A to Z

Chapter 21: I hope Eric finds somebody soon to confide in and trust. He cannot keep running from his situation either. Also it is a shame he has to keep being abused wherever he goes. I really hope he can get some peace and security soon. Great story!!

On 11/06/2015 05:55 AM, slapshot said:

Chapter 21: I hope Eric finds somebody soon to confide in and trust. He cannot keep running from his situation either. Also it is a shame he has to keep being abused wherever he goes. I really hope he can get some peace and security soon. Great story!!

What is good is that Eric felt safe going back to the farm. Eric doesn't trust anyone, or confide in anyone except his journal. But he feels safe with Eustace, and that's a huge step.

Xlerok... thanks for clarifying the incident with the explosion and smoke. Honestly, I didn't remember reading that. I guess my mind prioritized which details to pay attention to and that was not one of them. I am, however, still curious why James Ackerman did that... It just seems to be a puzzling loose end.
I was an adolescent counselor for 20 years. There are a variety of ways to deal with PTSD and this post would go too long to even begin the options list. Anyway, I don't think that Andy needs a Psychiatrist. A good counselor, perhaps. But remember, Andy has a lot of issues to deal with. His mom abandoned him. His dad abused him and neglected/deprived him of much of what be considered normal upbringing as WE define normal. It's important to remember that Andy was not raised with a lot of expectations or an idea of what he 'should' have had. It's important not to create and try to treat issues for Andy that aren't there.
I could go on and on. Mental health isn't always as clear as some of your readers suggest. Let Andy BE Andy... Let him decide what he needs help with. Let's not impose OUR ideas on what his life should have been like or what he needs help with. That would be wrong for Andy.

On 01/04/2016 09:51 AM, Nahrung said:

Xlerok... thanks for clarifying the incident with the explosion and smoke. Honestly, I didn't remember reading that. I guess my mind prioritized which details to pay attention to and that was not one of them. I am, however, still curious why James Ackerman did that... It just seems to be a puzzling loose end.

I was an adolescent counselor for 20 years. There are a variety of ways to deal with PTSD and this post would go too long to even begin the options list. Anyway, I don't think that Andy needs a Psychiatrist. A good counselor, perhaps. But remember, Andy has a lot of issues to deal with. His mom abandoned him. His dad abused him and neglected/deprived him of much of what be considered normal upbringing as WE define normal. It's important to remember that Andy was not raised with a lot of expectations or an idea of what he 'should' have had. It's important not to create and try to treat issues for Andy that aren't there.

I could go on and on. Mental health isn't always as clear as some of your readers suggest. Let Andy BE Andy... Let him decide what he needs help with. Let's not impose OUR ideas on what his life should have been like or what he needs help with. That would be wrong for Andy.

Thank you for your comments and thoughtful response. Andy has gone through hell, and there is plenty of emotional baggage for him to lug around, or unpack if he feels he can do that. With Zander at least, he feels safe enough to let some of it go. That Zander has stood firm and not backed away is to his credit; some kids would be completely unable to deal with Andy's pain, and would back off, or worse, run away from it. I appreciate your reading the text so deeply and for being so involved in the story.

Having read up to chapter 45 so far, I can only say this has been a very draining tale. It started out so dark and got even darker. Just when you thought Andy's life was looking up, something new pulled the rug out from under him.
Fortunately, having read the latest chapters, I know Andy is finally getting a break. You've managed to keep several mysteries unresolved, but Andy's finally gotten some stability, compassion, and love.
I'm sure you've got a few more tricks up your sleeve, Parker, and I dread/look forward to finding out what they are.
I can imagine several different career paths for Andy. With his background, he'd be a natural working with abused children. His resourcefulness suggests the possibility of some sort of startup — I think he'd prefer not to have to deal with authority anymore than necessary. He also has skills with machinery that could be used as a mechanic or engineer, or with that startup! He seems drawn to learning, maybe he could be the kind of teacher we all wish we had who is able to bring his excitement and curiosity to the classroom.
I can see Andy's story becoming a multi-book saga like the stories I enjoy by other authors online…

On 01/04/2016 09:54 PM, droughtquake said:

Having read up to chapter 45 so far, I can only say this has been a very draining tale. It started out so dark and got even darker. Just when you thought Andy's life was looking up, something new pulled the rug out from under him.

Fortunately, having read the latest chapters, I know Andy is finally getting a break. You've managed to keep several mysteries unresolved, but Andy's finally gotten some stability, compassion, and love.

I'm sure you've got a few more tricks up your sleeve, Parker, and I dread/look forward to finding out what they are.

I can imagine several different career paths for Andy. With his background, he'd be a natural working with abused children. His resourcefulness suggests the possibility of some sort of startup — I think he'd prefer not to have to deal with authority anymore than necessary. He also has skills with machinery that could be used as a mechanic or engineer, or with that startup! He seems drawn to learning, maybe he could be the kind of teacher we all wish we had who is able to bring his excitement and curiosity to the classroom.

I can see Andy's story becoming a multi-book saga like the stories I enjoy by other authors online…

You have such a wonderful imagination. Andy's future is only beginning to open up to him, and he will surely have many choices . However, he must believe in himself and in the new world he finds himself in before any of that can happen. The one important thing in his life is Zander; it is what holds him fast. As for his future (or future books), I haven't really thought of that yet...

Lol, I started writing my review and I must have hit the 'Add Review' thingy by mistake, so all that came up is an empty review. Sorry!

Ok, now I forgot which chapter I was reviewing -- the one where Ambrose Whitley shows up at the Stevenson's. I'll continue with my review:

Well, fuck.

This is not going to be good. I wonder who the other guy with Ambrose is? Another cop? Shit. Shit. Shit.

There's always something that puts a wrench into Andy's life. I would rather Eustace be there than his son; his son has it in for Andy.

Awesome few chapters, Parker! I'm still hooked on the story!!

On 02/24/2016 05:50 AM, Lisa said:

Lol, I started writing my review and I must have hit the 'Add Review' thingy by mistake, so all that came up is an empty review. Sorry!

 

Ok, now I forgot which chapter I was reviewing -- the one where Ambrose Whitley shows up at the Stevenson's. I'll continue with my review:

 

Well, fuck.

 

This is not going to be good. I wonder who the other guy with Ambrose is? Another cop? Shit. Shit. Shit.

 

There's always something that puts a wrench into Andy's life. I would rather Eustace be there than his son; his son has it in for Andy.

 

Awesome few chapters, Parker! I'm still hooked on the story!!

I am very happy you liked what you have read so far. Ambrose Whitley clearly did his investigation well. Eustace would not have wanted to leave the farm long enough to accompany Ambrose. At this point in the journal, Andy's heart must be pounding like a snare drum in his chest. Hope you could feel some of that. Hope you enjoy what remains.

I'm not good with reviews, which is why I rarely give them. Sorry to you and all authors I've read for that. I know I should do better to show my appreciation.
Still, upon reading this story (which I've done twice so far, though I'm sure I'll be reading it many more times), I felt that I just *had* to say something. It's one of the best stories I've ever read. I'm incredibly grateful to you and your editor for the huge amounts of time and work and dedication I'm sure it took to give us such an amazing gift.

On 05/08/2016 05:29 PM, David Santos said:

I'm not good with reviews, which is why I rarely give them. Sorry to you and all authors I've read for that. I know I should do better to show my appreciation.

Still, upon reading this story (which I've done twice so far, though I'm sure I'll be reading it many more times), I felt that I just *had* to say something. It's one of the best stories I've ever read. I'm incredibly grateful to you and your editor for the huge amounts of time and work and dedication I'm sure it took to give us such an amazing gift.

You were very kind to leave this message. Believe me, whatever note you leave for an author will make hid or her day, just as you have brightened mine. That you should have re-read A to Z makes all the time spent writing worthwhile, and I am so glad you have enjoyed the story so much. That you view the story as a gift is a perfect statement...I am happy to have given it to you. Thanks again.