Paper Walls 1. The Hangout Chronicles

2.5* but I rounded up.

Like most any piece of writing, Paper Walls has its strengths and its weaknesses. 

The strength that carried me through all 25 "chapters" lay in the natural talent of the author. He has a nice way with words and that is not something that can be said for everyone. Paper Walls is an easy read that is mostly enjoyable. It's the type of work one looks for when home sick-- something that can help an otherwise gloom mood, and by being mostly light and airy, it doesn't get too mired in the darker aspects of the human psyche.

The weaknesses, though, are plentiful and apparent. The greatest being the desultory or unmoored story, itself. Having read the whole work, I am still unsure what the tale was really about. Timelines were arbitrary, characters were mercurial and capricious, and facts established were not rooted in terra firma. The story appears to have been developed on the fly with no forethought by the author of the story that he wished to convey or how it would end. Characters appear toward the end that have no real connection to the preceding work and barely alter the course of ending while previously important characters vanish in the middle under the most reasonable explanation of ANY of the characters throughout the story. The inordinate tragedies affecting this group of teenagers would be overwhelming, but luckily, the author chooses to not dwell of the horrific events that have affected them-- but that only begs the question as to why one would then include them since they play very little if any role in the story except to minimally cause "drama"?

The writer had some nice characters and had he worked through the details and storyline with a thoughtful eye and ear toward editing really delivered it into the end zone, but sadly, the story becomes lost and his attempt at a 'Hail Mary' fails to deliver.

I suspect that Paper Walls is the first attempt by the author of such an undertaking. He should be commended for his effort. I suspect, if he focuses, his future works will hit the mark. He has ability.

K, you done good. I cannot say it enough. So this is for your readers.

Follow this author.

I've read his work on Nifty, and it was raw, but it had spirit and heart. I nagged him then about editing for him. Then he came to GA, and I finally convinced him to try working with me when I produced a fan email I'd sent him years ago.

He busted his butt on this story, and it shows. He took it places I'd never expect, and took me with him. I love his characters, and I admire his vision.

Track down some of his other work, and give it a chance. You won't be disappointed.

This was a fantastic story. As someone that struggles with Bipolar, Depression, and Anxiety, I must say the Author hit this one out of the park. The characters are entertaining and are very realistic. While, football (real football, not soccer) is not really my sport, I found the sports atmosphere well researched and portrayed. The main character and a supporting character were both ones I could relate too.

.....................Glad to see this story continued, well the biggest worry is gone with the pressure of the 'game' being over. And with Ryder and Tyler finally take that other step, which was very nicely written. A lot into this chapter with Ryder getting ready to leave for college, Wilder opening up a bit more, Jaxson come out and adds a BF.  If that's not enough we learn that Jeremy is going to be a daddy.

I'm afraid paper walls is going to need a part 2.  Great chapter!

KD immerses you into Ryder's life and family. Hands down he provides all of us with an awesome story, leaving you wanting... no needing more. Beautifully done KD.