Reviews from

Football - A Novel

Viewing comments for Chapter 79 "Football Chapter 50"
A mother faces life's struggles.

29 total reviews 
Comment from Wendy G
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is so emotional and raw, and it obviously comes with the benefit of all your hard-earned experience. It is well written, from the heart. Glad to see that Gabriel is stepping up again - although Katherine hasn't made it easy for him either, when refusing to see him. He may have genuinely thought she needed space. Great writing here, Barbara.
Wendy
Typo: door "jamb" not "jam"

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review. I made the correction and knew it too. GRRR
Comment from Pam (respa)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

-This is an excellent chapter, barbara, and very touching.
-When I saw the description about Gabe being rejected, I wasn't going to read it, but changed my mind.
-It almost brought tears to my eyes.
-Katherine is vulnerable to begin with and to have to go through this has to be horrible, doubting herself and others.
-I like how you had Jordan be the one to confront Gabe.
-You did a great job with all of the scenes, especially with Katherine.
-The ending is heartbreaking, that Katherine had to think about the possibility of her boys being taken from her.
-I'm a little skittish about the ending to this, but I hope it is better than I think it's going to be.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review. I took a hit about Jordan confronting Gabriel stating it was unrealistic. I disagree, but that's me.
reply by Pam (respa) on 14-Mar-2022
    You are welcome. I don't think it was unrealistic for several reasons. He is very close to his coach and very worried about his mother. On top of that, he is the oldest son, and probably feels a big responsibility.
Comment from Jay Squires
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Barbara, this is the most grippingly accurate story I've read about the effects of cancer.

I was with Katherine Wednesday evening and some side effects were starting, but they weren't bad yet. [All that Gabriel says here is backstory, right? In other words, I remember reading last chapter that she came home from Chemo and was exhausted, but none of what Gabriel goes on to tell Paul was part of the chapter. No foul! It just had me wondering if I missed a chapter.]

"I see that. Do you know what's in it?" [Why wouldn't she know what's in the letter? Didn't he know she wrote it? I'm assuming she wrote it.]

Okay, I can see later it's a will. Excuse me, I think as I read.

A very good chapter, Barbara ... probably the best.


 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review and yes, all of that is back story, because the novel is getting too long. LOL
Comment from in777wr#
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a well written story. Good details throughout the story. The main character's role are clearly defined. The story is captivating, and full of emotions. This story is very good.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from Annette R.
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You have succeeded in expressing the emotions of going through chemo. I'm a lung cancer survivor but it was 1st stage, and I didn't have chemo. I think you wrote about the emotions, good and other, of the couple very well.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Although I'm not glad you went through the illness, it certainly gives your story some oomph, and it's brought the story to a climactic stage of decision making, that's the ultimate, when one is going through this situation of vomiting and having to clean it up, Jordan was right, and this is where the rubber hits the road, well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 14-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review. I took a hit because a male reviewer said Jordan would never act that way, no male would. I disagree.
reply by royowen on 14-Mar-2022
    Jordan?s in character
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2022
    yes, when he's questioning Gabriel
reply by royowen on 14-Mar-2022
    Well done
Comment from eliz100
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I give you a 6 now but all of your writing deserves a six. I don't have that many. I think you described the chemo experience very well. There is one small error when Katherine was describing her scar you wrote scare.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 13-Mar-2022
    I will fix that. Thank you for the catch.
Comment from judiverse
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I feel for what Katherine is going through. Actually, I think Gabriel needs to give her more time. She's being looked after, and maybe having some space would be best. I'm not saying she should not see people, but if she has some time to get over her first chemo treatment, it might help short-term. I hope she can at least feel at ease knowing the in-laws will not gain custody of her sons. Very touching chapter, and great work with the characters. judi

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 13-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from Shirley McLain
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Great chapter to read, and yes, you wrote everything perfectly. It was easy to read and understand. I can't imagine the upheaval in your life that you had to face. Take care and enjoy your Sunday afternoon. Shirley

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 13-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review.
Comment from Anne Johnston
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well done on this. I have a sister who has had a lot of chemo after breast cancer, so I know that it is a very difficult time. She became a very different person. I am glad that Gabriel is persevering with Katherine. Will look forward to the ending.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 13-Mar-2022
    Thank you for the kind review.
reply by Anne Johnston on 13-Mar-2022
    You are welcome