peter rietbergen

Ah, but the proof of the pudding... Many such thesis-statements I've read and decided: balderdash... But of simply using a button make's you happy, I'll consider using it😃

Ah, recommendations: you don't really need them. Or do you? Kenny frantically taking notes? Of what? Blake W hasn't said anything note-worthy yet. And Kenny cannot at the same time be hatching plots with the boy G. Moreover: BW doesn't know about Steve's money-laundering enterprises. Or does he? But please go on. Though I dare you to actually share with us the 3000-word paper, because I simply don't believe I'll accept its "thesis"...

Iverson's, of course. Thus, RH creates his gay-verse...😃

Another impressive chapter, with several significant moments. Thank you.

It seems you had as much of an "Education" as you gave him. But, obviously, it was worth it. Yet I hope the bear didn't temain your son's partner: it might have been a tad too difficult to treat him as Jake's Bfr, while he might also have been your friend: a mix too complicated emotionally? And yes, some parents can, and indeed do neglect their children. But usually not if they love them, as your fictional ones clearly do their fictional son...

Delightful though this all is, I do not believe any mother would accept that her son lives in a stinking, germ-infested, unhealthy pig-sty.

An interesting premise. Definitely readable, too. But yet a few things seem less than likely. First, for any kind of "conspiracy" to succeed, surely conspirators think up a common narrative to convince the world. These two seem to have been more than a little naive not preparing a convincing background tale. Secondly, on arrival at the resort, any person with even a modicum of manners would have introduced his new companion before starting conversations with the rest of the group. Thirdly, since the "Cruel Father" needs to be won over, it would have made sense to actually introduce the Fake Boyfriend to him. And last but not least: why does the Mother even accept a Queen Bee to dominate the scene? In short, the story could be more believable than it is, now.

...the essence of warm longing... how can someone who sees that not know what it means?

Powerful and moving. As well as tragic.

I can see you have plans for all your characters. And such fun they are, too. Onwards, yes!!!

This chapter, too, lives up to the great expectations this author has created!

a very strong part of the tale: it exposes the various sides/perspectives of what was - and, often, still is - seen as "a problem". I trust the author: he'll (let his characters) deal sensitivel;y with the many issues involved.

I'm so glad you suppressed that thought.

which, I shoudl add, means there now ill be a "the Cannon", too....😃

“Wait!” he blurted, springing to his feet. “Before you go – what are your thoughts on the ethical implications of mating a genetically modified capybara with a feral raccoon to create a sentient custodian species capable of mopping gym floors and analyzing Shakespearean sonnets?” Miss Charice stopped, turned slowly, and raised an eyebrow. “Mm-hm. Sounds like somebody out here projectin’ their need for emotional validation onto imaginary marsupials. You tried journaling, baby? Or maybe needlepoint?” The room exploded. Jonah staggered backward like he’d taken a bullet to the chest, then flung himself face-down onto the rug, pounding the floor with both fists. “She destroyed me!” he wailed. “Her power is absolute! She could take down Snape and Voldemort in the same duel!” He rolled onto his back, staring at the ceiling. “I am but ashes in the wind.” This is absolutely epic.

I thought Kenny was wearing his church suit to the dance. But it doesn't matter. What matters is: after entering the auditorium, under cheering and applause, and holding hands, and dancing together with the eyes of the entire school on them - how can K feel he cannot, in the public eye, be gay? Moreover, why does the 'group of (three) fiends/friends' need other pictures than of these scenes to set the school on fire?

It would be "out of character" indeed.

In the case of this story, it is difficult not to heap superlative on superlative. I'm an avid reader of GA-stories, and have been over the past three/four years. Yet I simply must confess that among the many dozens this one is one of three I don't hesitate to praise most. Not only because it is - as a historical tale - superbly researched, though yes: it is, far more so than most in this genre. Not only because it is structured in such a way that after each chapter you simply want to read on - though yes: it does do that to you. Not only because it is wonderfully well-written, with a secure sense of style absolutely rare for GA - as, alas I have to say. And not, last but not least, because it leaves you feeling deeply for the men involved - both the two protagonists and the minor characters among who they live - though it does precisely do that. It is because all these factors come together to make this a tale that deserves to be put between two paper covers. Standing in a bookshop, I'd buy it immediately after having read only one page. And I'd ask the shop assistant if there are other novels by this author.

You left me - indeed, obviously, many of us - between a tear and a laugh. Being able to do so is a rare gift. I'll revisit its fruit as I do the Seneca, the Shelley, and the Austen.

I'll hug Kenny/Topher - too.

well, there's nice (?) plaid - but I'm too old for it, now.... and then there always was/is, awfull plaid, too. So if you ever show us a pic, please: a plain rather than a plaid tie....Otherwise I can't hug you with thanks for your stories...

Good heavens? Is there no sense of fashion in this tale's world? A white dinner jacket - well, accepted. Though at that age? But with a PLAID tie? Surely that was not what the shop's clerk approved! But then it seems it wasn't bought after all. It was borrowed. And Steve's Mum said it bought out his eyes. A PLAID tie? Is she besotted, or colour-blind? Surely you're kidding us. As with the Volvo, that now is rumbling low, too. And Kenny? Well, he also rumbles. It must be this town's not-so secret disease. But please go on. I won't stop laughing.

If it is: "The End", it is as passionate as it should be.

well, they may learn a lot, but at least according to the author they're not supposed to learn the business secret of L and S, since neither set of parents knows about it.

Funny as always, and more than that. But it seems that now every older man in that town "rumbles'....