07:25 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 4 Reviewer: Ricky Another great chapter. Wouldn't trust her with a goldfish! You crack me up. And I thought all this time that I was funny. Revelations! What can I say. I'll buy a new Joke book. And in the shoe! eeeeeew! Date: 01/14/2010 07:12 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 3 Reviewer: Ricky It had to be chilli pepers too. Everyone knows chilli peppers are sexy. He just couldn't help himself. Probably. Maybe. Kinda sorta, almost. Date: 01/14/2010 06:28 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 2 Reviewer: Ricky OMG Socks to a snake! I thought I was going to slide off my chair. Loved it. I love the humor between the characters. The playful banter. Thanks. Date: 01/14/2010 06:14 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Ricky Enjoying this story a lot. It is well written and reads easy. Great character development. And delightfully large, wallow in the fantasy, man sized chapters. well at least the first one. I'm hooked though. Date: 01/14/2010 06:04 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: lostkid so, i know it looks stupid in words and corny, but seriously, this is THE most heart touching and heart renching stories ive EVER read. it gives me hope that us guys that have had a hard life will find love one day. and it breaks my heart that "sam" has passed away. i literally cried when i read the last chapter. i give my heart and soul out to "brian" and also to you adam for your loss of, im positive, an amazing person, boyfriend, and friend. thank you. seriously thank you sam for sharing a story that has filled me with hope of things turning out alright in the long run, and for you, adam, for completing a ray of light... wow, im crying haha. THANK YOU SO MUCH! i really needed a story like this in my life right now. this story has given me the strength to keep holding on to that hope of finding love through all these horrible times in ones life... and, thank you sam, brian, and adam from the deepest part of my heart and soul, you may never know how these words on a screen have helped me out... Date: 01/14/2010 02:11 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 34 Reviewer: Altimexis Wow, what a powerful ending to a powerful and exhausting story!Thanks for completing the story, Adam, particularly from those of us who've been following it from the beginning. Date: 01/13/2010 11:05 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 33 Reviewer: rebelghost85 I remember reading this story a year or two ago and then forgetting about it. I am so so happy I picked it up again. This is one of the most powerful works I have read. Thank you for helping it to continue. Date: 01/13/2010 04:37 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 33 Reviewer: Wyndham Powerful stuff. So glad you haven't given up with this difficult but great story. Date: 01/13/2010 04:57 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 33 Reviewer: Nephylim Wow that was emotional. Excellent as ever. Date: 01/13/2010 04:12 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 32 Reviewer: hh5 Wow full circle ... Sam sure is a nice guy. Even to Jonah.But I sure wish Neal find a new hobby. Date: 12/23/2009 04:41 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 32 Reviewer: Nephylim That was one of the most touching chapters of any story I have ever read.. even more poignant because we know how the story ends. Thank you so much for sharing this. Date: 12/20/2009 06:49 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 32 Reviewer: mcnc1966 Thank you so much for continuing this amazing story! It has been a joy to read and experience the range of emotions it has elicited. As always, I am touched you have continued Dan's masterpiece. Date: 12/19/2009 09:02 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Morebern Yeah! That's good news! I am sure there are people who have been reading since the beginning and they are probably way more patient than I am. I just found it two weeks ago and I am dying to know how things turned out. Thanks for trying for us. Date: 12/05/2009 01:53 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 31 Reviewer: Morebern I cannot believe you ended it here! Well I can, but I refuse to not be annoyed! I know its the holiday season, but please don't forget us!Author's Response: Holy crap! I just posted it on Thursday! And you're complaining that I don't have another chapter posted yet? I told readers I'd have the entire story done by the end of the year, and I intend to keep to that schedule. And if what you're complaining about is that the chapter ended where it did...well, that's just where the chapter needed to end. There are three chapters left to go. Sam already wrote the last one, so that only leaves two for me to prepare. I'm hoping that Chapter 32 will be up by Sunday evening--it's almost finished, though I'll have to work really fast to get it posted by Sunday. Thanksgiving messed with my schedule. After that, all I really have to work on is one more chapter. As soon as Chapter 33 is finished, Chapter 34 is ready to go. --Adam Phillips Date: 12/04/2009 10:00 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 31 Reviewer: Nephylim Awww..... Sigh. Date: 12/03/2009 11:48 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: cjames08 I have read and re-read this story many times over the past year and it always manages toreally hit home for me. I just really want to say thank you for continuing the story, it has always helped me make sense of life because unfortunatley I can relate to some of the earlier parts. But it also makes me happy because it gives me hope that there are some guys like brian out there...Thank you Adam for continuing the story. Date: 11/29/2009 03:42 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 30 Reviewer: PixyBit When it rains, it pours. But you know, despite the really sad ending I feel like this is the point in their lives where Sam and Brian can really make it happen. It's like there's no one's standing between them anymore, so they can really focus on each other. They do have a lot to work through though (personal demons, their past and all that). Great chapter, Adam. I really feel that I understand Sam and Brian better. Date: 11/24/2009 03:50 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 30 Reviewer: PrincessElle OMG this chapter was killing me but so exciting at the same time! I really hate Duane now though, never liked him because I alway wanted Sam and Brian to end up together but Duane came in. ARGH oh please pretty please stop bringing more boys in and let them be together! But the birthday part was really cute though and funny. thanks for posting!! <33Author's Response: "ARGU oh please pretty please stop bringing more boys in and let them be together! " The problem, PricessElle, is that the story is true, so I'm not in control of the plot. I just have to tell it the way it happened based on Sam's notes. :-) --Adam Phillips Date: 11/24/2009 02:18 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 30 Reviewer: writeincode wow, just wow. It really is a series of unfortunate events. Wonderfully written. I really feel for Sam. Date: 11/23/2009 10:36 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: PrincessElle OMG! That was soooo awesome! Do not stop!! Keep going, 3 chapters by the end of this month?! I want to read until the end! I been reading this since it started and been waiting for months for the next chapter. Could you pretty please go faster? <333 I really love this story!!!!!!!! Date: 11/20/2009 10:05 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 29 Reviewer: Nephylim just as awesome as ever. Date: 11/14/2009 06:33 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 28 Reviewer: guru I love it.... :-)) Date: 10/09/2009 01:24 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: semaj565 Wow... I stayed up all night and read the entire thing start to (current) finish. EXCELLENT read! Date: 10/09/2009 02:08 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 27 Reviewer: Morse Code There is so much realism, beauty and love in this chapter, it's overwhelming.Great chapter, excellent story! Date: 09/23/2009 01:32 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Chad Durans Very well thought out characters and paragraphs are well structured. I like Sam's character because when I tried out for sports in Junior High and looking on the list brought back my year as a seventh grader and was upset when I was canned. Your story brought back my years in Junior High. I really enjoyed reading your story. Date: 09/22/2009 10:47 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Marco Polo This was utterly moving and symmertical to some moments of my own life, more so Sam's feelings of needing Brian when he was giving himself to Tom rather than Sam. I'm glad you're doing this Adam, You know, I think Dan would be proud. Date: 09/22/2009 07:42 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 27 Reviewer: Nephylim wow Date: 09/22/2009 04:37 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 26 Reviewer: Always Hope I have been moved many times when Reading through this story. It needs to be told. This This chapter has many answers but I suppose Dan's family and friends are still asking the 'why' questions which will never be known this side of the grave. I am looking forward ( if one can say that at this point) to the rest of the story. Date: 09/19/2009 03:39 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 26 Reviewer: oldenough I enjoy this story, and keep checking back for updates. That said, it never completely gets me to suspend my disbelief; could someone working in mental health care, for example, never discover his own urgent needs for help--just for example. Would Brian's loving and supportive parents never have noticed him spiriling out of control? But, even with things like that, I keep happily coming back for more. Date: 07/21/2009 05:21 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 26 Reviewer: supertrooper9 I started reading this story slowly in the beginning without much attachment. However, as the chapters progressed, as I allowed myself to take in the story, and I learned that it was an autobiographical account of a person's life, I became passionate.I cannot personally relate to the Authors experiences but I never-the-less developed a sense of compassion for him. I wanted so badly for things to turn out ok for him, and I'd find myself reading at an unusually quick rate just to seek out what happens next.I read this chapter this morning and have since reread it over and over. It is so emotionally drawn out, so detailed and explanatory that afterwards, I couldn't help but feel deeply saddened for all of those people. I've always remained a bit skeptical of the intentions of young adults. This last chapter was a breakthrough for me in that it has shown me what I never thought were possible. This has been by far the most intensely emotional story I have ever came to read and I cannot wait for the remaining chapters to be posted.Thank you so much for writing this, Dan (Sam) will never be forgotten. Date: 06/08/2009 04:09 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 26 Reviewer: Altimexis WOW! That's all I can say is WOW! Date: 05/13/2009 10:43 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 26 Reviewer: hh5 Part of me was at lost of how could the story end. Whats going to happen from here on with Brian, Joah, and Chris. (and Neal) The the other thing was full circle and the title of the story. So I guess an epilog would be nice to tie things together. Date: 05/11/2009 09:26 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 25 Reviewer: Jey OMG! I totally knew Brian liked him back! I knnnneeeeewwww it! And it's so amazing to see that he actually kissed him! I love this story more and more every chapter it gets. Bah... can't wait to see the next part. Date: 05/07/2009 03:48 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 25 Reviewer: ifnotnow OMG - Brian kissed him - has he wanted to all along? Could it hinder and not help their fragile friendship? I just so love this story. Thank you for the update - I love it. Date: 05/06/2009 11:09 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 25 Reviewer: guru I knew this was gonna happen.... at least for the last 10 chapters.... can´t wait for more Date: 05/03/2009 03:07 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 24 Reviewer: hh5 Great chapter. I'm glad that Jonah and Sam didn't breakup. But I am a bit hurt that Sam never told Brian about how much Neal damaged their relationship and life. I know whats it like to have ones life destroyed by another human being. I just don't know if I ever have a second chance at life as Sam had. But still the story about Sam is a very important read to me to at least know someone had a second chance at life to the very end. Date: 04/29/2009 11:06 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Looby I really enjoyed this story, I cannot wait for the rest of it. Please I hope Sam and Brian finally end up together. So sorry to hear about Dan.....you are a great friend to complete his story to share with us. Thank you so much. Date: 04/08/2009 07:13 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 23 Reviewer: MattJohnson Strangely enough.. this story hits me too. Particularly this chapter.I have had many problems with falling in love with my best friend too (and still am).Reading this story always make me feel.. strange, i dunno. but it gives me hope and i like it.R.I.P Dan, and thanks for continuing the story Adam Date: 04/04/2009 11:00 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 23 Reviewer: hh5 Interesting parallels and sharings; a break from the drama that will soon return. Date: 04/03/2009 09:04 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 23 Reviewer: ifnotnow This story is just GRIPPING. And leading up to this chapter I was feeling a loss of hope, but now there are glimmers of hope. I really feel so deeply for both Sam and Brian, and for Jonah. So much hurt all the way around. I'm so hoping for some peace and happiness for the men. It's good to see Sam evolve and grow and be able to begin to handle things that he couldn't before.Thank you! Date: 04/03/2009 04:02 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 22 Reviewer: ifnotnow I am absolutely enthralled by this story. It causes this ache in me, it has this residual presence in my mind. I love it. Date: 03/18/2009 09:40 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: amazongal hello again adam .....i am happy to finally read chapter 22 been checking often tfor the next installment.......i know ya friend would be happy to know that his labour of love is cherished...such a great piece can't waite for the next installment.... p.s. i emailed you ...did u recieve my response to your reply..would love hear from you again....... Date: 03/16/2009 11:44 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: hh5 Gosh - I hate Neal!!! But I am surprise campus security hasn't caught Neal for distruption and violation of a restraining order. Just hope Jonah and Sam and Chris - sticks together. Hope Walt survives his operation. Date: 03/15/2009 08:08 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 21 Reviewer: hh5 Good Chapter. Sorry for Brian. Yuck Neal is back? Date: 01/13/2009 07:29 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 20 Reviewer: hh5 I am happy for Sam and Jonah. Something good did come out of a hard life. Date: 01/09/2009 07:04 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 19 Reviewer: tombear Just wanted to say that this story has been very touching so far some men do have many demons to excise especially when dealing with sexual and physical abuse as a child My condolences also to Dans family on his loss Cancer is a very hard thing to deal with at that early age Date: 12/06/2008 07:36 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 19 Reviewer: Jey Oh God... I would generally be happy with this chapter if I had known that this was a fictinoal story. Though I AM glad that he seems to have finally found something special in this, it's sad to see that he's gone at such a young age with so much crap dealt with. He seems like such a nice and understanding person and having all of this dumped on him is just... brutal. I'm looking forward to later instalments. Thank you Adam, for finishing his story. Date: 11/22/2008 12:08 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 19 Reviewer: hh5 I am so happy for SAM in the sense of welcome back to the living a life. Date: 11/19/2008 09:50 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 19 Reviewer: Altimexis I still can't believe Dan's gone, and at such a young age. It's obscene. You're an angel for taking this on, Adam. I'm glad we'll be able to read the rest of his story. I've been following it from the beginning. Thank you.Sounds like 'Jonah' is a great guy. I hope he's the one. 'Sam' certainly deserved happiness after all he'd been through, and before what he was yet to face, and 'Chris' sure deserved to have a second daddy to take over after Dan's illness. Date: 11/19/2008 08:42 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: hh5 Yes this a very good story and getting to understand Sam phobias. However , It maybe prudent to place a CautionWarning for those that still have PTSS because the natures of a victim of PTSS that have not seek treatment may have an interaction with the content of the story. Also , a post story advisory to those with PTSS should be suggested to seek help (medicalchurch) Date: 10/15/2008 09:12 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: aaptx28 I'm Adam, the guy helping Dan complete It Started With Brian. Eno, the story is not finished yet. I've had to take a break to get my bearings on the way the plot relates to the chronology. I'm starting to get lost in the time sequence--it's not my story so I don't really have it down in my head as fully as I would if it were my own--so I've asked Dan to help me out by supplying me with a time-line for the narrative. He just got that to me today. Dan has written extensive notes through the end of the story, so it's all plotted out in terms of what happens, etc. But I have to supply the detail, and as I said, the chronology is throwing me a little right now. I promise that as soon as I've gotten all clear on the sequencing of events in the story I'll get Dan a completed Chapter 19 to look over and post. Maybe in as soon as a week's time. Thanks for your patience. Date: 08/18/2008 07:24 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 18 Reviewer: Eno Registered just to say this but I really hope this isn't the end. It just doesn't feel complete yet. Hope you update soontime!! Date: 08/11/2008 10:50 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: canundra I'm so glad that I found this story to read and thank you for writing it :)However, I feel that if we don't get a happy ending, such happy thoughts will promptly disappear. :PPlease! Happy ending! Date: 08/10/2008 07:22 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 18 Reviewer: Dion Wonderful. You are such a talented writer, Dan. I hope you update again soon. Date: 07/20/2008 12:30 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 17 Reviewer: Steven Keiths Dan, I have been following this story from when you first posted it at Nifty. It is for me a beautifully written 'tug n pull' emotionally charged story. Your character creation of Sam is well developed and though I know it's a story, sometimes I just want to slap him; and other times hug him. Just a very nicely written story. I'm glad I found it here at GA. Warm regards,--Steven Keiths Date: 07/19/2008 09:37 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: jovian_w2002 Great Story mate I just started reading it a few hours ago haha. I'll give you a more extensive review asap Thanks Adam and Dan Date: 06/24/2008 09:55 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 17 Reviewer: orangeeeena Wow. This has been an incredible read. Traveling with Sam through all his confusion and pain really took a toll on my emotions. Amazing, amazing, amazing job. You've got me cheering, not only for Sam, but for everyone in his life. I hope this isn't the end! There's still so much to be resolved, and so much that's been left unsaid (particularly with Brian). And will we ever find out what transpired between Tom & Brian that night? I can't believe I just spent so much time reading this, but it was truly time well spent. Cheers to you and your brilliance. Date: 06/23/2008 11:53 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 8 Reviewer: Bill Moretini Dan, You have gradually leeked details about Sam's scars and the reason for them. That keeps the intrigue and curiosity flowing. I'm enjoying your work. Date: 06/23/2008 10:29 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 17 Reviewer: Altimexis Another superbly written chapter, and an emotional roller coaster. One cannot help but wonder, is Dan telling the story of a real life. Looking forward to the next one. Date: 06/18/2008 07:44 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 16 Reviewer: Tiger Sorry for waiting so long to read it, but this was a good chapter. I look forward to more. Good job, Dan! Date: 06/07/2008 11:16 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 16 Reviewer: Dion Truly outstanding. Date: 05/26/2008 05:36 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: steph291 wow... the entire Walker family is just awesome. Date: 05/26/2008 12:36 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 9 Reviewer: steph291 very powerful chapter! Date: 05/26/2008 12:05 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 2 Reviewer: steph291 awww... they're so cute together! and they're not even together yet! =) Date: 05/25/2008 10:00 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 16 Reviewer: Altimexis A very powerful story that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster. Date: 05/25/2008 09:39 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 15 Reviewer: Dion An absolutely fantastic, flawless story. The emotions are gut-wrenching and true-to-life. My hat is off to such a talented writer. Date: 05/13/2008 01:32 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 15 Reviewer: Jey I don't believe I've gotten a chance to review this yet... but dude, this story is simply AMAZING. I'm not going to suck up or anything but geez... Iall the stuff thats happening to him is just amazingly sad. I can't help but feel sorry for him. One of the things I love about this story is that it uses very cliche storylines on one character and somehow you turn them into very realistic events that don't seem cliche at all. *Sighhh* I wish Brian would just take him already... it's been like 5+ years into their friendship! Amazing story. Date: 05/02/2008 07:25 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: aaptx28 Gary, I appreciate what you said. The funny thing about the style is that it's not his and it's not mine either. The way we're doing this is that Dan has sent me his written notes, some of them quite extensive, on the remaining chapters. As much as I can, I use his own words from the written notes. But of course I have to fill in and do transitions and dialogues and things and that's where I can't imitate him. It has been an honor to work with him and I hope you will all keep reading. You will not be disappointed by Dan's storyline when all is said and done.--Adam Phillips Date: 04/30/2008 07:53 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: GaryInMiami Hi Adam. To me your style isn't annoying. It's just different and took some getting used to. It's a shame Dan can't finish the story himself. Thankfully you're generous enough to help him with it. For that you've got my sincere thanks. This has been a great read so far. I can't exactly say I've enjoyed it because it's just not that kind of story. But everything about it has been nearly perfect. Date: 04/30/2008 11:22 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 15 Reviewer: tlwritingtiger This is a great story. I look forward to reading more! I got into this story a long time ago but had not seen the updates until recently. I'm glad I did. I like it even more than I did before. Date: 04/28/2008 11:36 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Michael Sheridan I'm hooked on this story, and am glad that you're continuing it even with the long wait between chapters. A story this good is well worth that wait. Thank you! Date: 04/25/2008 11:27 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: aaptx28 For the reviewer who noticed the shift in tone between 11 & 12, I'm afraid I have to take the blame. Dan's not in a place to be able to complete the story unassisted. I'm helping him with the writing. He has plotted it out to the end. I tried initially to imitate his style, but it's not really possible. He's he and I'm me, LOL. I do try to include as much of his own wording and phraseology as possible. Please understand that Dan and I would both love it if I wouldn't have to be involved at all. Try to appreciate Dan's story, even if my style annoys you.--Adam PhillipsAuthor's Response: I want to respond to both corvus and Adam. The tone of the story would have shifted with chapter 12 anyway. There were a number of things that shifted with that chapter just by virtue of the story itself. I'm blessed and honored that Adam has offered to help me finish ISWB. I would not be able to finish it otherwise and I trust him implicitly. Date: 04/25/2008 08:41 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 13 Reviewer: Rogue State of Mind Hey, I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents and say this story is great! And I like the fact you've given Sam some space to breathe... It had to happen, he couldn't just stay with Brian night and day, the situation would have stifled his characters growth being stuck in some wacky unrequited lovers circle... Plus it gives him room to gain some sort of independence within his self (inner peace and all that jazz - well not really, but you know what I mean. ha!) which will do well when he does face Brian once more. And could cause more problems if Brian doesn't know how to take this new and improved Sam... Ugh, I need to stop jabbering! lol Anyway, keep up the great work! Date: 04/20/2008 03:44 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 13 Reviewer: corvus Eh. As much as I'm appreciative of the fact that the story is continuing, I don't like the tonal shift from chapter 11 to chapter 12. Don't get me wrong -- chapters 12 and 13 are well written, but it feels like a different story now. Date: 04/06/2008 02:02 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 13 Reviewer: Anonymous very hot keep going Date: 04/05/2008 01:24 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 13 Reviewer: kiefer(squeggie@gmail.com) I just wanted to say this story was pretty good.. I just think it should of never started like this.. i was so dissapointed, I was hoping that brian and sam would expirement or talk more then they do now.. something and mary to come back into the story.. thats what made it exciting.. not it feels like a run on story, so pleeeeasaseeeee bring back mary and brian into this... i would think it would be more exciting, like a thriller.... But thanks this was ok.. i will be reading the next story.. yay Date: 04/05/2008 05:07 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 13 Reviewer: Ash Soo sooo soooo good. I feel band for Brian though. Keep up the great work! =) Date: 04/05/2008 12:55 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 13 Reviewer: Altimexis The sex scene in this chapter has to be one of the most humorous I have read in any story. And very real! Great job! Date: 04/04/2008 08:02 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 12 Reviewer: Robbie I love this story so much, I can totally sympathize with Sam...look forward to the next chapter soon! Date: 04/03/2008 05:32 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: darkfoxprime whew! made it through all the chapters so far in about two or three hours.this is good. you've got characters that hooked me, a multi-layered storyline, and a believable plot. great work.now i want more. more more more! Date: 03/12/2008 12:39 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: corvus This is the best story I've read in a long time. The feelings are very raw, very real. Please update soon! Date: 02/04/2008 12:29 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: froggy12 Wonderful story with good characters/story line (The PTSD and Tom were too nuanced, at least for me), and totally believable. Thankfully, no RC dogma lectures. Hope author has more stuff to read because I would glady be a follower. Date: 01/25/2008 03:08 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: Larry Laetus Dan has done a superb job of protraying the angst that so many of us have gone through or are going thorough, are or aren't we and if we are to what degree, and we are intelligent and sensitive enough to punish ourselves needlessly. I sure hope Dan continues this story to a conclusion. Date: 01/25/2008 02:23 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Vince This is one of the best stories I've ever read. Now that I've cried my eyes out with Sam after the last chapter, I can't wait to see what you will do with the story (and to see if I still feel like you are channelling part of my life through Sam's character!) It really is wonderfully written, Dan! Date: 01/22/2008 11:04 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: Fred Wood Dan - Please don't end it here. My whole early life was Sam's. I need to see if you can do better with it than I did. Thanks! Fred Date: 01/22/2008 08:33 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: impdlx50 Great stuff and what an emotional roller coaster...I wonder what it was that Brian said to him at the canyon. Please keep this one going...Love it! Date: 01/20/2008 07:43 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 4 Reviewer: Larry Laetaus What a great job, tremendously well written and kept me going all night. Great story quality. Nigel is right, Dan you are a polished writer. Write on...more...more...more Date: 01/20/2008 03:03 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: Altimexis It's nice to see this story continuing, even if it has been quite some time since the last chapter. This installment was particularly nice, even if it was emotionally draining. I look forward to more! Date: 01/18/2008 09:44 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 11 Reviewer: excuse Love it! Date: 01/18/2008 04:20 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Vas Hi Dan.You know i got yo know your story trough another writer group, who that some months ago pointed out your story.I am very happy that you decided to come back to finish the story, I grow fond onit and the new two chapters are very good, they deal with some very important topics.Thanks so much for your work I am enjoying very much. Date: 11/10/2007 03:25 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: g_guy_q Great story! The author has a real talent for drawing the reader in. Date: 11/04/2007 06:30 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 9 Reviewer: Thrideye I'm Hooked on this storyAuthor's Response: Thank you. I'm hoping to finish it soon. Date: 11/04/2007 01:17 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: tlwritingtiger This is a good introductory chapter. I look forward to reading more.Author's Response: Thank you. The remainder of the chapters should be posted in fairly short order. Date: 10/31/2007 12:28 PM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] Title: Chapter 1 Reviewer: Benji Sam's mother confuses me, is she so bitter about being in a wheelchair she takes it out on her son? His father is another puzzle, why is he enraged? Other then Sam taking way too many activitys under his belt I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to moreAuthor's Response: I'm afraid that Sam's parents won't be explored much in this, though some of the answers will come in time. Thank you for reading. Date: 10/31/2007 11:20 AM Admin Options: [Edit] [Delete] 1 Link to comment
JRib Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I can't express in words how much this story meant to me. Thank you Adam for continuing It Started with Brian, thank you John for helping him and thank you Sam for sharing your amazing story with us in the first place, you inspired me to be a better person. I'm happy you had your time with John and that wherever you are, you're at peace. Joel. 1 Link to comment
methodwriter85 Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 If there's ever a case of quality of life over quantity of life, it would be Sam. That man packed a lot of life in his 33 years. Hard to believe he's been gone for 3 years now. 1 Link to comment
Adam Phillips Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 I can't express in words how much this story meant to me. Thank you Adam for continuing It Started with Brian You're welcome, Joel. It was a labor of love for me. I loved Sam like a brother and miss him tremendously. 1 Link to comment
Jox4 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 This is probably my third trawl through the GA stories, trying to find one I haven't read before. One of the reasons for that is that I hate waiting for instalments so only look at completed stories. This one has been complete for over two years so how have I missed it before ??? Maybe it was for the same reason I nearly didn't start it this time, thinking it was just another teen-boys-at-school story. How wrong was that !! And what a gem and emotional rollercoaster I would have missed !! I have just finished ch 26 and am stunned by the events of Sam's life and the way it has been spread out before us. Two realisations have ht me: one is that as soon as I finish it, I have to read it again, much more carefully, and the other is that the years of misery I endured in marriage to a woman are but nothing compared to Sam's experiences. I am so glad I found ISWB. 1 Link to comment
Solivagant Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Ten years ago today, Dan Kincaid (whose real name was Samuel), author of the autobiographical novel "It Started with Brian," died of colon cancer after struggling with the disease for several months. He was thirty-four years old. I want to take this moment to acknowledge this milestone, celebrate his life, and honor his memory. I did not have the privilege to know Sam personally or electronically, but he has had such a great impact in my life: He has helped me be a better human being. I was going through a very difficult time in my life when I discovered Sam’s novel on May 27th, 2015. At the time, I was reading Adam Phillips’s autobiographical novel “Crosscurrents,” but I was not really “feeling” the story. I had read outstanding reviews about that novel for a couple of years, so I finally decided to give it a shot and succumbed to begin reading it. The novel was indeed good, but it was disappointing me: It was not what I needed at that particular moment. For starters, I could not relate to Andy, the main character, or Matt, Andy’s best friend and one of his subsequent love interests (the other one being Angie, a female). I usually do not mind if I cannot connect to, identify with, or feel empathy for a character of a novel that I am reading since I like to be exposed to different ways of thinking and personalities, but somehow I needed to read about a character who I could sympathize with, respond to, and have a rapport with. Needless to say, that was not Andy. While reading “Crosscurrents,” I was feeling miserable because I was dealing with both physical and psychological health issues. I was bedridden for two years struggling with severe pain on both my right leg and foot after having several unsuccessful surgeries to try to correct the problem. I was, too, suffering from intense Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which was out of control, making me unable to have peace of mind due to unbearable anxiety and stress. I was crippled and mentally disabled. The corporal pain and emotional hurt were incredibly distressing and became too much for me to handle. The agony, discomfort, and torment were tearing me apart. I felt that I hated myself. I thought that I did not have a future to anticipate to. As might be expected, I was overwhelmingly depressed. I realized that I was running on empty. I was suicidal. I needed to “escape.” I loathed Andy Sharp (“Crosscurrents” main character) because I considered that he had it all and still was a terrible person. I thought of him as arrogant, conceited, immature, self-absorbed, selfish, smug, and unpleasant. He was handsome, healthy, fit, intelligent, brilliant, dexterous, and gregarious. He was also a popular athlete who played baseball, football, and soccer. And he was bisexual, so he led a practically “normal” life due to the fact that he also felt attraction to females. He had lots of friends, and did not have any problems getting girls to date or sleep with. So he possessed an infinite amount of qualities which I believed that I lacked. I disliked him greatly almost from the very beginning since he made me feel like a failure and incredibly inadequate; I was both envious and jealous of him. I did not need to feel that way at that tortuous moment. I want to point out that I know that he behaved appallingly because of insecurity struggling with his sexuality, but the way he chose to act on it was childish and condescending, even hurting others, like Matt, on his way. He was smart enough to know that what he was doing was wrong, but still kept upon doing it. (I want to clarify that I have personally nothing against Adam Phillips, the author of the novel “Crosscurrents,” I was just feeling emotionally shattered and demolished at the time, and I could not help but compare myself unfavorably to him (Andy Sharp). Last year, when I was in a better place, both physically and psychologically, I read the novel from beginning to end and I could enjoy it. Not one of my favorites, but I recognize that it is a great story. Adam is a very gifted writer. You should read his work if you have not: You will not be disappointed.) In spite of my not enjoying myself reading “Crosscurrents,” it did not blind me to recognize the talent of its author: I was impressed and in awe of Adam Phillips’s more than obvious story-telling gift, so I figured that I would look up if he had written other novels… With a more “likable” main character this time. That was when I came across “It Started with Brian,” and was introduced to fourteen-year-old Sam Passerello. I did a little research on the novel before I began reading it. It was not a secret to me that this story was autobiographical, and that the author had passed away seven years before I found his work. I also, of course, was aware of the fact that Adam Phillips had graciously agreed to help Sam finish his novel when Sam was too sick to do it himself and decided to spend his last moments with his family members and friends. Adam could do so with the help of notes that Sam had previously written down and a few telephone calls between them. When Sam perished, Adam got some assistance from Sam’s husband, John (Brian, in the novel). This definitely called my attention. I proceeded to read the novel, and I was hooked from the very beginning. It was the first time, in a long time, that I responded to a story in such an amazing and magnificent way. I have read many books in my lifetime, and this particular novel hit me harder than “El plan infinito,” by Isabel Allende (which is my favorite published book, written by my preferred author), had done. I could empathize with Sam from the start; I felt a connection to him. To me, he was so pure, innocent, brave, sincere, compassionate, honest, affectionate, caring, friendly, selfless, giving, approachable, understanding, and considerate. He was, above everything else, someone with whom I could relate. There were plenty of similarities between him and me. He was flawed, but that made him more likable in my eyes. He did not have a perfect life with loving parents and a stable home. He was so different from Andy Sharp who I thought, had it all. Sam did not have it easy. The more I read, the more I loved him. I must admit, though, that there were times when I was angry with him for making the same mistakes over and over, but I had to remind myself that I, personally, would have done some of the same things that he did. He was human. He trusted his instincts. It was his kind-hearted and tender nature that made him the wonderful man who he was. He was the kind of person who I wanted to be friends with. Whenever I would get mad at him, he would win me over immediately by showing me his vulnerability and compassion for others. I felt that I was a part of his story; I wanted so badly to hug and comfort him, and tell him that everything would work out for the best in the end. I was ecstatic when Sam and his husband John, his first and true love, were finally together romantically. Sam had struggled for years to come to terms with his feelings for John. Sam fell in love with John when they first met when Sam was a new student at the school that John attended; there, they became best friends swiftly. To Sam, who was bisexual, it was inconceivable to accept the fact that John, who was heterosexual, could have any feelings for him that were not platonic. But it was also tremendously arduous for John to comprehend his affection for Sam. John, too, had loved Sam since they first met. It was considerably strenuous for John, because Sam had been the only man who he had ever wanted. John was still heterosexual, but in love with Sam who happened to be a man, so he was wrestling with those feelings, as well. They could have been together sooner, but Sam had previously dated John’s sister, Mary (her name in the novel), whom Sam seriously loved, and the two men had reservations, individually, about being together because of it. But the main problem that they both had, especially Sam, was that their sexual orientations were not compatible. Had Sam given himself the chance to be happy, to forget about “labels” (Sam was bisexual, John was heterosexual, so how could John possibly love Sam?), and just think about the love that John felt for him, things between them would have begun sooner. That was an important lesson for me to learn: to forget about labels, and think about the love. I have read about countless people who are not together because of those irritatingly annoying labels, despite the immeasurable feelings that they have for the ones whom they love. How incredibly sad, is it not? Before reading this novel, I had not really paid that much attention to the amount of pain and hurt those labels inflict in some people. I was able to educate myself in the subject, and it opened up a whole new world for me to both discover and travel, and for that I am forever grateful. I knew that Sam would eventually pass on, but I was not expecting to respond to the novel as badly as I thought that I would. Yes, life can be unfair at times, or it probably always is… I really do not know. Oh, how happy I felt when Sam and John were finally living together, along with Sam’s son, Christopher (his name in the novel), who was born when Sam was only twenty-two years of age. I was genuinely delighted for them both! Seriously beaming! Why did things have to end up the way that they did? I cried out loud reading the last chapter that Sam had written, himself, without the assistance of Adam. Then I read the postscript written by John, and I could learn even more about the extraordinary human being who Sam was. I cried for the time that Sam and John wasted not being together. I cried because they could only enjoy themselves as a couple for a very short time. I cried because when things were getting finally better for Sam, he learned that he was terminally ill. I cried due to him dying so young. I cried for Sam’s son, Christopher, losing his father at only twelve years old. I cried because Sam and John are not physically together now. I cried for days, and I still do from time to time when I think about Sam. Sam is an inspiration to me. He was born with parents who did not care much about him. He was sexually abused by older cousins and when he told his parents about it, they chose not to believe their own son. When he was outed by a jealous girlfriend, Amy (her name in the novel), his parents disowned him. He was determined to succeed because he wanted to prove his parents wrong, so he could not afford to be depressed. He was stalked viciously for years by a vindictive ex-boyfriend, Neal (his name in the novel). As I mentioned before, he became a father at twenty-two, and had sole custody of his son when his relationship with the mother of the child went downhill. Sam mentioned that his life was dominated by fear, but he did not let that to stop him. He worked several jobs while attending college because he could not rely on his parents for support. He graduated with honors sooner than anyone else in his class. He had a great career, giving friends, a caring husband, and loving son. My life, too, has been dominated by fear, and Sam proved to me that you can succeed as long as you believe in yourself with all your body, heart, mind, and soul. I learned from him to be understanding and forgiving; to have both an open heart and mind; to choose love always; and to cherish every single moment because, unfortunately, tomorrow is not promised to anyone. He taught me success is the best revenge. Despite all the hardships in his life, Sam was not bitter or hateful. He did not use the tragedies that happened to him as an excuse to fail, be dejected or sorrowful. He always had the good sense to look ahead and wait for the best in every situation. He was a good son, father, friend, colleague, classmate, roommate, boyfriend, and husband. He was an outstanding human being and an impeccable man. And I will always treasure the day I decided to read his story. I honestly hope that John has been able to move on and share, once again, all the love that he has to give to someone else. I sincerely hope his son (who must be around twenty-two, the age Sam was when he was born) is doing all right, and know the splendid man he had as a father. I am aware that John adopted him, so I am certain that he has grown up with the best person to guide his steps. I want to thank Adam Phillips, dearly, for helping Sam tell his story. It was such a selfless act for him to do so; according to his own words, he did it out of love for Sam whom he loved as a brother. I truthfully hope all is well with his wife and two sons. I personally cannot wait for him to continue writing, since I think that he is one of the most talented writers around. In conclusion, I thank you, Sam, wherever you are for everything that you have taught me. As you can see, your legacy is living on not only inside the people who you knew, but also inside the ones who you have touched through your story. You made the right decision the day that you decided to tell your story. Your novel helped me when I needed it the most. If there is a Heaven, I know that you are there. May you forever rest in peace. 2 2 Link to comment
methodwriter85 Posted October 27, 2018 Share Posted October 27, 2018 I knew Dan electronically, and he really was a beautiful person. I was a very confused and struggling guy in my early 20's who was dealing with a lot of demons when I knew Dan. He'd give me a lot of words of encouragement, even as he was grappling with his own terminal illness. It's weird to think that this point I'm almost the same age Dan was when he died. He was 33/34 and just seemed like a font of wisdom. Of course, he had to be, living the life he did. It sucks he only really got to be truly happy for the last year or two of his life, but it's great that he did and he truly appreciated it. Quote I loathed Andy Sharp (“Crosscurrents” main character) because I considered that he had it all and still was a terrible person. I thought of him as arrogant, conceited, immature, self-absorbed, selfish, smug, and unpleasant. He was handsome, healthy, fit, intelligent, brilliant, dexterous, and gregarious. He was also a popular athlete who played baseball, football, and soccer. And he was bisexual, so he led a practically “normal” life due to the fact that he also felt attraction to females. He had lots of friends, and did not have any problems getting girls to date or sleep with. So he possessed an infinite amount of qualities which I believed that I lacked. I disliked him greatly almost from the very beginning since he made me feel like a failure and incredibly inadequate; I was both envious and jealous of him. I did not need to feel that way at that tortuous moment. I want to point out that I know that he behaved appallingly because of insecurity struggling with his sexuality, but the way he chose to act on it was childish and condescending, even hurting others, like Matt, on his way. He was smart enough to know that what he was doing was wrong, but still kept upon doing it. Adam put a lot of himself into Andy Sharpe, and one thing that I appreciated the portrayal is that he doesn't try to "prettify" the character. In his discussion groups (which he eventually stepped away from for good), Adam has been pretty honest about what his flaws are while acknowledging the immense amount of privilege he has in his life- being good-looking, being white, being athletic, being from an affluent area, etc etc. He's a perfectionist that demands a lot from himself, and sometimes that can be a pretty bad thing. "Tortured genius" comes to mind a little bit, because Adam/Andy always has his mind working and figuring out problems he needs to solve, even if they weren't really problems to begin with. That's really stressful and makes it really hard for Adam to just sit back and appreciate how good his life is, even though he recognizes that it is a very good and blessed life. Adam is always going to feel driven to do more and succeed more, and he's very hard on himself when he doesn't. Point being is that while he does have a great life with plenty of advantages, Andy Sharp is not a life you want to live in if you're expecting perfect happiness. No one's life is perfect, even if it looks that way. (Believe me, it took me a loooonnnnggggg time to realize that. I had own my resentment/envy issues to deal with over the course of e-knowing Adam for 11 years.) 2 Link to comment
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