Summerabbacat

@raven1 please don't demean female dogs by comparing them to Stacy and Maggie. They are not bitches, they are both runts with a capital C. I wish someone would either poison, garrotte or punch them both in the face. They are both ugly, spiteful, vapid excreta and should be disposed of as soon as possible. Seth needs to watch Serial Mom and go all Beverly Sutphin on both of them. Craig is dangerous and will stop at nothing to get what he wants and take what he believes he is entitled to take. I also have no doubt he will throw Seth under the bus if their dalliances become public knowledge. Set would do well to arm himself with hardcore evidence of Craig's sexual demands, but I doubt he will as the temptation for dick is overwhelming, robbing him of any commonsense he may have had (which does not seem to have been a great deal to begin with). Well done @Ronyx. I believe I detest Maggie as much as, if not more, than Stacy. Stacy appears easily led and not very smart, whereas Maggie appears to be far smarter, calculating and manipulative. I do not trust her at all. I could easily see her persuading Stacy to dump Craig so that not 5 minutes later she could swoop in and claim him as a prize for herself.

Calvin aka sperm donor is a runt with a capital C. I agree with @Mancunian; whatever the motive for his return it won't be of any advantage to either Bryan or Caleb, it will be all for his own advantage. Perhaps he has got himself involved in an underage teen porn racket and he has promised to supply some hunky teenage boys for porn magazines or movies, or worse still to sell either or both into prostitution. I imagine he could make big money from this. Bryan's comment "Blood may be thicker than water, but so is shit, and Calvin Donaldson is a big pile of it.” was priceless. I suspect some of his animosity towards his father is an attempt to mask his feelings of abandonment. Whilst I have concerns for him, the biggest threat I see Calvin posing is to Caleb. Caleb is vulnerable and naive, we have already observed the latter when he fell for his mother's poisonous charms. I think Diego and Steve need to be vigilant in keeping an eye on Calvin's mental health as well as his physical wellbeing. I don't trust Calvin at all, he may somehow be able to track where Diego and the boys have moved to and show up unannounced. Very well written chapter again @John Henry. I hope Diego has had every 't' crossed and every 'i' dotted on the adoption paperwork for Bryan and Caleb as Calvin cannot be underestimated as to how low he will stoop.

@James Carnarvon the first two PSB references were not intentionally constructed. It was only after writing the two sentences I realised I had used some PSB song titles and those song titles had fitted "naturally" into what I intended to say. From thereon it was contrived, although I do think the contrivance could be read as "realistic" statements. I would love to see Marco take front and centre in a future book, but realistically what could be written about his life leading up to the present which would be of sufficient length and not too depressing. He has already disclosed that life before residing with Gianni and Angelo was unhappy and uneventful. Frank revelations with detailed accounts of his former life would appear to be out-of-character for Marco too. He has to some extent lived his life through others in all the books he has appeared in, somewhat of an outsider looking in. A book about his life since coming to live with Gianni and Angelo and moving forward may well be worth investigating, particularly as he is beginning to gain confidence. I would like to more know about his artistic talents too.

After Dani and Marco's ill-fated kiss I had wondered if @James Carnarvon may have introduced the character of Cosmo for more than just protecting a cache of weapons @weinerdog. Of course such a coupling could always be known as Marcos @James Carnarvon, although that name is probably a little too tainted with corruption and an unhealthy obsession with shoes. If Cosmo has the opportunity to turn his life around, being part of a new Ravello super-couple with such a name, may not be the best career move. I was very impressed with your descriptive language as usual @James Carnarvon, but even I was surprised with this pezzo di magnificenza "Daniele’s breath caught in his throat as an almost physical sensation washed over him: a sense of profound release, as if, somewhere deep inside him, a hidden vessel that had been sickening him for months had finally burst and given up the last of its venom." This described perfectly how I felt recently after battling for 8-9 months with the side effects of the Moderna COVID vaccine. “I hate that there are still people in the world who’d disown their own children just because of the type of person they happen to like… especially on the word of some old book.” With this statement Giacomo earned himself 1,000,000 summerabbacat points, redeemable at his nearest music store in Ravello for albums by PSB, Philly soul artists, Donna Summer, ABBA and Sabrina (got to have the latter, after all they are just boys, boys, boys). One thing I’m clearer about in my thinking is that, after this story, Dani has run his course as the main character, at least for now. I am glad you added the disclaimer at the end of this comment @James Carnarvon otherwise @drsawzall's neighbours may have been visiting you sooner than you think. Now for the cliffhanger. Who shot Giacomo? Was it Sue Ellen (the slut), her sister Kristin or maybe Pam's brother, Cliff Barnes. Clearly it was none of these, but with the end of this chapter it was like 1980 all over again @James Carnarvon. Such violence in Ravello. Who would have thought it could happen here. Sheer pandemonium, with too many people present in the night to know for sure. I want to wake up and not have to face the truth that Giacomo may be dead. Although nothing has been proved yet I am suspicious of the supposedly clean Carabinieri.

I chose the sad emoticon for your comment @drsawzall as you have identified the potentially destructive affect the sperm donor's return will have on Caleb. He has already shown himself to be an emotionally vulnerable boy, the return of Calvin well may undo all the good Diego has done in helping him deal with the disappointment that is his parents. Calvin's selfishness has no boundaries.

I still find myself invariably reading the title as The Summer of the Selfies James even though I know it is not this. I think it may be because the second 'l' is not as distinct as the first 'l' as it almost "hides" under the rounded top of the 'f' and selfies is such a current word (even though I have never taken a selfie and think they are generally vile). And for some reason (read deteriorating eyesight even with glasses) I never notice the second 's' in 'less'. At least I have not mistakenly read the title as The Summer of the Selfish.

I am glad to see you have discovered the joys of @James Carnarvon's storytelling @weinerdog as he leads we readers on a merry dance through Ravello and the lives of its residents. I had noticed you were reading the prior books at a great rate, so seemingly you have been as captivated by Ravello and its residents, both human and non-human (got to love those scraping cicadas and the lemon trees), as told by James as many of us have. There is much joy to be derived from these stories and James paints such a vivid picture of not only the characters themselves, but the physical environment in which they live, both the natural environment and the man-made structures. You have no doubt noticed he has a band of regular followers who are not shy in providing feedback on the stories as they unfold. There is often a great deal of banter and humour in the comments made too, another sign I think of a very talented writer.

Their melodies and vocals are invariably spectacular. Elton John and Bernie Taupin were apparently big fans and wrote Bennie & The Jets to pay homage to the Philly soul sound. I dare say you have heard that song even though it was released in 1974/75 (depending where you lived), again well before your time. It is one of my favourite EJ songs. Unfortunately many of them are now deceased too James. Phyllis, two of the three Jones Girls, some of the members of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (including Teddy Pendergrass who was the lead singer and had a very successful solo career), Bunny Sigler and various members of the other named groups.

I hope his musical tastes extend to soul. If so, I would like to recommend he listen to some classic Philly soul from the 70's and early 80's. Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carn, The Jones Girls, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Stylistics, Dexter Wansel, Bunny Sigler, MFSB, The O'Jays, The Spinners (referred to as The Detroit Spinners in the UK), Teddy Pendergrass and The Three Degrees to name but a few, some of whom you may have heard of even though their careers had largely stalled before you were born.

I had to laugh @James Carnarvon when I read "Daniele was wearing a new, light blue denim jacket over his old lavender t-shirt." Before reading this chapter I had already written a nonsensical response to your impressive comments after the last chapter in which you named numerous PSB songs. One of the questions I was going to pose to you was: · Will you ever allow Giacomo’s passion for fashion to extend to him attending the theatre or a requiem in denim and leopardskin? I have to say the reference to leopardskin revolted me and I had not noticed it before, most likely reading it as a Requiem In Denim and Leopardprint.

Yes. I think you hit the nail on the head with your comment I have bolded @Mancunian. I surmise he has not been able to find a rich woman to live off and has smelt an opportunity to make money without any work. Given Donna was supposedly destitute he has hopefully wasted his time. I just hope he has not returned in an attempt to reclaim Caleb and/or Bryan. If so, I can only hope Steve puts his size to good use.

Apart from the rudeness of the hemorrhoidal priest and the shock of observing Giacomo keeping company with Cosmo, this was primarily a calm chapter conducted at a leisurely pace @James Carnarvon. Dare I say the quiet after the storm and perhaps the quiet before the storm too. We have witnessed the scraping of the cicadas on many an occasion in Ravello and on a more recent occasion they even droned, but I don't recall they have ever burred before. I cannot recall ever having read the words burr or burred before James, in fact, I had to check to make sure it was a word and not something you had misspelt (that would have been most unusual yes, but not an impossibility). An educational opportunity presented itself and was seized by me with the assistance of my good friend, Dr Google. Courtesy of Luca, whom I am finding quite amusing, a most befitting comment about Dani “Dani is the summer,” Luca remarked, glancing over at Daniele’s breezy yellow tie-dye t-shirt. “If the summer were a person, it would look just like him.” I don't know too many people of European lineage who can wear yellow and not appear as if they are "knocking on heaven's door". Seemingly, Dani is one who can. "Laura laughed. “Look who’s talking, soul boy.” “Soul boy?” Marco repeated incredulously. “Come on, guys,” Laura appealed to the rest of the group. “Check out these sad grey eyes. This boy is deep.” Marco gave an embarrassed laugh and turned away, clearly unused to being the centre of attention. “Quit it,” he protested, but he couldn’t quite hide his smile.". It was wonderful to witness Marco receiving some complimentary feedback, and from Laura of all people. It was even more wonderful to witness Marco accepting the compliment graciously. The "old" Marco would have likely protested such a remark, but not on this occasion. The emergence of Michele the philosopher “Welcome to teenage life, Dani,” Michele sighed. “A world built on endlessly shifting sands.” He is already offering profound and sage advice; he does not need to go to university. It was wonderful to welcome Claudia back, with comments like "You’ve grown,” she whispered in Daniele’s ear. “Be still my heart.” She released Daniele with a wink. He offered her a smile in return, but she seemed thrown for a moment by his understated reaction. Claudia smiled. “Of course, if you’d only come to your senses and marry me, I could save you from all of these problems.” Toto snickered. “As if, Claudia.” “A girl can dream.” she demonstrated her uplifting persona yet again. She is as sassy as ever; just what Dani needs in his time of despair. And now for the most profound, uplifting and surprising comment of this chapter, if not the whole book "Nothing,” Marco sighed. “Just the shortest-lived boyfriends in Ravello history, with an unbroken record of two disastrous kisses.” Laura still looked a little mystified. “It’s good that you’re able to laugh about it, I guess.” Marco sobered up a little. “Maybe I cried over it a bit at first,” he said, “but I learned my lesson last year.” “What do you mean?” Marco shrugged. “You don’t always get what you want. What’s the point in losing all your friends over it?”. My little mouse roared, not in the circumstances I hoped he would, but he has displayed exponential growth in this book, in fact exponential growth since his ill-fated second kiss with Dani. For this I thank you (exponentially) @James Carnarvon. Gianni and Angelo have worked wonders with him.

Although I have no sympathy for Donna in life or death, I felt very sorry for Bryan and Caleb, especially the latter, that no one from her family cared she was dead. I suspect if she had any family still living e.g. parents and/or siblings, she likely made their lives as miserable as that of her sons. What a day of drama for the boys. Attendance at their incubator's funeral at which their sperm donor shows up. That can only mean one thing. Trouble. I will be very interested @John Henry to see what his motivation is for returning. Whatever it is, I am sure it has something to do with money. I have made the comment before and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, Calvin did a "good" thing by abandoning the boys into Diego's care. Bryan and Caleb have the opportunity of making a good life for themselves, an opportunity they would have been denied if they had remained in the care of their incubator and/or sperm donor.

@James Carnarvon your literary talents and the pleasure they bring to your readers are such that they promote discussion not just of your work, but the "arts” in general. Music, film, books and soft porn; you have that in common with Kate (I hope you have seen the video for Babooshka, even gay boys find that video “arousing”, much like the video @raven1 has kindly brought to my attention). And you are bilingual too, English and Italian. One could say it’s a sin to be so talented but as you are British being humble (not being boring) is fundamental to your character as it brings you closer to heaven. I shall refrain from writing any further nonsense if it's alright as tomorrow when I look back at what I have written I shall gasp with horror and the only excuse I will have is that yesterday when I was mad i wrote from the heart what was always on my mind. Either that, or I could use the excuse I'm with stupid.

I have never seen it @James Carnarvon. I shall have to watch it. For many years, including 1996, I did not own a TV. Even now, I have one but very rarely turn it on. I doubt I have turned it on this year, unless to watch the odd DVD. The last time I turned it on I had to think for a moment how to change it from TV to DVD (technology and I are not on speaking terms much of the time).

OMG the little emoji in your comment could almost be Neil wearing the helmet-like hat he wore in the video for Go West. I like both versions of the song, but have to agree PSB really honed-in on its message, or perhaps it is because they are PSB the message was expected and was therefore received loud and clear. I think you and I have made the comment before about their work, but like much of the Very album their version is almost "regal" in its splendour.

I liked them too @raven1. They were enormously popular in Australia both before and after their star waned in the USA. Can't Stop The Music was rubbished by the critics, but we did not care. The title song and the soundtrack album sold by the truck load in Australia (both went to number 1 for many weeks on the music charts) and the movie was enormously popular. I have it on DVD; it is one of my "guilty pleasures". It is a ridiculous movie, but that for me is part of its charm. I also have five of their albums on CD, including Cruisin' which I also have on vinyl. Speaking of gay people, I saw them live in the late 90's (I think) as a support act for Cher. You can only but imagine what the audience was like. They were great, even if most of them were not the original members.

I am an Aussie @raven1 and we spell as the British do. Colour, flavour, rumour and humour. We also pronounce the 'h' in herb and usually use a 's' in place of a 'z' in words such as finalised, prioritised, homogenised and revitalised. Like the British we embrace all the quirky (annoying to non-English speakers) idiosyncrasies of the English language. And, unlike the Americans, we love Kate Bush (LOL @James Carnarvon, the perfect opportunity to slip in a reference to Kate). Going west for me could just mean from the Eastern seaboard to the Western seaboard of Australia or to Madagascar which is the closest nation west.

I am sure a super-hero like Dani would catch it all and perhaps Marco too. He has been lurking in the shadows to some extent in prior books, but has really found his voice in this book. He has shown himself to be very astute in his observations, even if at times the observations have been "coloured" by his own feelings. He and Dani are putting me to shame. Clearly, if left to my own devices everything is so hard that I will resort to what have I done to deserve this, living in denial that I am not absolutely fabulous. Perhaps I need to go west @James Carnarvon to a place where the streets have no name.

It has not been a good day today and reading this chapter was one of the few highlights of the day. I completely missed the intent of Giacomo's statement @James Carnarvon in that I did not realise he was referring to the departure of her husband having destroyed Elena. I have re-read the comment and if honest I think I still would have missed it, but with your able assistance it is obvious. I have not thought of Elena as such in the past, but with your able assistance again, it is so apparent this is exactly what she is like. I am clearly not as observant as I have led myself to believe.

Yes indeed @raven1. Patrizia and Paolo are extraordinary parents, which I think Dani is well aware of.

“After you get abandoned like that, you sort of learn to present your best face to people and take what you can from them before they’re gone. Either that, or you let it destroy you.” He turned his attention back to the rug, adding in a mumble, “I guess I did what Mamma couldn’t.” This comment makes Giacomo appear a little more calculating than what even I think he is @James Carnarvon. I am not sure what he meant by the second part of this comment though? Did he mean Elena was not able to behave in a manner which would have convinced his father to stay? @drsawzall raised a good point that we readers are only acquainted with Giacomo on a superficial level. Given his comment above I speculate it is only Elena and to a lesser extent Dani, who know him a little more than at a superficial level too. This may be a mechanism for self-protection. Unlike Marco who wears his heart on his sleeve, Giacomo's inner-turmoils if they exist, are likely to be very well guarded. Your comment above @James Carnarvon that "abandonment can lead to greater self-sufficiency as a survival strategy, which doesn't necessarily beget empathy" is certainly true of Giacomo. I have always thought him to be lacking in empathy, particularly for Marco and the horrible circumstances of his life with his birth parents. He and Marco would appear to be natural allies, although Giacomo had the benefit of one loving parent at least. I am puzzled by the intensity of Dani's guilt and Giacomo's upset regarding the Dani-Marco kiss. It was only a kiss after all, or is it what the kiss may have led to which has affected them both so much? If it is what the kiss may have led to then both need to remind themselves that it led to the realisation Dani and Marco are not destined to be lovers (as much as I would like for this to have happened). Giacomo's confrontation with Cosmo was stupid to say the least. I have to wonder though if it would have happened had he not been upset with Dani. An intriguing chapter @James Carnarvon. Well written of course, with angst at an all time high. Giacomo's standing with me has improved a little, but not to the point that I fully trust him yet.

I like self-deprecating humour too @John Henry and humour at times others would deem inappropriate or in bad taste. I am an ardent cat-lover and when my first cat died I was devastated. I had a wake for him and invited friends who had known him during his life. One friend, with whom I had house-shared on a number of occasions, did not like my cat as he, my cat, was very aloof with most people other than me and a few select others. I made a little speech, during which my friend contributed with "I hated that fucking cat". I was outraged at how inappropriate the comment was at a time of mourning, but for some reason I found myself laughing to the point of crying (again).

There was plenty of humour in this chapter after a somewhat rocky start, with Bryan still upset after his intimate discussion with Kenny. The love between Bryan and Caleb is a joy to witness. It does not surprise they are so close as before being adopted by Diego they were each others only constant. Caleb is so wonderfully artless. His question regarding marriage between Diego and Steve blind-sided both, but has perhaps installed the idea front and centre in both their minds. It will not surprise me if ultimately their relationship leads to marriage. Even Bryan appears to be warming, or at least is not opposed, to the idea. The description of the motel as the setting for a Hollywood horror film or bad porn film was striking and very amusing, evoking a vivid image of its appearance. The musty smell to their rooms completed the image. A very easy-to-read chapter @John Henry. I enjoy drama in the stories I read, but particularly enjoy the leisurely pace of the odd chapter here and there to counterbalance the drama.

A little more of the onion was peeled in this chapter @John Henry, with Bryan demonstrating without reservation those attachment issues you have referenced before. His bravado is slipping, revealing a far more complex teenager than he presents to the world. Well written chapter again. I liked the fact Steve was there to offer Bryan comfort. He needs Caleb, Diego and perhaps even Steve more than ever.