noahthesmallpotato

First, I noticed these: Not once did Billy ever thought about how he hurt Brett's feelings. I hate to say it, but I thought he's still a narcissistic, selfish ***hole after all these. Then, it hit me... I've been like Billy my whole life...

I'm speechless... I know I was supposed to be pumped to know that my theories turned out to be true. But somehow, I wasn't... It felt like all these years, Billy never changed. He was still the stubborn, selfish, and smartass kid that I met in book one... Now, I am deeply disappointed... *sigh* I don't know... I think I'm just gonna hold on to Paula's words:

Okay, I guess that disproves my theory that Brett knew who his dad is all along. That puts Billy in a more worrisome situation. Which reminds me. What prompted Brett to search for his father? I'm not buying that it was just out of boring-ness. Also, isn't a coincidence that he did that right after he borrowed Billy's coin collection? I honestly thought that Brett's search history has something to do with it. Didn't expect him to bring up the dad thing. Let's find out! *Edited because one part turned out to be a huge spoiler*

I'm glad that nothing happened between Dustin and Billy. I was so scared the whole time reading the last bits of this chapter. I'm still scared because I don't know yet what happens when they wake up. I guess I'm just overprotective like Brett. Lmao! Speaking of Brett, oh poor Brett. He's right about Billy in so many ways. Billy needs to think more about other people instead of himself if you're really preparing him to become a lawyer in the future. I'm not sure how Billy's gonna fight the people in power. But I'm getting that feeling that soon he's gonna have to choose between being the Valedictorian and maintaining his dignity. Like how Jack bribed him for his silence. But obviously, this time. He should know better.

I, also, never had a friend like that. Like @droughtquake, I've also felt like an outsider my whole life. I guess it's maybe because I never really gave anyone a chance to understand who I was. Something that I've been trying to fix for the past couple of years, to no avail. I believe that it's one of the many reasons I loved reading your story. It gave me a chance to experience something wonderful that was missing in my life. It filled a part of my heart that has been empty for a long long time. I'm gonna so devastated when this story ends. If there's one more thing I could take from this chapter. It's the fact that everyone is the hero of their own stories. Neither Jen nor Paula is a true antagonist. They're just normal people dealing with their own problems, it just happens so that Billy and Brett was caught in a bad situation. With regards to the coin collection. I figure George might have talked to Brett about that one when they were fishing together in the lake without Billy. About what it's for? I still have no clue.

Time-traveler here. I got goosebumps on Aiden's appearance! I haven't read his story yet. But from what I heard. He's a tough one and could be a pain in the ass. Needless to say, I like him. I couldn't help but hear the Avengers theme right after the end of this chapter. I'm so pumped! A war is coming!

I guess the entire comment section is agreeing with me with one thing: Brett and Joey must've known for a long time already. Remember when Brett told Billy that he plans to make Paula believe she's winning? Maybe that's what they've been doing all along. After all, they've been reaping the benefits of their parents' reputations, that is, until Joey was 'disowned' by Jack. Maybe that's what will force them to hunt for the truth. This leaves Billy in the most pressing situation all by himself. If the above is true, all he needs to do is to work up his courage to tell the two brothers. But that will be anti-climactic won't it? Oh sh-t. Now that I remember it. I have a theory: However, it leaves more questions than it answers. Like why Jen chose to live in Donora.

I love this chapter to bits! For one, I'm impressed by how Billy handled his conversation with his mother. He's starting to finally get a hold of his emotions. I can see that Paula is starting to turn around and accept Billy for who he really is. But what struck me the most is how Brett remembered her as his guardian angel. After all her refusals of Brett, it's her love for him that endured in the end. I guess I was wrong about her being too far gone. I knew David had a strong connection with George! And I knew that he's just been silently observing all along. His conversation with Billy and Paula just made it clear that he was there to continue George's purpose in Billy's life. I already have a feeling that Brett already knows about his father for a long time. I also think that he might have seen through Billy's lie about not knowing anything about it. I think he just doesn't like to overcomplicate things. He's tired of the lies, yes. But he doesn't want to try to control something he knows he can't (Except for the bike, haha!). Finally, I like the sweet moment with the gold necklace. See, that's one of the things I love about your work. Every object carries some sort of meaning. I'm still not over with the coin collection, though.

😲

Well, I wouldn't consider him a hero based on this chapter.

Billy will be having symmetrical-looking hands. That's for sure! 😂

Yes I do understand now. I think I was coming from a perspective wherein, as Brett, I shouldn't be friends with someone who hurt my boyfriend, which was wrong because I don't remember Billy telling him anything about the incidents inside the restroom with Joey. All Brett knew is that Billy hates Joey for some reason. And it doesn't mean that Brett have to antagonize Joey too. I actually have a couple of ideas about how the other characters look like. Although I'm kinda interested in how you envisioned them yourself since you are the author of this book.

Wait, I don't recall George running laps with Brett! I'm kidding! But yes, I see what you meant. One of George's amazing qualities is to understand and admit his mistakes in an fight, and then correct it himself. I tell you what, I'll be reading String again after finishing the W.A.R. series. I wanna see how this changes my initial perspective of the story.

Phew! I guess you can tell that I already knew what was gonna happen the second after Brett drove off with the bike. Even the fact that he'll split his bone into two. I guess that's one of the downsides of reading the sequel first. However, you still managed to make me feel the tension and fear. For one, Brett's horrifying scream after Billy tried pulling him up actually gave me goosebumps. Also, I have a fear of broken bones. I can imagine how traumatic this part has been for the first time readers. I'm glad that the trio is continuing to show some maturity with each other. Especially for Dustin, I mean he did love Billy, didn't he? I'm still skeptical about Paula's interaction with B&B. It could just be her professionalism working in the situation. But I'm still hoping that, somehow, this tragedy changes her perception of Billy and Brett. So I'm guessing that after this, no power on earth could ever make Brett ride a bike ever again, right? Well, that is, if Brett survives, who knows? Hehe.

Knowing Brett's future in String. I'm surprised by his idea of not going to college. But it makes sense. Brett doesn't seem to plan too far ahead, as evident by his plan in handling Billy's mom issues. He doesn't think like that, not yet. Also, is this the same Alliance that Jake and Danny talked about a couple of times?

AH HELL YES! HAHAHAHA! I LOVE YOU BILLY! THANKS FOR SHAVING THE BEARD OFF OF MY BOY, BRETT! I love you too, Jeff! Thanks for making Billy do the honors. HAHAHA! This chapter brings me so much memories! From Brett's 12 year old looks, to the boy-pretty remarks, to Brett's piano playing, to Janet's diner, to the coin collection! I feel so nostalgic already. Hahaha! The diner scene kinda feels sad to me. It's the first time we ever seen Billy celebrate his birthday without his father (I wonder what it was like during his 17th). It wasn't the same anymore. I was honestly expecting something more from the coin collection. Maybe a hidden key to a bunker where his dad is hiding billions of other coins, lmao! I wonder how will this add to the plot in the future. I looked up on Spotify the songs the Brett played on the piano. Damn those were very hard pieces! I didn't imagine Brett to be THIS good! I had to pause my reading and listen to the music while imagining Brett playing it, and clapped along with Jen and Billy afterwards.

I remember back then when I had to trim my hair down after keeping it at shoulder length of like 2-3 years. I was scared of change, but it felt better to have my hair cut short afterwards. I feel like I'm back to who I was 2 years ago. I guess that adds to my "similarities with Billy" list. About Dustin, I thought he's straight as he mentioned a couple of chapters back? Maybe he's bi, I guess? Speaking of Brett. Shave his beard. Yes, I won't stop telling you about it. Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!! *Edited because I just recently discovered that part of my comment is a potential spoiler. Please don't open it. Trust me. Just enjoy the ride.*

Mr. Anthony Brett Reilly, you have just earned the highest respect I could ever give to a person. You really inspire me to become a better person. And for that, thank you. Oh and thank you, Jeff for creating such a wonderful character! I really wish to see him again beyond String.

Remember when I said Billy is like the Tony Stark of this story? That's even more true now that he has a device attached to his body that's keeping him alive. And then when he yanks it out I really felt some Iron Man vibe. Lmao! I noticed that most of the threats are coming from the people on the high ground - meaning the adults. On the other hand, the younger generations are open minded with the LGBT community. This could lead to a battle between the two generations. Paula has completely succumbed to homophobia even to the extend of having her son killed. She is already blinded. I would consider her relationship with her son to be far too gone. There's no coming back from this. The house of cards has finally collapsed! I've had enough of Paula a long time ago. But this is on another level. We're going to war!

Dammit! Dude, I literally cried while reading this chapter. I'm serious. I really felt his emotional pain when he was struggling to inject himself with insulin first time - finally realizing his fate for the rest of his life. And then we saw the engravings in the tombstone... That's when I finally broke down. God, I miss George. We never really had a proper goodbye for him. But I feel like this is a really emotional way to finally pay our respects. I'm not sure exactly why I cried. Maybe it's because of all of the little things in the previous books that are now coming together. I remembered when his dad said that he couldn't feel anything with his hands anymore. And knowing that it might also happen to Billy is really depressing. Especially after he mentioned about his feet. But more depressing is, Brett had said that he'd rather die first than seeing Billy die. Knowing Billy's fate, I'm not sure how he's going to accept this new revelation. Never in my life have I cried like this over a story. But this time, I did. You made me cry, Jeff. I hate you and I love you for that.

Aw yeah AC/DC!!! I immediately opened up Spotify to listen to that song as I read the succeeding paragraphs. And F*ck yeah, Billy Roberts! My boy is f*cking back! Impulsive and reckless as ever! I love him even when he's sometimes dumb! We finally now have the Holy Trinity: Billy, Brett and Dustin! I'm so hyped about all the things they could accomplish together! Dustin's like the wise Steve Rogers, Brett is like the all-worthy Thor, and Billy is the smart-yet-dumb-when-dealing-with-emotions Tony Stark. Also, shave Brett's beard for crying out loud! And cut Billy's hair while you're at it!

Aw yeah, my boy Dustin is back to save the day! Talk about returning to his former glory! Dustin never said a single curse word during his conversation with Billy! I think this chapter represents why it's hard to get out of depression: it's addictive. You know you have to fix yourself eventually but the pleasure of grief and emptiness keeps you away from doing it. You are scared that when you talk to people, you'll be happy once again. With regards to Billy's health condition. I don't want to get ahead of myself. But all these comments about Billy's diabetes theory is creeping me out. No seriously, my paternal grandfather has diabetes, too. I've yet to know if I have one. I haven't noticed the symptoms yet. But the idea creeps me out. Why does this story have to connect so much with my life? Lmao! Side note: Also, can you please clarify the geography where the whole story is taking place? Based on previous books, Brett and Billy are on opposite sides of the hill, while Dustin and the Park are also on opposite sides of the hill (kinda like north east south west). I also know that Brett's house is along Park Avenue which leads directly to the entrance of Palmer Park. So how is it possible that there is an intersection that splits into Brett's house, Parmer Park, and Dustin's house? P.S. I tried Google Maps. While I can roughly pinpoint Brett's and Billy's houses, I can't seem to find Dustin's.

Okay, that was a rough start. It's good to be back after a week. I guess I made the right choice of waiting for a certain time before moving into the next book. Kinda adds to the surprise factor. Just as we thought we found a light that would guide us through this terrible life. It was quickly blown away by life itself. And because of that, Billy's back to his The Broken Boy days, again. But this time, it's gotten far too long and his friends are now about to give up on him. How is he doing on his studies, though? I know he's a smart one, but isn't this supposed to be affecting his grades? This reminds me of what happened to me about a year ago. Well, not with a boyfriend (i don't have one, sadly). But with my bestfriend. I became a miserable a**hole for months, hated everybody, up to the point where my bestfriend finally gave up on me. I couldn't blame him, though. I was really a pain in the ass. Every time I'm with him, I feel like I was pulling him down with me. Same goes for this story. I wouldn't wanna blame Brett. Although I'm not sure how much effort did he put in attempt to fix Billy, I know every person has their own limits. I feel like Billy just needs a single day to get out of the town with Brett. Then Brett should give him a very tight hug for a very long time. No talk, no argument, just Brett letting Billy know that he still has someone to lean on. With regards to your choice of having George killed at the start of the new book instead of the end of the previous book, my theory is that, since we're reading from Billy's perspective, it could be that Billy's mind simply shuts off upon hearing that his father died. That's why we didn't hear from Billy until 1 and 1/2 year later. It's like he couldn't write on his diary anymore because he can't think of anything to write. Oh and yeah, I f***ing hate Paula. I have no idea how you're gonna redeem her before the end of this book. I don't even think she deserves a redemption arc, lmao. To be honest, I like Jen even more despite his affairs' with Jack. Great way to start a book, Jeff! It reminds me of how you wrote String; where there's a time skip between almost every chapter. It creates this mystery vibe to it. I like it!

I also realized that I happen to have read this chapter during Father's Day so I think it's quite fitting! George has been their moral guide for a long time. I love how he cares to much about both Brett and his son. I also love that he finally gives them his blessing. It felt like a bow struck my chest after reading that line. It's not like I don't have a father (in fact, I'm very thankful for my old man), but I really felt sympathy for Brett. His closest to a father figure when he was younger was perhaps his grandpa (if I remember correctly) and it wasn't until he met when he felt a father's love again. I'm pretty sure he's going to break when he realizes that his real father has been around town in decades. That makes me wonder: why would Jen stay in Donora if she doesn't want anyone to know about her and Jack? I like that the cabin acted as some sort of a trial run for how Billy and Brett are going to out themselves when they're back in Donora (minus the sex part). You gotta have to check the waters before diving in, right? And speaking of the outdoor sex, that was intense! I think the fact that they're so vulnerable makes it a lot more interesting. I haven't imagined exactly how big the lake actually is, but for a second, I thought that their dad was actually at one of the boats who honked their horns. There are still a lot of unsolved problems. But that's life. Sometimes you just gotta have to take a break and survive to fight for another day. Again, a powerful chapter! It's mind bottling!

A powerful ending for a powerful book! "Retaliation", so far, is my favorite book that I've read from you. It brought every character out of their comfort zones in order to face their problems. But what's most important is this is where Billy and Brett started to understand the meaning of love. I love this book to bits!