My Crimson Year

A friend recommended this story. I had to join the Gay Authors site to be able to read it, so I'm new here. Must say, the site is a bit overwhelming, but I'm not sorry I joined because this story was well worth the 'price of admission', as the saying goes.

Regarding the story, I appreciated the way in which the author realistically portrayed the characters, not hesitating to use some graphic language when the situation seemed to call for it. I'm an old fart, but I've been around teenagers enough to know that they don't pull any punches when it comes to expressing themselves. I don't have much patience for authors that whitewash that aspect of a teens character in a story.

I also thought the sexual exploration of the characters seemed realistic. The slow dawning of understanding of Greg's feelings toward Junie was thoughtfully unfolded and seemed very believable. I also really liked that the two protagonists, Andy and Donnie, were active in sports (football) as well as participants in drama (acting in a school play). Too often in coming of age tropes, the characters are cast as affiliated with one interest or the other. It was nice to see that Andy and Donnie were interested in, and did well in both.

It looks like this author is prolific on this site, so I look forward to reading more of his stories.

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should read next?

This is one of those stories that makes you pause and think for a moment when you're done reading it.  It is very well written,  and it just warms the heart.  I've read this story before posted elsewhere, and I'm happy to see it here on GA.

As well conceived and thought out a story to be found anywhere, hitting so many high points, as our protagonists are  overcoming setbacks on their voyage of self-discovery and personal relationships.

Well written, paced, enthralling, and just a delight to read!

Let's join Andy and Donnie, who along with there friends as they navigate the trials and tribulations of Middle School. 

A true delight to read.

To friends, Andy and Donnie have been joined at the hip all their lives.  Now in middle school they face new challenges to their friendship.  How they and their friends met these challenges is an endearing story filled with humor.  They also have a great time with a common interest in football and a new interest in theater.  Read this great tale and don't miss out on all the fun.

I thought I had already reviewed this very good story.  But the way several seemingly disconnected items are woven together -- playing piano, same-sex friendship, plays, school, and football into one short story (I consider a total of less than 40 thousand words a short story) was masterfully done.  For full effect, one has to read the story for oneself.

Sensitive issues are carefully addressed here, yet the "feel" of the story is mostly casual.  Very well worth reading.