Reviews from

Striking Up a Conversation

A contest entry

29 total reviews 
Comment from vfbryant
Excellent
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Great glimpse of a healthy and strong relationship between father and son. I liked the way the father (recognizing he couldn't get through to his son directly) found a way to help the son come to his own realization that he wasn't a failure. The dialogue flows very naturally, and the tone conveys love and respect between the two.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    vfb, I appreciate you stopping to read and review. I'm glad you enjoyed this short story.
Comment from Dean Kuch
Excellent
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I felt this was an outstanding story. author. That's one good "poppa-bear" right there, for certain. He's right, too. We can't always hit the winning run, write a best-seller, or score the winning touchdown. But as long as we give it our best shot, and everything we've got, while continuing to be a team player, then who could ask for more?

A very well written, realistic and heartwarming tale!

Best of luck to you in the contest. I think you'll do very well. :)

~Dean

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    Dean, thank you for stopping to read and review. I always appreciate when you read my writing and am glad you thought it as outstanding.
reply by Dean Kuch on 04-Jan-2015
    You're very welcome, the pleasure was all mine.
Comment from MusingsOfMWH
Excellent
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I sincerely enjoyed reading "Striking Up a Conversation", not because I'm a baseball fan (and especially not during the NFL Playoffs) but I admire the way you handled a conversation between father and son. You did well since readers--well, this one, anyway--can understand Zach's frustration even if they've never set foot in the batter box themselves. On the flip side, though, his father's ability to help put things in perspective for a discouraged player who has high expectations for himself has the ring of truth, too. Well done.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    Thank you, Musings. I appreciate you stopping by to read and share your thoughts and experience.
Comment from MelB
Excellent
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Great read and a lot of fun for me, since my son plays baseball and his favorite player is Derek Jeter! There was a lot of advice I could relate to in the story as I have listened to baseball coaches explain the same thing to my son's teams over the years. Great job!

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    Thank you, MelB. I appreciate you reading this and sharing. Also, I'm glad you enjoyed it. John
Comment from giraffmang
Excellent
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I enjoyed this tale of a father's advice to his son very much.
I remember many a conversation with my dad about rugby and even worse cricket (which I hated).

Nicely written and engaging.
Good luck in the competition.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    Thanks a bunch giraffmang. I appreciate you stopping to read and share.
Comment from gypsycaravan
Excellent
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You'll always be a parent and sometimes they get tired of listening to advice, but they ARE listening. You know when they start giving the same advice you gave them. Good job on the confidence building with your kids and on the story.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    Thank you for reading and sharing your experiences. Also, thank you for creating this contest and creative opening line.
reply by gypsycaravan on 04-Jan-2015
    You are most welcome.
Comment from alf collier
Excellent
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Wow! Love the way you explained the got through to that youngster. A lot better than flattery and bribery. Funny how statistics can be manipulated. thanks for sharing this, alf

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    I'm an avid baseball fan. Thank you for reading and sharing with me.
Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)
Excellent
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Lets try this approach. (Let's)

three-hundreds for there career (their)

Oh does this bring back memories... My son played hockey at the national level. There was never a game lost that wasn't his fault. Good luck in the contest, my friend~Debbie

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    That's awesome playing at that level. You must have been one proud mom! Thanks for reading and sharing.
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
Excellent
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I had the exact same experience when I was a child. I wish my parents had the same level headiness! Very well written. The dialogue is strong. The feelings about striking out are real as is the conversation that follows. Terrific.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
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 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    Thanks ML for reading and sharing with me. Always appreciated.