10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 01:26 pm Title: Chapter 1
COLETTE. Seriously.
This is beyond wonderful. I can't even pick out all the most fabulous parts because the most fabulous part is all of it, all together. It's seamless. And really, really powerful.
One of my favorite lines is this: But when she wakes up the next morning, it's still there under the sheets, tangled around her. It's not a magic scarf at all. It's just his. Just OH. Of course his scarf would seem like some small part of him, like if she's close enough to it, she'll be closer to him, and... oh. I just love this line.
And the scarf feeling like a noose? Another perfect line. She feels trapped and suffocated by these secret feelings she's carrying around, and she feels like she's doing it to herself and it's all her fault, just like she keeps wearing the scarf even though she knows she "shouldn't" and even though she knows it's not really helping anything.
I am not being coherent about how much I LOVE THIS STORY.
I love how you describe her as "sheer impulse" like it's not what she's feeling, but what she is, because in a moment like that, that's really how those things work. And I can't even tell you how unbelievably perfect this whole scenario is as a set-up for them to get together. Something has to happen to force this, and it's so realistic and perfect that it's something as simple as a scarf to break the standstill they're in.
And the whole "Invite me over" and "I'm in love with you" is just SO ridiculously wonderful and perfect that I'm seriously shaking my head in wonder.
Beautiful ending. Very full-circle with the snow reference, and the line about him coming back and loving her... guh.
OHMYGOSH pretty much sums up how I feel about this. Seriously. Just... seriously. Wow.
Author's Response:
allibabab. SERIOUSLY.
What a freaking amazing review. You are such a careful reader, and it makes me feel so great that you noticed so much of what I intended - especially the full-circle thing. And the noose. It's always so wonderful when a review picks out some of the tiny things that meant the most to me when I was writing it.
Really, this thrills me. Thanks so much.
Date: February 03, 2007 01:15 pm Title: Chapter 1
OH, it's perfect. This just filled me with whatever Pam was feeling--the longing, the passion, that sense of "finally."
Gah, the whole thing is gorgeous and real and beautiful and wonderful and in character. And the end??? Best parking lot conversation ever. I think I'm still tingling from Jim saying "Invite me over." It's so hot, but tells so much at the same time--he needs that reassurance, he needs her to take the step.
So, so wonderful. I'm still tingly. I think I'll read it again.
Author's Response: Yes, exactly, Yippee - he needs her to say it...FINALLY indeed. I'm so thrilled that you're tingling. And I'm so grateful for this amazing review.
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 01:05 pm Title: Chapter 1
Okay, I only have a second here because I'm about to walk out the door, but I couldn't not leave at least a tertiary review -- this was simply amazing. Once again, you've articulated the desire and the ache so beautifully. I love the idea that she'd find his scarf and cling to it -- and I love the way you wrote their finally coming together. His whispered, "Invite me over" gave me chills. Wow.
So many good lines that I want to point out -- will review again when I have time to do so properly. Suffice it to say for now that this was just gorgeous, as usual --
Author's Response: Oh, girl7, you know I love the ache. And as usual, you never fail to support - thanks so much for leaving this review, even though I'm sure you had someplace important to be. You're the best.
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 12:56 pm Title: Chapter 1
Okay, I may have let out a little sigh at the end of this.
Okay, it was actually a moan.
So, yeah. That means I liked it. A LOT.
Author's Response: Yay! You're such a dedicated reviewer LL and if this story made you moan, that's high praise! Thanks, as always.
Date: February 03, 2007 12:50 pm Title: Chapter 1
I'd have to quote the whole thing to express the love I have for this. Amazing.
Author's Response: I really appreciate this, bitterpill. Means a lot.
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 12:41 pm Title: Chapter 1
It's honestly stories like these (and authors like you) that make me want to stop writing and just bask in reading them, forever and ever and ever.
Afterwards, and before again, he holds her hand and holds her and she knows she doesn't have to do crazy things anymore like wear wool scarves in August. Because he came back and he tells her he loves her and he loves her and he loves her.
Quite possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever read.
Author's Response: 69con, I am seriously overwhelmed. You are waaaaaay too kind. I'm so thrilled this story struck a chord. Makes me want to write more (now if only I was independently wealthy to make it possible!) Thank you SO, so much.
Date: February 03, 2007 12:25 pm Title: Chapter 1
Oh. He just opens his mouth over hers and lets it be real. You're killing me here. That literally tweaked something in my chest, made my breath catch. And their lines in the parking lot - 'Invite me over.' 'I'm in love with you.' - oh. I wish I was even semicoherant so I could leave a proper review, but - but -
Author's Response: Well, you sound pretty coherent to me. And very generous too. Thanks for that, fwf. Something good has to happen in that damned parking lot, right?
Date: February 03, 2007 12:21 pm Title: Chapter 1
Oh my God, what can I say? Love.
I love the quiet desperation of Pam, wearing Jim's scarf at night, in her bed, in her car --- just trying to hold onto a piece of what he is, and then -- finally. Just -- wow. Great work. Seriously.
Author's Response: What can you say? I think you just did! I'm glad her desperation came across (and her need to just connect to him, anyway she could.) Thank you GreenFish!
9 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 12:07 pm Title: Chapter 1
It feels soft, but slightly scratchy against her skin, like wool can. his cheek feels a little scratchy against her skin, like stubble can.
Author's Response: Sorry to break your brain (and never apologize for a review like this!) but I'm really pleased you liked it - I had trouble just getting this damn thing done. So where are my other 9 reviews? (Just kidding. Sort of.) Thanks much!
Author's Response: Oops, forgot...so glad you picked up that repeated (or parallel) line....there are a couple like that in there, and I wondered if anyone would notice.
10 [Report This]Date: February 03, 2007 12:05 pm Title: Chapter 1
This is beautiful. It aches perfectly, and the end is just wonderful. I love her "non sequitur" - it feels so real and perfect. Lovely job.
Author's Response: It aches perfectly. I LOVE that description. Thank you so much for the lovely review!
Date: February 03, 2007 11:59 am Title: Chapter 1
Wearing wool scarves in August... I loved everything about this, really. And its so true to life, having that one thing that reminds you of the person :) Just lovely.
Author's Response: Thank you so much. I'm glad it worked for you...how could she not miss him that much?