Date: October 29, 2020 03:29 pm Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I'm glad to see Pam making friends here - she definitely needs some support from someone who she has an uncomplicated relationship right now. And you've crafted a really interesting backstory for why Pam is the way she is... I tend to share the interpretation that Pam's parents and their relationship had a major influence on how things happened with Roy.
Author's Response: Oh, that's my favorite pet peeve - Pam's lack of female friends. Friendship with Jim is the best, but still, she needs some girls to chat about everything (she couldn't speak about Jim with Jim after all ;)). And it was satisfying to give her some break from troubles.
Date: May 29, 2020 01:22 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I’m sorry it wasn’t a good week for you! I hope next week is better!
Oh, I love that Pam’s new roommates are Karen and Isabel! That’s a great way to bring them into the story. “Perhaps, under different circumstances, they might have been good friends” such a good nod to canon.
“It kept her equally busy and exhausted and didn't leave her time to think or feel anything.” My heart is heavy for Pam here. That’s no way to truly live. Although, I can understand why she’s basically operating on autopilot here. It seems to be the only way she has of coping with these big lives changes.
Ugh. Pam. Losing it because Karen reminded her of what Roy had done. So heartbreaking. Lovely writing to draw that out. I love this scene with Karen and Isabel having her back and listening to her.
I like this Karen.
“drinking wine from tea cups” I love this! This is a perfect image.
“that she could be weak and strong at the same time” Yes! This is such a great realization.
To top it off with Fancy New Beesly! So good!
Pam and Jim actually speaking honestly at the end of this chapter is a breath of fresh air. All of Pam’s misery has been sitting heavily on my chest as I read and it’s finally a whole lot lighter. Lovely end to the chapter!
Author's Response:
Thank you, Jenna, for your awesome review! I also hope that next week will be better...
I really wanted Pam to have girl friends, and I like Karen (but only without Jim nearby!), so it was natural for me to make them roommates (and friends in the future, I hope).
I'm really excited that you enjoy my story :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 04:37 pm Title: Understand me without dictionaries
Another heavy chapter to be sure, but an important one. There had to be something that broke Pam and there it was. However it was wonderful for Karen and Is to just be there for her. I loved that they just were there for her, re-encouraged her, and gave her some desperately needed perspective. It was just the kind of encouragement she needed and I loved reading it.
I love that it also gave Pam the courage to be so open and honest with Jim. She still needs him as a friend right now and he stepped up to the plate nicely. She is going through a lot so as much as I'd love for something romantic to bloom, taking it slower is probably better in this case. Good for Jim to be the kind of guy she needs right now in that regard.
Author's Response: Thank you for your review! I think this Pam needs understanding and encouragement the most, and I truly believe that Jim could give her all of that. For now, it's enough, I guess.
Date: May 28, 2020 10:42 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I feel like you got to cover a lot of ground in this chapter, and I like that Pam is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, even if she's not quite there yet.
The scene with Karen's comment pushing her over the edge was heart wrenching, and I'm really glad those ladies were there for her in the aftermath.
There a lot a of small details that you sprinkle in that I just love, it really fleshes out the backdrop that you're painting with the story.
Great chapter as always, and I look forward to Pam getting to explore her art.
Author's Response: Thank you very much for your review! This story is important to me, and I truly appreciate your feedback! Also, I'm glad you like it :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 09:48 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I love that Pam is coming into her own without having to rely on someone else. And I really like your depiction of Karen and Isabel and how they bonded together to support Pam. This is exactly what she needs before moving on . And Jim, well of course he completely understands her. Pam just had to find the courage to be honest with him. So glad she did.
As I said before, you write this story beautifully. And I love this urban setting. Reminds me of when we could travel.
I can’t wait to read more.
Many, many jellybeans!!
Many
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your lovely review, Merria! I miss traveling so much, and I'm excited that my writing could help to recreate the atmosphere of the journey.
1 [Report This]Date: May 28, 2020 07:46 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
I just read all 6 chapters of this and then I had to get up from my desk and take a quick walk to sort myself out. This is why I love AU's so much - the world you've created and thrown our favorites into is so, so lovely and charming and a little bit magical - and I'm here for all of it.
I'm still processing all of the intricate details sprinkled throughout, and the way you're writing everyone and I just really appreciate the way your mind works.
This might sound weird, but this is how *my* mind works. As I was reading this story, everything was playing out in my head like a movie - and not just any movie, but one of those small indie movies where when it starts, the colors are all kind of muted blues and greys but as we follow along, and our girl Pam here gets stronger and happier, more color starts to creep in. That probably doesn't make sense, but I feel like Pam's life is about to get a burst of color pretty soon here, and I'm so looking forward to it.
Author's Response:
Oh, thank you so much for such a great review. I was thrilled to receive it, and I'm glad you like this story.
Your description makes perfect sense to me; to be honest, I feel something similar when I'm writing it, but instead of colors, it's music. Slow and depressing at first, with the following chapters, the temp of it becomes more energetic and rhythmic. And I'm excited that it worked for you!
Date: May 28, 2020 07:43 am Title: Understand me without dictionaries
Ok I was going to say how much I enjoyed this chapter--The Office doesn't have quite enough strong female friendship and this was a great way to add it in, plus the Jim/Pam stuff--but then you put in that teaser for the next time and I NEED it. Need it so much. Nice work!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm working on it :)