1 [Report This]Date: August 18, 2020 04:26 am Title: Chapter 3
I’m so delighted to see an update of this story!
We’re consolidating my love for Abi early on and I am more than okay with it: “actually she is clever—and lovely. But also devious.”
“Apart from his imminent demise, obviously.” Yes to the little pockets of humor. Just perfection.
“he’d absolutely have gone downstairs” oh Jim. Of course he would have.
It breaks my heart that he’s sure her being there is a misunderstanding and he doesn’t want to draw attention to it. That seems so very right in terms of his thought processes.
Oh boy and the passage about him having the strength to deal with Karen. So very real.
Jim’s thoughts on Karen fit entirely with what I imagine Jim’s thoughts on Karen. His panic over her turning it up a few notches more than he was anticipating also keeps very well with Season 3 Jim. You describe his thought processes so well.
Pam’s thoughts on Karen are also wonderfully written. I can totally see her telling herself to be nice to Karen (and at the same time maybe feeling like Karen isn’t the nicest in return...)
“predatory fish are a clear and present danger” Well, this is all very adorable. They’re slipping back into banter and reading Dwight and I love it so.
“He raises his eyebrows and lets out a long slow whistle.” Your cast of supporting characters in this is just so great. This version of Tom is a whole lot of brotherly fun.
“She’s like a pink-cardiganed, tan-pantyhosed fucking Wonder-Woman.” Yes, yes she is and it’s so lovely to see Karen recognize this. I feel a little like she’s generally portrayed as looking down her nose at Pam and I love this change.
“of a workplace superior she barely knows.” Oh girl... This does not end well for Karen...
Author's Response:
With what we know about Jim's feelings for Pam, I find it hard to see his relationship with Karen as much more than a 'getting back in the game' move with someone he finds attractive, or trying to drag himself back to some kind of normality (... and with the added bonus of helping him save face with Pam, or putting up a defensive wall, or whatever.) Maybe open to moving things up a level if it should work out. But...
Anyway, thanks again for a lovely review! I really appreciate it.
1 [Report This]Date: August 17, 2020 07:37 pm Title: Chapter 3
I really liked being able to get into everyone's head in this chapter. Sure it dispelled some of the mystery but knowing that delerious and cognizant Jim want Pam around is a balm to my jam heart. Karen learning of Pam's mediator superpower was a nice touch. I'm glad to hear you don't intend to leave us hanging on a cliffy for too long, looking forward to it!
Author's Response: Many thanks, DoomGoose! Much appreciated.
1 [Report This]Date: August 17, 2020 06:53 pm Title: Chapter 3
Well then. Where to start. I love Pam's section most, but honestly all three are great. Good work on getting them all thinking but also SHOWING the thinking, not just implying it. Good work with Tom. I really enjoy this, glad to hear more is on the way (and yes, if you want to cliffhang I personally would appreciate a quick update after).
Author's Response:
Thanks, Comfect! Glad you enjoyed Tom.
1 [Report This]Date: August 17, 2020 02:27 pm Title: Chapter 3
Great chapter here. I really like that we're getting multiple POV's. I'd been looking forward to Jim since we hadn't heard from him yet and you delivered.
His feelings are all over the map. I really like how you said he didn't have the energy to balance the spinning plates anymore. What a great metaphor. It would be tiring. Trying to feel something for Karen. Trying to avoid feeling anything for Pam. Trying to keep his heart from re-shattering. Trying to figure out who he is and what he wants to do. Seems exhausting. So all he's really left with is Karen trying to put his life together for him but who isn't there. And Pam who seems to just want anything he can offer, who is still there.
I love that Pam is sticking around. Clearly her feelings towards Jim are still there otherwise I feel like she would have left or called Karen to come over. She's still being her sweet self in that she's updating Karen. I know it's hard on her, but it shows her character. However she's not ready to leave his side. Really great to see that.
Kind of a nice bit of levity with Tom showing up. Very brother-esque between them. Even though Tom is ribbing at Jim, the fact he shows up with soup also shows he cares.
And to end things with Karen. As others have said, yes this shows just how out of the loop she is. Not just with Jim and Pam, but with everything in Scranton. This is a world she doesn't understand and sorry to say can't really fit into. However she did stumble on something. Pam is the heart of the office. Without Pam there, all these things start to build up. Great bit of perspective there.
Can't wait to see what comes next.
Author's Response:
I think his feelings probably would be all over the place: he's portrayed as a reasonably decent chap, so I'm assuming his motivation isn't purely cynical...but he's hurt and bitter and needing to move on from the pain, and that's probably a contributing factor in his decision to get involved with Karen - even though it's too soon for him to be emotionally available to someone else.
And because he's basically decent, it would likely be messing with his head when he's forced to confront the reality of what he's doing, and what the implications of his choices are.
And thanks for the review, Warrior!
1 [Report This]Date: August 17, 2020 01:20 pm Title: Chapter 3
All I can say is, I desperately did not want this chapter to end. Can't wait for the next one!
Author's Response: Thank you!
Date: August 17, 2020 12:52 pm Title: Chapter 3
A cliffhanger is on the horizon?! I can hardly wait for this to update as it is! I really loved the take on Karen. That last part in her perspective actually made me not hate her and I might have gasped when she said that Pam was “holed up in an apartment with a work superior she hardly knows” because it shows how out of the Jam loop she is. I’m excited for the updates to come :D
Author's Response: Thank you so much for reading and replying. I'm glad Karen's working for you - I couldn't really figure her out in canon, so I made up my own one. :0)
1 [Report This]Date: August 17, 2020 10:57 am Title: Chapter 3
Sam, I am at work and have already spent more time reading this wonderful chapter than I should have. So I don't have the time to properly sing the praises of the depth and insight and delightfully teasing tone of this amazing installment! "Enthralled" is what comes to mind --- kind of an old-fashioned word, but that's where I am! You sure know how to intricately spin a tale! LOVE this!
Author's Response: Gosh - you're very kind. Hope the next chapter measures up!
1 [Report This]Date: August 17, 2020 10:32 am Title: Chapter 3
Excellent chapter! It fulls of tiny moments that look like pieces of the puzzle and create a perfect picture.
The things I like about this chapter probably the most are Pam's thoughts that she kinda admired Karen and Karen's
'She’s like a pink-cardiganed, tan-pantyhosed fucking Wonder-Woman.'
That's so, so great!
Thank you for the awesome chapter and looking forward to the next one.
Author's Response: Thanks for your reply, Dernhelm. Glad you're enjoying it so far! And I'm really glad you found the pieces made a picture - i was kind of worried it was a bit fragmented.
1 [Report This]Date: August 16, 2020 08:53 am Title: Chapter 2
I'm very much looking forward to the perspective of hallucinatory Jim. This is a really good story so far, especially Pam/Karen, so I'm excited for where you go with it next!
Author's Response: Thanks! Hope hallucinatory Jim worked for you.
1 [Report This]Date: August 16, 2020 08:40 am Title: Chapter 1
Oh dear. I mean, I really like how you're filling in a Karen backstory here and I think it makes her really sympathetic, but holy moley girl see the red flags in front of you and run!
Author's Response:
Quite. She seems smart - it's a bit of a puzzle she allowed herself to get dragged into this. IMO, obvs. :0)
Thanks for your review, Comfect!
1 [Report This]Date: August 15, 2020 09:08 am Title: Chapter 2
I love that they are getting into their old dynamic, but o can't help but think things are going to go sour soon. I am dreading and anticipating seeing things from Jim's side and how his frame of mind is. Looking forward to the next chapter for sure!
Author's Response: Thank you!
1 [Report This]Date: August 07, 2020 01:31 pm Title: Chapter 2
I am so captivated by this! It’s such a great premise and forces everyone to take a look at what they really want, what they try to push aside during waking or conscious hours. I love how Pam wasn’t hesitant to help him when he asked, I love how you have shown the juxtaposition of Karen’s Jim and real Jim, and I actually really liked having that whole first chapter be from Karen’s perspective. I don’t feel like we see that a lot, and like we don’t get a whole lot of insight into her. Your characterization makes total sense. Great job, looking forward to more!
Author's Response: Thanks, BigTuna. I'm really glad it's working for you. I was a bit worried I'd crossed the 'cheese' line with this...
1 [Report This]Date: August 05, 2020 04:26 pm Title: Chapter 1
I laughed out loud more than once while reading this! You're hilarious and the chemistry between Jim and Pam is palpable even when he's so out of it. I also love Pam's analysis of Jim and Karen's decor and what it signifies for their relationship. Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's Response: You're very kind! And thanks - I'm really glad you're enjoying it.
Date: August 04, 2020 07:21 pm Title: Chapter 2
I'm enjoying this immensely. Can't wait for more.
Author's Response: Thank you very much! Hopefully not too long...
1 [Report This]Date: August 04, 2020 09:34 am Title: Chapter 2
I am so looking forward to more of this story!! I absolute love your writing
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm really glad you're enjoying it so far.
1 [Report This]Date: August 04, 2020 02:04 am Title: Chapter 2
I was really sad when this chapter ended. It was so beautifully written that I wanted it to be endless.
I feel for Pam so much here, with her doubts, and fears, and insecurities, and this dreading feeling of hearing 'go away' once, and at the same time, I was so proud of her, that even in this situation she kept doing the right things as well as she could. And it was so lovely to see that she allowed herself little moments of... I don't know how to call them? Curiosity? Self-care? Like the moment she made those discoveries of Zombie Jim's new life (by the way, I adore this definition!) or her stalling before calling Karen... I liked these moments she took for herself.
I'm very curious to see what will happen next!
Thank you for your writing!
Author's Response: I'm really glad you're enjoying it, Dernhelm. Many thanks.
1 [Report This]Date: August 04, 2020 01:36 am Title: Chapter 2
I love that Jim’s family seem to kind of know what’s going on and keep dropping hints at Pam. If they’re surprised she’s there, they’re certainly doing a nice job of making her feel like she should be.
“The cynical snort is just in her head, she hopes.” Delightful.
Bless Abi for the half naked Jim visuals. Nurse Pam to the rescue...
Ugh. This all written so very beautiful. Pam taking care of him & turning it all into an unspoken apology of sorts. So very, very beautiful.
The description of his decor is so vivid. Along with the contents of his fridge. You really show all the ways his life and Karen’s don’t align (without having to explicitly say it).
Pam’s musings about love are spot on. This whole chapter is truly wonderful. I’m really enjoying this story.
Author's Response: You write the loveliest reviews, Jenna! Thank you so much. I found this chapter a real struggle to pull together, and I'm really glad it worked for you.
1 [Report This]Date: August 03, 2020 08:33 pm Title: Chapter 2
Early in my relationship with my now-husband, we went to Spain with a school group. While on this trip, he got sick and was running a fever. He did not hallucinate, but it did affect him. He got really, really lovey-dovey and affectionate. He kept trying to pull me into the bed with him in his hotel room, but he had two roommates who could have walked in at any time, so it was a bit of a tug of war. But he was so adorable and wouldn't stop talking and being silly and cute and lovable.
This story reminds me so much of that time. It is a very fond memory!
Can't wait to see what happens next Sam!
Author's Response:
That's a lovely story, Clover! Sick boyfriend/now husband sounds really cute.
Thanks for your review.
1 [Report This]Date: August 03, 2020 08:17 pm Title: Chapter 2
Okay so this is just all sorts of interesting. I mean really there's a lot going on and I'm here for all of it. Mainly of course Pam. Lovely how she's taking such good care of Jim. Despite everything, she's there for him, and Karen isn't. Now of course there's the whole, "fever-crazed-Jim-called-out-for-Pam-and-not-Karen," but even after Karen is done working she stays away. Even after Pam calls her to say Jim's feeling better, she stays away. Tha big Future she talked about last time? The one that she's going to make for herself. *cough mold Jim into cough cough* Not sure if that's really the plan or not.
But I digress. Pam IS there for him and really going above and beyond. Calling Pete and the sister-in-law, changing the sheets, and of course wiping him off with the towel. Very sensual there. Especially with that inner monologe. Just great.
Also really interesting to see how Jim has basically let Karen take over. Black, chrome, and big cats? Yeeah, clearly something is off because there are very few guys I know who would willingly go for that kind of decor. However what I do REALLY like and how you described it, is the "kind of a slob" Real Jim still peaking through. The magazines, the clothes lying around, and of course there in the back of the fridge, the grape soda. Mayhaps Real Jim isn't as quite far gone as we think.
Like I said a lot going on here and it was a joy to read. Can't wait for the next update.
Author's Response:
Thank you very much, Warrior.
And you might just be right about Real Jim - perhaps he isn't gone for good after all... 8o)
1 [Report This]Date: July 25, 2020 01:00 pm Title: Chapter 1
It’s always interesting to see Karen’s perspective and I like where you have her mindset in this story. I can’t wait to read Pam’s side!
Author's Response: Thanks! I hope Pam doesn't disappoint. The chapter's written, but it's needing work...
1 [Report This]Date: July 25, 2020 07:03 am Title: Chapter 1
Oh man, that's a really good Karen insight there, really humanizes her. Jim threatening to call the cops on her was the highlight of the chapter for me, got a good chuckle out of that. I'm really looking forward to how Pam deals with the situation, I image it's like going to be very bittersweet for her. The almost reveal and Karen's staunch denial of the real reason Jim left Scranton was tantalizing.
Looking forward to more!
Author's Response: Thanks, DoomGoose!
1 [Report This]Date: July 25, 2020 02:24 am Title: Chapter 1
Oh, this is something. Amazing start! And I like how thoughtfully you described Karen, her thought and feelings, and all of it makes me feel sorry for her and feel strange about Jim. He's definitely a villain here (but that's just my opinion).
Also, I like Oscar so much! I can't imagine what could happen if he didn't intervene.
Looking forward to Pam's chapter, and thank you!
Author's Response: Thank you!
Date: July 24, 2020 09:50 pm Title: Chapter 1
Give us more! Can’t wait for the next chapter
Author's Response: Thanks for reading! Glad you liked it.
1 [Report This]Date: July 24, 2020 09:21 pm Title: Chapter 1
I like this! It's an interesting psychological take on Karen that I think makes good sense of her sometimes difficult-to-grapple-with actions in canon.
Author's Response: Thanks for reading! When I was watching series 3, I actually took some hope from the fact her actions were difficult-to-grapple-with, because I felt that if the writers had planned for Karen to be a fixture, they'd have invested more effort into making her more consistent, and developing her character beyond 'obstacle' or 'collateral damage'. :o)
1 [Report This]Date: July 24, 2020 08:58 pm Title: Chapter 1
So, wow. This was one heck of a chapter. Really interesting to have it from Karen's POV and with all the added backstory. Seems like Jim's evolution is not entirely of his own making. Actually by the reading of this story, none of it's by his making. But I'm getting sidetracked here.
Karen's viewpoint is really interesting here. From where I'm sitting she doesn't really see Jim as a boyfriend. More like he's a boy-toy she can mold into her vision of what a boyfriend should be. She's also doing a great job of self-deception. She may tell herself she wants a nice guy like Jim, but she hasn't really gotten to know him. So all the things with Pam are clearly a surprise to her.
Great writing to bring this all out. Can't wait to see Pam's view of all of this.
Author's Response:
Many thanks, Warrior. Yes, Jim in this story sees the trappings of his 'evolution' as a trade-off, at least in part. And Karen is, maybe subconsciously, not viewing Jim as who he actually is.
Thanks very much for reading and reviewing!