I literally tingle when I read your writing. I love stepping back into this world and being with these people. Thank you for continuing to write. I read this chapter as slowly as possible to make it last.
So happy to read this. Reading your story is like college for Joe - savor the amazing experience while it lasts, knowing that the end is coming soon.
Amazing that Joe is still torn up about being gay after coming out (see eg his puzzled reaction to Ahmet's joy at coming out). He seems to be okay now - what will trigger his final self-acceptance?
I'm late to the party. I've read all 33 chapters within the last week. I should have been doing yard chores or anything else, but reading each chapter was a guilty pleasure. I didn't understand whether Chris actually went on the trip. I hope the next chapter has more about Chris. I think he's a substitute for me. In high school I had the chance to spend a month in Italy. One of the priests was from Italy and he sponsored a trip every summer, staying at his family's compound. How I wish I had gone. It haunts me still
😂 Poor Chris is paralyzed by the fear of living outside the norms and following a path, that he can’t seem to find. What’s amazing is his mom sees everything that he can’t!
Hey JPM. Saw your latest tweet. Does this mean the next chapter takes place in the present or many years after college, rather than following on continuously from graduation?
Yes. The next chapter jumps ahead five years, and the remaining chapters will carry through to the present.
In earlier chapters, I'd, like, use 2,000 words to describe subtle shifts in mood based on body language at house parties, so it's fun to describe years of activity in a few sentences.
I've been reading fiction like crazy during the lockdown -- two or three books a week. I found myself wishing there was a novel that had a vibe like I was hanging out with people and going to parties. Then I realized that described this project.
Normal People by Sally Rooney is as good as the buzz. I'm not gonna watch the Hulu series because the book is so internal and the actors are too attractive.
The Cixin Liu "Three-Body Problem" trilogy is a headfuck in the best way.
I re-read Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff and loved it. Recommend George Saunders's short stories to anyone who hasn't tried them. A Visit from the Goon Squad remains my favorite book of the 21st Century.
Thanks! Those first two were already on my list so I’ll bump them up (might just do a reread of JC though ha). Not as familiar with the others so I’ll take a look.
I’d recommend Ted Chiang’s short story collections for more sci-fi headfucks — loved “understand”, “the story of your life”, “exhalation”, and “anxiety is the dizziness of freedom” most.
I really love the "sons of bankers, sons of lawyers" reference, especially when "I thank the lord for the people I have found" is such a mood in this chapter.
Oh my gosh! A new chapter. You have no idea how excited I am right now! I'm going to savor this and read it slowly. Reviews in a day or so.
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing this story. I've been following it for years, and I'm excited to see where it's going next!
What an amazing surprise! I just finished my first read. College is over but there’s still more to the ride! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI literally tingle when I read your writing. I love stepping back into this world and being with these people. Thank you for continuing to write. I read this chapter as slowly as possible to make it last.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to read this. Reading your story is like college for Joe - savor the amazing experience while it lasts, knowing that the end is coming soon.
ReplyDeleteAmazing that Joe is still torn up about being gay after coming out (see eg his puzzled reaction to Ahmet's joy at coming out). He seems to be okay now - what will trigger his final self-acceptance?
Also! I loved the ending, which reminded me of the end of Chapter 19.
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the party. I've read all 33 chapters within the last week. I should have been doing yard chores or anything else, but reading each chapter was a guilty pleasure. I didn't understand whether Chris actually went on the trip. I hope the next chapter has more about Chris. I think he's a substitute for me. In high school I had the chance to spend a month in Italy. One of the priests was from Italy and he sponsored a trip every summer, staying at his family's compound. How I wish I had gone. It haunts me still
ReplyDeleteChris would never give into groupthink by getting a passport and going to Europe with his best friends!
Delete😂 Poor Chris is paralyzed by the fear of living outside the norms and following a path, that he can’t seem to find. What’s amazing is his mom sees everything that he can’t!
DeleteHey JPM. Saw your latest tweet. Does this mean the next chapter takes place in the present or many years after college, rather than following on continuously from graduation?
ReplyDeleteYes. The next chapter jumps ahead five years, and the remaining chapters will carry through to the present.
DeleteIn earlier chapters, I'd, like, use 2,000 words to describe subtle shifts in mood based on body language at house parties, so it's fun to describe years of activity in a few sentences.
Hi, thank you for Joe College. Grateful.
ReplyDeleteYou do know we’re all going to need something to read in quarantine very soon? Could you maybe push out a chapter as a public service?
ReplyDeleteA lengthy quarantine would probably let me finish this thing!
DeleteNext chapter is currently 41 single-spaced pages, 16,000 words, a good chunk of it unusable.
After every book I finish during quarantine I’ve been checking to see if there’s a new chapter! Can’t wait for the next update :)
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteYes please!
ReplyDeleteDang! I didn't know people were still into this.
DeleteDoing my best!
DeleteI check all the time for a new chapter! I wish I hadn’t burned through it so fast
ReplyDeleteSame! I look at @jpm770 twitter and blog regularly hoping the story will be back. I miss those guys.
ReplyDeleteDitto.
ReplyDeleteHolds up great to a second or third reading, so that's what I'll be doing in the meantime.
I've been reading fiction like crazy during the lockdown -- two or three books a week. I found myself wishing there was a novel that had a vibe like I was hanging out with people and going to parties. Then I realized that described this project.
ReplyDeleteI can relate. Still see my friends virtually, but I really miss the casualness and spontaneity of hanging out. Any fiction recs for us?
DeleteNormal People by Sally Rooney is as good as the buzz. I'm not gonna watch the Hulu series because the book is so internal and the actors are too attractive.
DeleteThe Cixin Liu "Three-Body Problem" trilogy is a headfuck in the best way.
I re-read Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff and loved it. Recommend George Saunders's short stories to anyone who hasn't tried them. A Visit from the Goon Squad remains my favorite book of the 21st Century.
Thanks! Those first two were already on my list so I’ll bump them up (might just do a reread of JC though ha). Not as familiar with the others so I’ll take a look.
DeleteI’d recommend Ted Chiang’s short story collections for more sci-fi headfucks — loved “understand”, “the story of your life”, “exhalation”, and “anxiety is the dizziness of freedom” most.
I really love the "sons of bankers, sons of lawyers" reference, especially when "I thank the lord for the people I have found" is such a mood in this chapter.
ReplyDelete