noahthesmallpotato

So here's a recap of what's been going on for a while: Dustin's at the hospital with no guarantee that he will come back as a better person. Jen has threatened Billy. Jack has threatened Billy. The fact whether if Joey has learned his lesson remains unknown. Paula and George's marriage is hanging on a balance. Billy seems to have reached the peak of his conflict with his mother. Brett also seems to have reached the peak of his conflict with his mother. Lots of unsolved issues with only one chapter remaining. You're not going to pull another "The Broken Boy" are you?

Oh my god! How could I have been so blind? It was right there in the previous chapters! You said Jack has dark blue eyes and appealing looks! I didn't even bother contemplating on the comments that predicted about this revelation! That was a really amazing conversation between Billy and Jen. It was written so well! Even my question about why shouldn't she talk to both of them instead of just to Billy was justified. The flow of dialogue is really good! Just a side note, you wanna know how I imagined what Dr. Reilly looks like? She reminds me of Sandra Bullock's character from "The Blind Side" and Dr. Beverly Hofstadter (who also writes books about his son!) from "The Big Bang Theory". I hope that's close enough. Incredible chapter, yet again, Jeff!

What you are doing with Palmer Park intrigues me. It feels like a character on its own. It has its bad personality: a place for drugs and sex; and a good personality: a place of recollection and peace. It's like the one place where a person finally discovers himself about who he was, who he is, and who he is meant to be. Just as how Brett admits his feelings for Billy, Dustin realizing that he has lost his soul, and Billy realizing his mistakes. Even with its imperfections, I somehow feel a connection to it. Its weird. This place really speaks wonders to me. I love to hear more of it!

I've asked this before and I'm gonna ask again: Why is Brett even friends with Joey? However, I think an better question is: how close is Brett to Joey? Are they like, hang-out buddies? Just friends because their parents are? or pot friends?

I agree with the previous comments. Billy showed maturity in this chapter by acting quick and calmly towards the situation. I'd like to add that this somehow mirrors his guilt in the "The Broken Boy" where he thought about what he could've done if he was there with his grandmother and his father when they are on the brink of death. This time, he was actually there and manages to save Dustin's life. Great parallel!

I was so wrong about my call that Billy's mom is going to reconcile with him at the same time as he passes the driving test. But now that I think of it, I actually like it better that George took him instead. Great choice!

HOLY SH*T!!! Dude, that was very brutal! Every moment that I think Dustin has done enough to Brett, he then does something even worse! And when Dustin chokes and smashes Brett's head on the floor? Multiple times? If Billy hadn't interfered, Dustin could've broken Brett's skull and killed him!!! My heart is pounding really hard! You did it again, @jkwsquirrel! How dare you? ... Okay, now that I've calmed myself down. I had the time to think... I highly praise Brett for his courage to stand up after every thing Dustin just did to him. But what I admire most is that he became the bigger man among the three, and dealt with Dustin maturely. This has been the most significant development for Brett ever since we first met him in Book 1. Quite frankly the most significant development out of all the characters. As for Dustin... As much as I would like to kill him, I would like him to wake up and come out of this as a better person. At this point, I don't know how you are going to progress his story. Both sides are broken - Brett still has to recover from whatever concussion he may be experiencing. Judging his final words, Dustin might be on the verge to kill himself. They are running out of time. And Billy... oh Billy. I can't tell if time is running slower for him or he is just really afraid to interfere with the situation. He barely even tried to stop it until it came to his senses that Brett is about to die. My best guess is that he might be frozen in shock as well. I'm still in shock too, to be honest. I can no longer guess what's gonna happen in the story. This is probably its darkest part, yet. But what do I know? Also, nice touch with the "boy-pretty" part, it's a sweet call-back to the previous books! If I have a winner for the "most emotional chapter" and "most inspiring chapter", this one receives the "most intense chapter"!!! Outstanding work, Jeff!

Who's cutting onions? This is a perfect bonding moment between an imperfect son and his imperfect father. I loved every bit of this chapter!

I KNEW IT!!! I freaking knew it!!! I said Brett knows something about Dustin from the last chapter! I feel so proud of myself holy sh*t!!! I, however, didn't expect the story to escalate like this. That's an incredible twist! My goodness this chapter is intense!!! Everything happened so fast. It is sooo good! My heart is beating really fast right now! No kidding! And thank god, you shaved Brett's beard off. Lmao!

Lmao! Like one of the comments above said, this chapter is hysterical and almost tragic. No way Brett's mom didn't hear their noises! Oh I remember those times when I had a few close calls too! Hahaha! I'm 99% sure she knows what's going on and who Brett's making love with. The sound couldn't even be from the computer speakers because Brett broke it (unless he has another one which I might have missed) With regards to Brett's secret, I have two theories: 1. He knows about Dustin's side job because he was also going to the park during that time. Maybe he happens to hear it from someone or he may have stumbled into the act himself. 2. His ties with Joey are worrisome. Billy mentioned it before that Brett can see through people's masks. Why he's still friends with Joey? Is he being blackmailed? P. S. Even though I can just simply read through the next chapter to see for myself, I decided to just take time to share my thoughts. I find that it adds to the experience of book reading and I enjoy it a lot! Maybe I could get back to this comment and say, "oh boy you don't know what to expect!"

I guess everybody was already thinking about most of my thoughts. But since no one pointed this out... I'm curious about the purpose of including Billy's struggles with his driver's license to the story. I mean, up to this point, it feels like you're building a bigger plot around it. And I'm guessing having his mom to be the one to accompany him have something to do with it. Maybe it's just me.

Damn, this chapter really got on my nerves. As much as I don't like to dwell into this sensitive topic, I'd like to share some few thoughts. A bit sensitive topic below: I'm glad that you placed George to explain things to Billy. There are still a lot of wise Christians out there. And thankfully, people are starting to stray away from hatred. There's still a long way to go, but we're getting there. A very tough to read chapter, but I'm glad that it's been brought up so things can be cleared up.

You made Brett almost grow a beard??? Nooooooo! The boys are growing up sooo fast! I miss the old days already! Billy is starting to feel a lot more expressive now with his love for Brett. And I'm glad that Brett has taken his medications and has become more matured. I like him a lot now!

Alright, I'm back after a few days of recollection! Like I said before, I was scared to read through the story because I was getting a lot closer to the end. But I've been thinking about it for a while, and thought to myself: a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts. (yep I'm a Marvel fan! Hahaha!) Now for my thoughts on this chapter: I never imagined that Dustin could do such a thing to Mike. Either that something happened between the two of them that prompted Dustin to commit that crime or I simply didn't know him well at all. I mean, it was his neighbor's car, where else could he hide it? I totally understood Billy's frustration! One time I failed the a exam at school badly, I punched sliding glass of my bookshelf. Yep, it's one of my firsts, too! Billy's Mom scares me. She was doing fine in the previous books until that religion thing came up. And she even likes Joey! Oh this is gonna be messy! I'm glad that you brought the Winter theme back! Book 2 was one of my favorites because it's when the B&B love story officially started! Brings a lot of memories! Oh! And Brett has an ATV? Damn that's so cool! Into the next chapter!

The Broken Boy's final chapter may still be the most emotional chapter that I've ever read from you, but Rehabilitation's ending is perhaps the most fulfilling among the first four books. I could imagine the feeling of content that Billy's feeling now that his life is come back together. All three characters were never the same as they were during the start of this book. It turns out that the title, "Rehabilitation", was never meant to be only about Billy. I was always on the B&B team, they were meant to be together right from the start. Along their path they'll face challenges from others as well as from themselves. But what's most important is that they learn from their mistakes and become a better person, and a better couple. Eventually learning the true meaning of unconditional love. Also, you're right. This book is great conclusion to most of the arcs that spanned along the first four books. To be honest, I've been thinking about continuing or not. It's not because I don't like the story anymore. As a matter of fact, the more I read, the more I fell in love with it and all of the characters. What worries me the most is that I know that there's only two books left. String is the first one that I've read from you, and the ending really tore my emotions apart not only because of how good the story is, but also because of the fact that I know that may be the last time I would ever hear from the characters. I do not want W.A.R. to end. I admit. Now that I'm getting close its conclusion, I feel scared of how it may impact my emotions like String did. God, your stories are so good that it's killing me, figuratively. Thanks again, Jeff. Also, please be safe always especially during these troubling times. Until next time! - Noah

Now I kinda felt bad about Dr. Reilly. I find her decisions and explanations to be interesting. I don't think she deserves to be called like that by her own son for no reason. I gotta admit though, I was serious reading the entire chapter but when that All Caps - Comic Sans text of Brett singing really cracked me up. I don't know if that's what it's supposed to convey but boy I totally lost it there. Fascinating chapter.

I have mixed feelings for this chapter. On one hand, it contains a beautifully written love scene between Billy and Brett. But on the other, I felt like it was not the right time. With all the emotions and conflict going around, that scene really caught me off guard. Something's off. I can't even describe what it is and I'm not sure what I feel about it. I guess bitter-sweet is the term?

Wow. I've been skeptical towards both Brett and Dustin for a while. And now I feel like I don't know either of them anymore. And as a matter of fact, I don't know if I want Billy to be with either of them at all. I hope Billy's arm is alright after that kick. What a rollercoaster ride this chapter is.

Finally, Billy caught a break! Hahaha! I personally love this chapter. Especially during the conversation about "thinking" and "feeling". I guess that speaks to me a lot. Like Billy, I'm more of a "thinking" person. But sometimes, I just want to let go and feel life as it is just like Brett. I can't believe I can relate to a character this much. I'm honestly too scared of reading any further because if you ever hurt Billy again like you did in the previous book, I'm going to lose it. Thanks, again Jeff.

I'm still recovering from the previous book (that honestly broke me into pieces, emotionally speaking). But I thought to myself that it might help if I continue reading the next one to somehow recover alongside Billy. (I'm sorry, I know it may be weird. I'm a pretty emotional person) On second thought, I realized that you're probably just going to destroy me again in the next chapters. Hahahaha!

God, I felt that... This, so far, is the most emotional chapter that I've ever read from you. As I was reading this, I remembered the times when I myself have gone through depression up to the point where I wanted to kill myself. The way Billy has described every single thing he felt, up to the point of his collapse, really mirrored the pain and suffering that I've also gone through. You really did hit the mark again, @jkwsquirrel, and I thank you so, so much for writing this. Well, looks like I'm gonna be staring again into the void to think about life. 😅

I remembered from the first book that Brett noticed that Billy's above-average-intelligence has made him overthink his problems. As a person who also overthink a lot, I can verify that it also leads to a very short temper. So yeah, that in addition to Billy's teenage hormones and recent events may have resulted in this mess.

Wow. You once again went above my expectations with this book! It was very sweet, charming, relaxing to read, and the well established characters really makes it worth investing into. Billy's dad was great and really understanding. Mom took a bit of a twist there at the end which I like. I'm glad they're all together in the end. Dustin needs someone to love him! He's too broken already and I think knowing that Billy and Brett are sort of together now would truly devastate him. Losing your only best friend is like the worst thing in the world. And as for Brett and Billy, I'm glad they're taking things slow. (Unlike this binge-reading that I'm doing. Haha!) I'm pleased that they worked it out in the end. Can you imagine having to talk about your love life and saying that it basically started with a punch in the face. Hang on, I think I remember Brett talking about that from "String"! Oh dude, I love that reference! Thanks again for this wonderful story!

Holy smokes! I didn't expect that! I still don't get Brett. And I'm curious as to why he seems to blame Billy for everything.

I actually read "String" before this as it was the first one that I saw while browsing this website. I loved the characters as much as the story. Then, I got curious and turned out that you have an entire series written years before it! So I began reading this, and realized some of the characters from String originated from this. And now I'm hooked! I wanna know the backstory! Reading this further showed me your talent in storytelling! I immediately felt a connection with the characters. I loved Brett, he's outgoing personality reminds me of one of my best friends back in school. I felt bad for Dustin though, I feel like there's gonna be a love triangle (friendship triangle?) that's gonna happen between the three of them. But what surprised me is that I actually loved grandma. Boy oh boy I almost cried when I learned that grandma died. Billy's final interaction to her felt intense for me, especially as he puts the cards under the book. As for Billy, I relate to him a lot. I tend to think so much about life as well and push myself down even though it isn't necessary. I wonder how Brett could make him stronger. Thanks for the story. I can't wait to read the next book! (Actually I'm about to read it now! Ha!)