Christ. That one should've come with a a stiff drink, a Xanax, and a Band-Aid for the lacerations to my psyche. I can't say it was enjoyable, but it was necessary, deftly executed, and courageous. Good job, JPM. This has moved from being a great story to a modern classic in the bildungsroman genre. That said: I want more of Andy's dick, and I want it now. Bellagio style ejaculations, man.
Christ. That one should've come with a a stiff drink, a Xanax, and a Band-Aid for the lacerations to my psyche. It felt awfully familiar. I can't say it was enjoyable, but it was necessary, deftly executed, and courageous. Good job, JPM. This has moved from being a great story to a modern classic in the bildungsroman genre. That said: I want more of Andy's dick, and I want it soon.
Possession for use is decriminalized in many municipalities, especially college towns. That said, you are free to set this wherever you like -- I keep it vague so that people can put it in whatever school/setting works for them.
First, I am a huge fan. Thank you. I have been with you since the beginning and hang on nearly every word. I agree with Danforth in that this was a tough read. I also loved learning more about Chris. Blown away by his self-awareness and ability to see Joe for anything other than a hero.
I do struggle with Joe not reacting... It's because he is so strong, so calculated and deflective that I struggle to see him as enduring Chris' comments without feeling the need to break him down. Sure he stumbles over words about his mom knowing. Yes, he also asked for Pieces to share his opinion's with him, but .... he has the gift of gab, the command of his words so I struggle with him just letting the exchange happen as it did. It feels out of character. I would sooner see him reacting swiftly and exact with his words only to regret later. I don't feel that Chris' words were so tough that Joe would let them break him down to the point of just a physical response.
All that said, I remain desperate for more.
Thank you for your time and efforts that you put into sharing this amazing story.
I got an e-mail with similar observations. I think this would be true if Joe had expected a line of comments like this, or if he hadn't always had the upper hand with the dynamic, but getting hit with an unexpected salvo like this would disorient anyone, I think. Recall that Joe's ploy in coming out was to manipulate Chris into coming to terms with the situation, and after that didn't work, he'd thought the two of them had reached an uneasy understanding. Now he's abruptly lost control of the situation, and didn't see it coming. I think that a person would need overwhelming confidence and detachment to have responses ready for this kind of takedown. This isn't like Joe's confrontation with his brother, where he expects nothing from the guy and is armed to fight.
I saw it as another example of Joe's growing need and ability to experience emotions. He didn't fall back in the automatic response of using his intellect to retaliate - instead being required by his emotions to review his actions and responsibilities. This gets taken to the point where his intellect fails him, or gets trumped by base, physical actions.
I stumbled upon your story last week as I was carousing Nifty I'm glad I did. By far the best thing I've read in modern day gay theme lit. I came of age in the 60's. I knew I was gay but didn't know how or what to do about it. I spent a lot of time in the library at the card catalogue searching for something, anything, to help me understand my feelings and soon stumbled upon Isherwood and Capote ('homosexual' what the key search word at the time....not 'gay'). After reading The Grass Harp (which, along with Truman's picture on the back, aroused me to no end) I knew I would be OK. Any young kid who picks this up to read will be ahead of the game, that's for sure. Wish I could have been so lucky.
Lots of characters to identify with along with the overall Holden Caufield feel of the campus and NYC settings and dialogues. I like how you travel forwards and backwards, helping to set up the tone of each chapter and alleviating any misunderstanding or confusion while allowing us to deconstruct what you've just written and trying to figure out what the fuck is going on.
Everything is first rate. Congratulations. I'm not sure you could have strung me along for 7 years but I'm here now and waiting for more. In the meantime you just need someone like Joey to come in and do some editing.
A tease would mislead you. The story has changed from when I updated frequently; so have my standards for the writing, and, to a large extent, my lifestyle. I'd like to finish it in 2-3 months, but the obstacles are what they are.
I've just finished re-reading the whole story for the third time and all I say is congratulations for the time and effort you've put into it. Can't wait for the next installment at your convenience!!
I've just finished re-reading the whole story for the third time and all I say is congratulations for the time and effort you've put into it. Can't wait for the next installment at your convenience!!
JPM - re-reading this from the start. Matt's full assessment of Joe was so right on with mine. His character is so great. Chapters 24 - 28 were so great. I know what's coming up for chapters 29-31, but I'm enjoying the read. It's so great to go from chapter to chapter without the wait - I see so much more of the story.
With that in mind - I beg you to post a few more chapters soon. thanks for sharing this great story. I love all the characters and loved that more got introduced in Joe's review discussion of his coming out. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!
Just found this story! Amazing... So well written. Brought back a lot of memories from my experience at a military academy on the late '90s. I was like Chris in that I was fixated/had a crush on a guy like Joe and felt manipulated. Unlike Chris, I found myself....while he lives a secret life. Can't wait for the next Chapter! Thank you for writing and helped me remember the good/hot times I had while coming to terms with the bad.
Happy New Year, J Just checking in to see whether chapter 32 would be posted anytime soon. No rush, no stress -- I appreciate your masterful and eloquent writing very much.
To be honest, the next chapter is only 1,200 words of inane rambling addressed to the reader, which I'm now going to delete and start from scratch. Some later chapters are partially written, at least.
Hey, just wanted to say thanks for creating such a great story, even though it’s unfinished as of yet. I found it just a couple of weeks ago, thought it was too long of a read, but then just plowed through it starting a few days ago when I was in a slump. I’m 24, only very recently out to a few friends, and holy shit did I feel like this helped me out. I really, really hope you finish it and that you know how much people enjoy your writing. Hope you’re well.
(Also- this could totally be released as a self-published ebook or something. At the very least. I kind of want it in hard copy, actually.)
I had been reading this over the last few weeks and really thought it was finished so I spent all night reading from 26 to 31. What a journey. Seeing the worst side of Chris has been a gut punch. It doesn't help that Joe lets his guard down over and over and is still trying to help him.
While I don't hate Chris, he kind of makes me a bit sick. This situation really reminds me of a Bojack Horseman quote:
"I became a lifeguard. On my first day of training, my instructor told me that there are going to be times when you'll see someone in trouble. You're going to want to rush in there and do whatever you can to save them, but you have to stop yourself. Because there are some people you can't save. Cause those people will thrash and struggle, and try to take you down with them."
Started reading this series in high school, and now I'm going to graduate college in a few weeks. How time flies! Hope we get to see the conclusion of Joe's story eventually. :)
I've been checking on your story for updates every now and then...man, I hope you keep on writing... some people are still lurking around and hoping for your return
Any chance we will see the next chapter this year...? I know you do this in your free time, for nothing, but it’s be nice to at least get some closure, especially for those of us that were there from the beginning.
Too short! Great as always.
ReplyDeleteChrist. That one should've come with a a stiff drink, a Xanax, and a Band-Aid for the lacerations to my psyche. I can't say it was enjoyable, but it was necessary, deftly executed, and courageous. Good job, JPM. This has moved from being a great story to a modern classic in the bildungsroman genre. That said: I want more of Andy's dick, and I want it now. Bellagio style ejaculations, man.
ReplyDeleteChrist. That one should've come with a a stiff drink, a Xanax, and a Band-Aid for the lacerations to my psyche. It felt awfully familiar. I can't say it was enjoyable, but it was necessary, deftly executed, and courageous. Good job, JPM. This has moved from being a great story to a modern classic in the bildungsroman genre. That said: I want more of Andy's dick, and I want it soon.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. It's all gonna be okay.
DeleteMostly.
So the story is set in Ohio?
ReplyDeleteI noticed that too. I've been picturing Miami the whole time so that fits. Lol
DeleteWhat am I missing?
DeleteYou referenced decriminalized pot - there are only a few states that have that, including Ohio, which would seem to make sense. Lol
ReplyDeletePossession for use is decriminalized in many municipalities, especially college towns. That said, you are free to set this wherever you like -- I keep it vague so that people can put it in whatever school/setting works for them.
DeletePresident McKinley was from Ohio, so a park named after him would not be uncommon. I suspected Ann Arbor, but Columbus could make sense too.
DeleteFirst, I am a huge fan. Thank you. I have been with you since the beginning and hang on nearly every word. I agree with Danforth in that this was a tough read. I also loved learning more about Chris. Blown away by his self-awareness and ability to see Joe for anything other than a hero.
ReplyDeleteI do struggle with Joe not reacting... It's because he is so strong, so calculated and deflective that I struggle to see him as enduring Chris' comments without feeling the need to break him down. Sure he stumbles over words about his mom knowing. Yes, he also asked for Pieces to share his opinion's with him, but .... he has the gift of gab, the command of his words so I struggle with him just letting the exchange happen as it did. It feels out of character. I would sooner see him reacting swiftly and exact with his words only to regret later. I don't feel that Chris' words were so tough that Joe would let them break him down to the point of just a physical response.
All that said, I remain desperate for more.
Thank you for your time and efforts that you put into sharing this amazing story.
I got an e-mail with similar observations. I think this would be true if Joe had expected a line of comments like this, or if he hadn't always had the upper hand with the dynamic, but getting hit with an unexpected salvo like this would disorient anyone, I think. Recall that Joe's ploy in coming out was to manipulate Chris into coming to terms with the situation, and after that didn't work, he'd thought the two of them had reached an uneasy understanding. Now he's abruptly lost control of the situation, and didn't see it coming. I think that a person would need overwhelming confidence and detachment to have responses ready for this kind of takedown. This isn't like Joe's confrontation with his brother, where he expects nothing from the guy and is armed to fight.
DeleteI saw it as another example of Joe's growing need and ability to experience emotions. He didn't fall back in the automatic response of using his intellect to retaliate - instead being required by his emotions to review his actions and responsibilities. This gets taken to the point where his intellect fails him, or gets trumped by base, physical actions.
DeleteI stumbled upon your story last week as I was carousing Nifty I'm glad I did. By far the best thing I've read in modern day gay theme lit. I came of age in the 60's. I knew I was gay but didn't know how or what to do about it. I spent a lot of time in the library at the card catalogue searching for something, anything, to help me understand my feelings and soon stumbled upon Isherwood and Capote ('homosexual' what the key search word at the time....not 'gay'). After reading The Grass Harp (which, along with Truman's picture on the back, aroused me to no end) I knew I would be OK. Any young kid who picks this up to read will be ahead of the game, that's for sure. Wish I could have been so lucky.
ReplyDeleteLots of characters to identify with along with the overall Holden Caufield feel of the campus and NYC settings and dialogues. I like how you travel forwards and backwards, helping to set up the tone of each chapter and alleviating any misunderstanding or confusion while allowing us to deconstruct what you've just written and trying to figure out what the fuck is going on.
Everything is first rate. Congratulations. I'm not sure you could have strung me along for 7 years but I'm here now and waiting for more. In the meantime you just need someone like Joey to come in and do some editing.
Thanks man. Good news is, only seven more years to go before it's over!
DeleteIs it time for the spring installment yet? Need my Joe College fix.
ReplyDeleteHey man are you ever gonna update this story
ReplyDeleteEventually. I will finish it. Nothing to report right now.
DeleteTease
DeleteA tease would mislead you. The story has changed from when I updated frequently; so have my standards for the writing, and, to a large extent, my lifestyle. I'd like to finish it in 2-3 months, but the obstacles are what they are.
DeleteHa it's fine. I'm a sucker for getting stringed along
DeleteI've just finished re-reading the whole story for the third time and all I say is congratulations for the time and effort you've put into it. Can't wait for the next installment at your convenience!!
ReplyDeleteI've just finished re-reading the whole story for the third time and all I say is congratulations for the time and effort you've put into it. Can't wait for the next installment at your convenience!!
ReplyDeleteJPM - re-reading this from the start. Matt's full assessment of Joe was so right on with mine. His character is so great. Chapters 24 - 28 were so great. I know what's coming up for chapters 29-31, but I'm enjoying the read. It's so great to go from chapter to chapter without the wait - I see so much more of the story.
ReplyDeleteWith that in mind - I beg you to post a few more chapters soon. thanks for sharing this great story. I love all the characters and loved that more got introduced in Joe's review discussion of his coming out. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!
Still out here... still checking every day. I hope your muse finds you, and that life gives you time and space to create.
ReplyDeleteThat is very nice of you. Thank you. You're probably safe not checking for at least a few weeks. :(
DeleteHey man. I know you must get this all the time but...you got any more of that JC?
ReplyDeleteOkay Frank's dropped his two LPs, you're next mate!
ReplyDeleteJust found this story! Amazing... So well written. Brought back a lot of memories from my experience at a military academy on the late '90s. I was like Chris in that I was fixated/had a crush on a guy like Joe and felt manipulated. Unlike Chris, I found myself....while he lives a secret life.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the next Chapter! Thank you for writing and helped me remember the good/hot times I had while coming to terms with the bad.
Even accounting for perfectionism and a rich extra-literary life, this is getting excessive...
ReplyDeleteDuuude are you alive?
ReplyDeleteAre you still alive?
ReplyDeletePlease, please, please.
ReplyDeleteWell, there won't be a Hillary Clinton administration. Will there be a chapter 32?
ReplyDeleteDo you think Chris Riis voted for Trump?
ReplyDeleteAny update?!
ReplyDeleteSeriously you alive mate
ReplyDeleteAre you okay?
ReplyDeleteIn a year of massive disappointments, the lack of Joe College still stings. :-(
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, J
ReplyDeleteJust checking in to see whether chapter 32 would be posted anytime soon. No rush, no stress -- I appreciate your masterful and eloquent writing very much.
P-Y from Aix-en-Provence, France
anyone out there?! Helloooo
ReplyDeleteAny idea when the next chapter will drop?
ReplyDeleteAny idea when the next chapter will be posted?
ReplyDeleteJPM what's going on? Are you still writing chapter 32? Miss you, my friend! And I miss Joe!
ReplyDelete18 months...
ReplyDelete19 months...
ReplyDeleteEven further out... You should finish it and publish it on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteNearly 2 years....
ReplyDeleteHope you (& Joe) are enjoying your summer.
ReplyDeleteI've blown every real and imagined deadline, James! GAHHH!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, the next chapter is only 1,200 words of inane rambling addressed to the reader, which I'm now going to delete and start from scratch. Some later chapters are partially written, at least.
ReplyDeleteHey, just wanted to say thanks for creating such a great story, even though it’s unfinished as of yet. I found it just a couple of weeks ago, thought it was too long of a read, but then just plowed through it starting a few days ago when I was in a slump. I’m 24, only very recently out to a few friends, and holy shit did I feel like this helped me out. I really, really hope you finish it and that you know how much people enjoy your writing. Hope you’re well.
Delete(Also- this could totally be released as a self-published ebook or something. At the very least. I kind of want it in hard copy, actually.)
I'm just glad you're alive man!
ReplyDeleteThank God you still plan on publishing.
ReplyDeleteTwo years. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteJPM! How's it going? eagerly awaiting the next installment.
ReplyDeleteI'm just so happy you're still writing! This still is my favourite gay fiction story ever
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you're still writing! This is still and always will be my favourite gay fiction story ever
ReplyDeleteTwo years! We’re still here for you though, can’t wait
ReplyDeleteI had been reading this over the last few weeks and really thought it was finished so I spent all night reading from 26 to 31. What a journey. Seeing the worst side of Chris has been a gut punch. It doesn't help that Joe lets his guard down over and over and is still trying to help him.
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't hate Chris, he kind of makes me a bit sick. This situation really reminds me of a Bojack Horseman quote:
"I became a lifeguard. On my first day of training, my instructor told me that there are going to be times when you'll see someone in trouble. You're going to want to rush in there and do whatever you can to save them, but you have to stop yourself. Because there are some people you can't save. Cause those people will thrash and struggle, and try to take you down with them."
OH, COME ON.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas (or mid-winter holiday of your choice) JPM. Hoping you find some free time to tell us more about Joe.
ReplyDeleteI love this series. We appreciate your work!
ReplyDeleteHeartbroken that the ride seems to have come to an end. Hope you’re well.
ReplyDeleteI need chris Riis in my life pls
ReplyDeleteI miss this story...
ReplyDeleteStarted reading this series in high school, and now I'm going to graduate college in a few weeks. How time flies! Hope we get to see the conclusion of Joe's story eventually. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been checking on your story for updates every now and then...man, I hope you keep on writing... some people are still lurking around and hoping for your return
ReplyDeleteIs this gone forever ?
ReplyDeleteAny chance we will see the next chapter this year...? I know you do this in your free time, for nothing, but it’s be nice to at least get some closure, especially for those of us that were there from the beginning.
ReplyDeleteHey Joe! Welcome back and thanks for chapter 32! Missed JC and you of course!!
ReplyDelete