pvtguy

The true mark of friendship.

I hear themes of Bluegrass in the last two poems. Beautiful!

I am amazed at the planning it takes to even do the most mundane things - like playing video games - when you have this amount of people living under the same roof! This entire series started with, and continues, with some very loving adult(s) who responded to a need and providing a home for boys who, otherwise, would have been either homeless or institutionalized. It deals with issues realistically - such as acknowledging that the boys would be sexually active - but wraps them in a positive and spiritually based lifestyle. This chapter demonstrates these points most aptly. Great going, Bill.

Just wondering if Danny and Brandon will have a talk with Holly as they did with Noah and Ryan? Even if she is confused, it might help her to talk it out... Anyway, another enjoyable chapter in this wonderful series. Tony

There are many aspects of this story that are outstanding: the rich descriptions of the town of Ravello and the surrounding environs encourages one (as it did for me) to actually research and see pictures of the area to fully appreciate the experience that young Gianni discovers after he has been transplanted there following the death of his parents. It is a story of generational differences in understanding. It is a story of how grief is experienced by those generations. Gianni finds a friend in Angelo and, in recalling his parents' teaching to him to be true to himself, discovers feelings. This is a story that is exceptionally well-written and, while slow in its development, is fully engaging in its emotional depth.

This is truly a wonderfully well written story about family dynamics, greed, love, fear of being "different" with the accompanying exaggeration of fear of reactions of others, and, finally, love and resolution.

I have followed all 5 stories in this series. While I hate to see stories end - especially when I get involved with the characters and the plots - I do understand they must. This is a much more fitting ending than the last chapter and I applaud you for doing it.

I enjoyed this story more so than many others which are also well written as this had a lot more interpersonal interactions. However, that said, I am disappointed with the ending: it seems as though it just stops without completing Xander's graduation and the surprise party for the class. There was no reason given for Chas' presence other than to give ride to his younger brother - did he want to apologize/ He wasn't given the chance. To me, it just seems as this was a hurried chapter so that other stories could be posted.

Your usual excellence is showing again! Thanks for a great chapter. Though I know it must come to an end, as always, I've grown attached to the story and characters and hate to see it stop. Perhaps at another time you might treat us with a follow-up volume.... Tony

Oh the memories it recalls for me of the first day back to school after summer vacation! 47 of those days!

Ah...another peel of the onion pulled back! Who else would be hiding cigarettes in the garage but Don? And his erratic behavior can definitely be fueled by drug use. Jo has hit upon something. Now we await to see how this turns out! Excellent job, Dodger!!! Tony

When I clicked on the link announcing the story, it led me directly to the story...I just went back and found the story note...now understood. Thanks again for another Carlos story. Hope we see more as I really like your writing.

Good story. Another Liebe! Love the name even if it means "love". Tony

I have enjoyed all the stories you have posted with these characters and learned so much about Australia and the various places traveled. It has provided me with a vicarious vacation, for sure! This story is wonderful and is showing much more warmth of the characters which I find appealing.

Since the very first volume of this series, I have loved the idea of a home such as was founded by Josh. His love and spirit have created a beautiful family that continues to grow, even if only fictional. I would love to see this happen in real life! I wish I could have done this in a much bigger way myself - I did allow my small condo to be home for my son (I was a single parent) and any all of his friends who needed a place to stay any time from a night or two to a year and a half. There are so many young people who for various reasons find themselves homeless. At my age now, I am afraid I am no longer in the position to do more than assist where I can and support through mentoring and contributions. This story inspires me to do more. Thanks, Bill, for continuing it as long as you have. As far as I am concerned, you can continue for many more years!!! Tony

I love how you weave into your story depth of characters, compelling plot, twists and turns, and true and real situations. You are truly a gifted writer and I am so grateful you share your talent with us! Tony

What is the point at which concern becomes over-involvement as far as parenting goes? Whatever happens among Noah, Ryan and Holly should be allowed to happen and then dealt with rationally. It seems as though all the adults are ganging up to make sure Ryan doesn't have any chance with Holly at all. Besides, where is Holly's opinion come into play? I love the continuation of this series. Great job. Tony

I find Seb's quick withdrawal of all support from the school to be sudden, very impulsive as is his wont, and without consideration of the good it would do in the long run for all the students and the community. Perhaps he will reconsider after meeting with Xander over the weekend. Dwas doing what typical adolescents today do - he was overawed with the wealth and status and acted impulsively too. Is Seb's "punishment" to the actions of the Headmaster proportional or was he just showing his wealth was more important than the long standing support of the Chairman of the Board. I'm not condoning the Headmaster's response, but I just see it as a clash of privilege.

This is an extremely well-written and powerful read. It involves the reader from the first paragraph to the last, allowing one to experience the emotion, the values and the challenges presented. Wayne is an excellent author and I encourage all to read his stories. Tony

Again, I find the lack of emotional response on Lewis' part very sad. Also, the failure on the part of the twins to inform Lewis of Sebastian's death is really odd. Everything just seems to be a surface telling of events and quick decisions that just seem to be made and orders given and followed with no empathy whatsoever.

I am amazed at the shallow emotions of both Lewis and Sebastian. Lewis seems not to commit to anything more than surface level and changes directions on a whim! Sebastian treats the twins as young children he must control at all times. There appears to be no warmth from either Seb or Lewis for more than a fleeting moment. And yet, they do make the story quite interesting and appealing. That major plans can be changed on a mere moment's notice - no mention of the impact that the decision to go to the Mediterranean would have on those in FI - is amazing. Thus - fiction! Keep up the good work. Tony

It would appear that Julie's time may be short. I still think that there should be more frequent visits, especially since it is summer and the boys have more free time. Grandpa Josh could take them during the week... In any case, I have loved this entire series and it is just as intriguing now as Book one was/is. Tony

You've done it again! A wonderful chapter that has left me (and apparently everyone else) chafing at the bit while waiting for the next chapter! Great job, Dodger!!! Tony

I find it a bit odd that the twins and Holly only are seeing their mother in Sunday. It would seem to me that in her terminal condition, they would want as much time with her as possible. Otherwise, another great chapter in this wonderful series.

A beautiful ending - and you're right - it brought closure to Huon's story. Thanks for this.