Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

So I'm trying to catch up on the last two or three chapters which I've missed.

You mentioned in the review you wrote on my Jackson day off from work about pjj look suing chess with your grandkids. I see you infused it here into this chapter. Nicely done...

John

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2024

Yeah, chess has become something we really enjoy together. They are both getting pretty good at it and always ask to play me. It's fun teaching it to them.

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Jim, This is another very well written chapter. You can tell a story really well my friend. You used great descriptive words and great dialogue. This is a very believable story. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024

Thanks, Teri. I very much appreciate that.

Comment from tfawcus

Excellent

This burgeoning love relationship is sensitively told. It seems that Julia and Brian have both gained valuable strategies to overcome their addictions, and with each other's continued support, the future looks hopeful

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2024

With addicts, if they can support each other, rather than try to corrupt each other, they may have a chance.

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

This was a good chapter Jim and I thought you had Brian and Julia's budding romance just right for their ages. It easily took me back to that age. Well written, and an enjoyable read.
Cheers
Valda

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2024

Thanks so much, Valda. I'm happy this was identifiable for you. I looked back on my own experiences as a youth for inspiration for this chapter. It's easier to write about when you've experienced some of the same things yourself.

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

This is a realistic chapter about teen aged infatuation. Teens are still searching for their way in life, not sure of who they are or who they want to be. Young Brian thinks a relationship with Julia will sufficiently occupy his mind and solve his drug addition problem. Hopefully, they CAN help each other. Only time will tell.

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2024

Yep, you've got it, Lorraine. Only time will tell. Promising start, though.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Well, that is what we were hoping for - that relationship to blossom between Brian and Julia. But since we know how the story began, it seems that Brian didn't keep up with his promises. I guess that's what we will learn soon. I really liked that after their friendship formed, they also invited Alex, the other loner of the group.

 Comment Written 18-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024

Brian's will not be a straight road, and there will be a few detours along the way. I guess that's what's to be expected from most addicts.

Comment from T B Botts

Exceptional

Well Jim,
this chapter really had some meat to it. I liked it a lot. It sounds like the two of them could be good for each other. Of course, being young and in love can have it's own set of hazards, and if things don't go well, it could create a whole new set of reasons to retreat to the past. Well done.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024

Thank you, friend. I appreciate those 6 stars too. A sweet chapter, let's hope it's more than just young love (lust?) and something more lasting and meaningful that is developing here that can see them through rather than create problems for them.

Comment from Carol Hillebrenner

Excellent

This is very good. They are forming a relationship which will help them both avoid drugs if they want to see each other. It is the opposite effect of what usually happens that one begins doing drugs because the other is so they can hang out together. They have also learned something that will help them deal with performance nerves and pain nerves.

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024

Thanks, Carol. That's an interesting point you made. Often with these rehab romances, one backslides and tries to bring the other down with him/her to keep the relationship going. Let's see if the two of them can defy the odds and support each other in their desire not to use instead.

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

This intimate connection is benefiting both parties and hopefully they both heal as a result. These therapy groups often nurture long lasting friendships and cultivate alternative options to drugs. Another fine chapter Jim, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024

Thanks very much, Dolly. We'll see if this budding relationship can last beyond the confines of rehab.

Comment from lancellot

Excellent

Yes, this is certainly going deeper into the YA genre. You're doing a good job with the writing and editing. And, we are following Brian's journey, through his eyes, so we only know what he does, and shares.

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2024

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reply by the author on 18-Jul-2024

Thanks, Lance. It's definitely YA at this point. Not sure yet if that will still hold by the end.