Reviews from

The Trophy

A memoir

37 total reviews 
Comment from Terry Broxson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

J.P., excellent story for this contest, good luck. I don't know if your memory is that good, or if some really good creative writing is at work, but it doesn't make any difference that is a great Job! Terry.

 Comment Written 05-May-2022


reply by the author on 06-May-2022

    Hi, Terry,

    Thanks for coming by and leaving that compliment. Glad you enjoyed the story!

    Yeah, my memory is pretty sharp. I tried to write the story exactly as I remembered it.

    The downside to having a good memory, though, is that you remember all the bad things as well as the good . . . .

    Very best wishes,

    J. P.
Comment from amahra
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Great action writing. It reminded me of "The Old Man and the Sea".

The smooth blister of water, created by something turning quickly just beneath the surface, was already spreading out and barely visible. [I liked the image. good descriptive.]

 Comment Written 05-May-2022


reply by the author on 05-May-2022

    Hi, amahra,

    Thank you so much, my friend, for taking the time to read one of my longest stories and for those nice comments! I think they may also put my story into consideration for the "All Time Best" category, which is also more than a little appreciated.

    Kindest regards,

    J. P.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I will not judge the text itself but tell me a whale tale of fishing story, and I'd be hook if the author couldn't spell, knew punctuation, and overused dull and listless words like "so." Not that you do. This brought back my youthful says with clarity. Thank you.

 Comment Written 05-May-2022


reply by the author on 05-May-2022

    Hi, Tom,

    Thanks for reading my story that, admittedly, is on the long side. I'm so very glad you enjoyed it and that it brought back thoughts of your youthful days!

    Very best wishes,

    J. P.
reply by Tom Horonzy on 05-May-2022
    No barbs intended. I was playing with words, and if the text was long I hadn't noticed. Be well.
reply by the author on 05-May-2022
    You too, Tom.
Comment from karenina
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What an incredibly written memoir! Your writing is subtly masterful. Every line flowed to the next, enticing me to read on.

I have wonderful memories of fishing with my dad--yet not a clue as to the finer points of the process.

Your rich imagery, the details of the cast, the bite, the give and take of landing that muskie, held my attention, even as I was being lured to the larger experience of your bond with your dad.

One sure sign of a six star post for me is when I sit back and consider my good fortune in happening upon the reading experience...
and then, when I am compelled to read it a second time for the joy of it.

The final sign is when I know I will fall short in my ability to offer congratulations and appreciation...

From first sentence, through releasing your catch, clear through the perfect quote from Thoreau...

My day was enriched by your talent!

Karenina

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 04-May-2022

    Hi, karenina,

    I don't know what to say . . . . "Thank you" seems so inadequate for such a lovely review. I think what you've just written may be about the nicest thing I've ever heard from anybody about anything I've ever done . . . .

    Very sincerely yours,

    J. P.
reply by karenina on 05-May-2022
    NOW you've convinced me I must fan you!

    I meant every word!
reply by the author on 05-May-2022
    You?re too kind. I?m not sure I can live up to your expectations. ;)
reply by the author on 05-May-2022
    (arrgh...bloody iPhone)
reply by karenina on 05-May-2022
    They do have a mind of their own, it seems! :)
Comment from Tpa
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Great story. I liked the atmosphere of the setting, which was through your descriptions. You also gave vivid details of your actions while fishing. I enjoyed the implementation of learning some knowledge of that certain fish. Remarkable memoir and good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 04-May-2022

    Hi, Tpa,

    Thanks so much for reading my (longish) story, those comments, and especially--that sixth star! I'm very pleased that it has been given more "Exceptional" ratings than any of my previous stories. I certainly didn't anticipate such reviews.

    Warmest regards,

    J. P.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I catch a huge catfish once and still remember it. Nothing like yours, but still was exciting. I enjoyed reading and good luck.

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 04-May-2022

    Hi, Barbara,

    Good to see you! Thanks for reading one of my longer stories and those nice comments.

    I was just skimming your most recent installment of your novel, and when I came back to my profile page, I saw that you'd commented. I'll try to stop back again soon.

    Best,

    J. P.
Comment from Sanku
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a brilliant narration of a fishing adventure. The details were masterly recounted.Your involvement and enjoyment came through vividly. A real treat for people like me who thinks of fishing only as a job..all the best for the contest.

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 04-May-2022

    Hi, Sanku,

    Thanks for reading one of my longer pieces and those very nice comments! It's always gratifying to find out people like something you've worked so long on and think is worthy of sharing.

    Best wishes,

    J. P.

Comment from the13thpoet
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello J.P. Olesen a good day to you. I enjoyed your non-fiction contest entry it a good read and well written. You are lucky to have such fond memories to look back on, some of us don't. Good job and good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 04-May-2022

    Hi, the13thpoet,

    Nice to see you again. Thank you for reading one of my longer stories and those very kind words! Not all of the memories of my father are so fond (trust me) but yeah, overall, I was very fortunate and miss him a lot.

    Very kindest regards,

    J. P.

Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a treat this story was to read - from beginning to end. It was very well written, the descriptions of where you were, who you were with, what you were doing . . . Great dialogue. I couldn't wait to see if you would be able to catch the fish, then I hoped that you would release it. This is a childhood memory of not only your exciting catch but time spent with your father. A very nice story.

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 04-May-2022

    Hi, Pam,

    Thanks so much for reading my story and those kind words. They're more appreciated than you know!

    Sincerely,

    J. P.
Comment from humpwhistle
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Surely an indelible memory for any avid, or even recreational fisherman. I suspect this is a story as much about a father as a fish. In both cases, J.P., you caught a good one.
I'm not much of a fisherman, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment at all.
Well done, and best of luck with the Committee.

Peace, Lee

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 04-May-2022

    Hi, Lee,

    Glad you enjoyed the piece, and thanks so much for that sixth star! Very high praise coming from you. I'll be by to have another look at "Chicago Man." I've already skimmed it and was more than a little impressed by what I saw.

    All the best,

    J. P.