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Detour

Viewing comments for Chapter 22 "Regular People and Others"
Two very real women in not so real situation.

20 total reviews 
Comment from pome lover
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Gretchen,
another 6. and good for you, confronting Ezra. And, since you were also trying to be nice, maybe some of what you said, stuck.
Now, you have brought in a mystery person, when I thought you and Rachelle were about to ride off into the sunset.
So, more intrigue. I look forward to it.
Oh, what in the world is mashugana?
Katharine

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    Lol. Mashugana is Hebrew for crazy acting or foolish. I have heard that word all of my life. Finally looked it up. Thank you so much for this awesome review and the kind words. Mystery person could lead to another story. We shall see. Gretchen
reply by pome lover on 08-Sep-2024
    what a great sounding word; and if you'll forgive me, my first thought was if you say it forcefully, it would make a great cuss word! mashugana!!
    almost sounds like you're putting a pox on somebody. :) or, it could be a signing off word.
    Mashugana,
    Katharine
    Katharine
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    We think alike. I turned Fudge cicles into a bad word. Lol.
reply by pome lover on 08-Sep-2024
    speaking of cicles, cycles? have you tried the new apricot ones? I ate my last one and don't remember the brand name. They are good, but not as good as the peanut butter ice cream ones with chocolate, sea salt, and nuts on the outside. heaven.
Comment from Rachelle Allen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oooookay! You have set the bar quite high!! I hope I can rise to this occasion. I love every last part of this chapter you have written. Your writing style strikes this impressive balance between "warm and gracious" and "so very wry and cryptic." I LOVE it!! SOO much, I love it!! Really, I feel extremely lucky to be doing this project with you. xoxox

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    You know I'm having fun writing with you. I'm glad you liked it. Good idea letting me take lead on this one. I went back and read my last two. Very lazy and unengaging throughout. Anyway. Glad you approved. Thank you for the six and the glowing review. Gretchen
reply by Rachelle Allen on 08-Sep-2024
    That's like thanking me for eating ice cream!! xoxox
Comment from Jim Wile
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Another great chapter in this story, Gretchen. I admire you for seeking out Ezra and engaging with him to state your position. I think you may even have given him some food for thought.

I loved your remark about letting things slide with people who are of little importance or who are idiots. In fact, I highlighted it to discuss further before seeing your Author's Note about it. I feel the same way. What is the point? It will only frustrate you.

I also loved the comic relief provided by Tova: "Oy vay, Rachelle you look mashugana." Perfect.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    Thank you, Jim. It's rare for me to take the lead on the chapters. But this was a fun change of pace. Thank you so much. Gretchen
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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Another excellent chapter, and I can sense the relief at the arrival of help and a means of escape. Ezra needs to offer his daughter the choice, and pray that she will be wise. But not giving her the choice is to deprive her of some wonderful experiences, and also of the chance to make a personal free-will commitment to the Amish way of life later on if that is what she decides. But what can be the intuitive sense that all is not well, at ths point? A real cliff-hanger. Well done.
Wendy
Edit: Erza (Ezra) isn't an idiot.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    Thanks, Wendy. The cliff hanger may or may not lead to another story. We are still considering that option. But, thank you for this nice review. Gretchen
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
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This is beautifully written, and I enjoyed very much listening to it. The story is quite unique and one that is a pleasure to read. It gives us a glimpse of how life is different in the area where you and your friend found Yourselves. Patricia.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    Thank you so much, Patricia. I'm happy you enjoyed it. Gretchen
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Isn't it the truth that we indulge in our youth, then tell our own children that they should not do this. The Amish have done this for generations; I actually think it's noble of them to present their children with a choice. Free will.

I loved your exchange with Ezra, and I can't imagine why anyone would take issue with your feeling about idiots.

All is not well? This chapter is not ending the way I expected it to!

Good read, Gretchen.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    Thank you so much, Pam. I appreciate your feedback. I left a cliff hanger because it may or may not lead to anything else. We are still discussing that. I'm so happy you enjoyed this and really appreciate the extra star. Gretchen
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Excellent
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Rescue! Yay!
Not sure I (not Amish) would stop walking long enough to listen if my daughter was about to be suddenly whisked away.
Nicely written.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    Rebekah is Ezra's niece but even though he knows this is a customary rite of passage for teenagers of Amish faith, he doesn't like that it was encouraged by someone English. Thank you so much. Gretchen
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
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I have enjoyed it. I would very anxious to leave the Amish people behind as well although it sounds like a real adventure in pioneer living. I sure it isn't so different in the way most people lived when they first came to the country. In some ways it is like my grandparents lived and I enjoyed being at their house more than my own.

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 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    Thank you so much. I would like to think I could handle it but I like my conveniences too much. I appreciate this nice review. Gretchen
Comment from Sankey
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well done, once again. Still great reading and I am glad I have had a background in Amish ways from the several Amish-type movies I have seen. Good work and no spags.

 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    Thank you so much. I'm so glad you are still enjoying this. Gretchen
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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People who live in cults have difficulty in accepting other people's way of life and 'live and let live' is not something they believe in. It is often their way or the highway. This closed way of thinking is something I have difficulty with. Everyone has different beliefs and some do not believe at all and we should accept that everyone has a choice and we should respect that. It is all about control, and cults control the behaviours of those living within it. I enjoyed the wise dialogue and I wonder what will happen now that more outsiders have arrived! Another fine chapter Gretchen, love Dolly x

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 Comment Written 08-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2024
    I agree some religions or cults rely on the feeling of superiority over others. Not for me. Thank you very much for this nice review. Gretchen