Reviews from

The Second Chapter

The Story of a Storyteller

26 total reviews 
Comment from tfawcus
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A deeply moving story of a time of grief and, after a while, a time of healing. How hard it can be under such circumstances to imagine that there can ever be a second chapter. You are a gifted storyteller, my friend.

 Comment Written 12-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 12-Feb-2024
    Thanks for a most generous review. Her second chapter: After nearly a year of counseling and participating in a women's support, I suggested she consider hosting a celebration of life for husband. She did just that and it was a fantastic success. At the end, she came up to me and said, "Thank you for giving my
    life back." Second chapter. -Bill
Comment from Gunner Lil
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A wonderful story of human emotions.
Some sorrow, pain, hope and love.
Well written that had this reader wanting more and happily getting a happy ending.
An easy read with a good pace and flow.
Thank you!

 Comment Written 11-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 11-Feb-2024
    Thank you for this wonderful review.
Comment from John Ciarmello
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a beautiful story, William.

The fact that it's true makes it more intriguing and memorable. You wrote this with certainty. I enjoyed the confidence that the characters portrayed.

It is a perfect story with a resounding message. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 10-Feb-2024
    Thank you, John, for your insight. I'm glad that you captured the spirit I wanted to convey in the characters. Nice going. - Bill
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Over the years I have suffered the loss of both my parents, beloved cousins, aunts and uncles. The loss that hurt the most and still haunts me is the loss of my eldest daughter Yvette. Yvette was not my biological daughter, she was my wife's daughter from a prior marriage. We did not at first get along so well, over time we developed a love that was fiery and intense, especially hurtful is that I did not get the chance to say goodbye. Of course I love all my children, but this child was special because I had to fight for and earn her love. I eventually did and for that as much as anything else, I treasure it mightily.

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 10-Feb-2024
    Thank you for your review, but more importantly, thank you for your testimony. To share your story with this old therapist is sacred ground to me. - Bil.
Comment from Jeano
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I just finished reading your Chapter two. Sad, but a beautifully written story of hope and giving. It's hard for me to say much here because it brought back some painful memories of my own. My story had a happier ending, he's in his 50s now. Thank you for writing and sharing this.
Note: I'm glad I read this at the start of my day and not the end, it would have been a long night.

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 10-Feb-2024
    I think that may be why it had so many who read it but so few who would review it. Thank you for your review but sharing your feelings.-Bill
reply by Jeano on 11-Feb-2024
    You're welcome
reply by Jeano on 11-Feb-2024
    You're welcome
Comment from estory
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is an interesting, emotional story of the cycles of grief, and since this involves a young child and young family, it is quite poignant. You have chocked this full of details; the children listening to the stories, the little girl having to deal with this terminal illness, receiving no visitors, the family unable to come back to church because of the memories of their daughter in the story circle. And then they finally seem to come full circle; they finally start to see the glimmer of hope in the story. estory

 Comment Written 08-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 09-Feb-2024
    Everyone was suffering from Mary's death and when realiaed that then then they were able to recover together.--Chapter two. Thanks for the review. -Bill
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This chapter made me cry:, especially this part:"Marian said, "It's the Children's Moments we can't handle. Especially when you are asked to share a story with the children. We see the children running down the aisle so they can be closest to you, just as Mary did, and we go to pieces. And you don't make it any better because of the kind of stories you tell and the way you tell them. We're nearly sobbing, and everyone feels so helpless. They feel our pain, and they don't know how to approach us." It's so heart aching, and only someone who went through a similar pain can understand this message. Thank you for sharing and good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 06-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 08-Feb-2024
    There have been just a few people like yourself who have captured what I think is the heart of the story. Thank you for your generous review. -Bill
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am truly blessed by reading this story. Thank you for sharing it with us.

And Mary, she was one of the fastest and always found a way to sit up next to me every time. (sit beside me)

Marian said, "it's the Children's Moments (said, "It's)

We looked at each other for the longest time and finally I responded.

"Marian, perhaps it hurts so bad because you (comma after 'responded' and move the dialogue to the same line.)

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
    What a wonderful review. Thank you. I'm going to correct this story right now. Exellent suggestions.
    -Bill
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is one of those stories which breaks our hearts, yet heals it within a few lines. Takes us from feeling lost and helpless, to reenergized and looking to the sky. Thanks for sharing your fine post. I only wish I had a six so I could reward it properly.

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
    I know this is a "six" story and telling me that it is makes my day. Thanks for your review. -Bill.
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very emotional. Excellent writing. It is full of descriptive to help a readee understand. Its very sad how Mariy didd but Gods Mercy can turn grief into hope. Thank you for sharing this. Many writers will feel for this story. I enjoyed reviewing it.

Best wishes,

Alex

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2024


reply by the author on 03-Feb-2024
    Thank you, Alex. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it and I hope you will read others in the future. - Bill
reply by Alexandra Trovato on 03-Feb-2024
    I will.