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Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "The Best"A Flash Fiction Collection
13 total reviews
Comment from Barry Penfold
Such a good story. Had me hooked from the very start. Excellent subject selection and very well written. Congratulations of the second placing. Have a great day.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2023
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Such a good story. Had me hooked from the very start. Excellent subject selection and very well written. Congratulations of the second placing. Have a great day.
Cheers
Barry Penfold.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2023
reply by the author on 08-Sep-2023
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Thank you very much.
Comment from Ginda Simpson
This is excellent. It is an honest expose of what it is like to be gifted among others who do not understand and are frustrated. There are emotions on both sides that the students themselves don't understand and they lash out as bullies. No child should ever have to feel threatened, for any reason. This story really shows the need to have these conversations and find peaceful solutions. Congrats on your win. Well deserved.
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2023
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This is excellent. It is an honest expose of what it is like to be gifted among others who do not understand and are frustrated. There are emotions on both sides that the students themselves don't understand and they lash out as bullies. No child should ever have to feel threatened, for any reason. This story really shows the need to have these conversations and find peaceful solutions. Congrats on your win. Well deserved.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2023
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2023
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Thank you very much.
Comment from Cathy M
What an emotion packed story. I couldn't believe the principal changed all the rules etc so the less academic achievers had an opportunity to learn from the higher-level academic students. Then she is ignorant of what her actions were to Corey. Nicely done.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2023
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What an emotion packed story. I couldn't believe the principal changed all the rules etc so the less academic achievers had an opportunity to learn from the higher-level academic students. Then she is ignorant of what her actions were to Corey. Nicely done.
Comment Written 05-Sep-2023
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2023
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Thank you very much.
Comment from w.j.debi
I can see why this is nominated for Story of the Month. Being the best is not always easy and sometimes kids in school will suffer if recognized for things that aren't popular to be recognized for. This young man has a natural ability to excel in school, but that can give others a reason to torment him or even beat him up. I've seen it happen and it is so sad.
Best of luck in the contest.
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reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
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I can see why this is nominated for Story of the Month. Being the best is not always easy and sometimes kids in school will suffer if recognized for things that aren't popular to be recognized for. This young man has a natural ability to excel in school, but that can give others a reason to torment him or even beat him up. I've seen it happen and it is so sad.
Best of luck in the contest.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2023
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
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Thank you very much.
Comment from forestport12
Yes, good stories have a change character like with the principle. Wow on descriptions, so many memorable ones. In particular, "His eyes fell like the brim of a dam?" Power verbs like, "bore." You can see it all unfold in great detail.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2023
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Yes, good stories have a change character like with the principle. Wow on descriptions, so many memorable ones. In particular, "His eyes fell like the brim of a dam?" Power verbs like, "bore." You can see it all unfold in great detail.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2023
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Thank you very much.
Comment from Jim Wile
This was very well written, Lance. The fact that that poor kid has to suffer for being a good student is quite pitiable. It's such a shame he can't feel good about the honors owed him for his hard work and natural talent because a bunch of no-nothing bullies get their thrills by trashing him.
It's also awful that principals and teachers care more about catering to the students who don't care very much at the expense of the ones who do by cutting the courses that would benefit them the most and expecting them to carry an unfair burden.
You've made your points very strongly with this powerfully written story. - Jim
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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This was very well written, Lance. The fact that that poor kid has to suffer for being a good student is quite pitiable. It's such a shame he can't feel good about the honors owed him for his hard work and natural talent because a bunch of no-nothing bullies get their thrills by trashing him.
It's also awful that principals and teachers care more about catering to the students who don't care very much at the expense of the ones who do by cutting the courses that would benefit them the most and expecting them to carry an unfair burden.
You've made your points very strongly with this powerfully written story. - Jim
Comment Written 14-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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Thank you very much, Jim.
Comment from Iza Deleanu
No racial and not political just one of those bully stories where kid that does better in school is outnumber by losses that are hidden their underachieving by tormenting the brilliant kid.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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No racial and not political just one of those bully stories where kid that does better in school is outnumber by losses that are hidden their underachieving by tormenting the brilliant kid.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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Thank you very much.
Comment from judiverse
I feel pity for poor Corey. As the author John McWhorter would say, those kids are accusing him of acting white. They're lazy and don't want to learn, so they take it out on Corey. I did think Cory's reaction to the principal was out of line for a young boy. He was upset, however, about all the attention he'd been receiving for his academic achievements and was afraid of reprisal. It is not his duty to be a role model, and the schools that do away with honors and advanced placement classes are short-changing the students. Good thing the vice-principal showed up when he did. I wonder what their conversation will cover. I hope they realize they're making this boy do the heavy lifting, when their policies are wrong-headed and they should be the ones encouraging the students to excel. This is a wonderful story, very thought-provoking subject and so important for our time. It's clear the students are falling behind in their math, reading, and social studies scores. judi
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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I feel pity for poor Corey. As the author John McWhorter would say, those kids are accusing him of acting white. They're lazy and don't want to learn, so they take it out on Corey. I did think Cory's reaction to the principal was out of line for a young boy. He was upset, however, about all the attention he'd been receiving for his academic achievements and was afraid of reprisal. It is not his duty to be a role model, and the schools that do away with honors and advanced placement classes are short-changing the students. Good thing the vice-principal showed up when he did. I wonder what their conversation will cover. I hope they realize they're making this boy do the heavy lifting, when their policies are wrong-headed and they should be the ones encouraging the students to excel. This is a wonderful story, very thought-provoking subject and so important for our time. It's clear the students are falling behind in their math, reading, and social studies scores. judi
Comment Written 13-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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Thank you very much.
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You're welcome. This was a great story, and the issue is so relevant. judi
Comment from Spitfire
A powerful read that reminded me of the time when my black male students told me they had an image to keep and didn't care about making good grades. One didn't even want to go get his diploma at graduation.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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A powerful read that reminded me of the time when my black male students told me they had an image to keep and didn't care about making good grades. One didn't even want to go get his diploma at graduation.
Comment Written 13-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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Thank you very much.
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Amazing. I was riveted. I actually jumped when the vice principal came in. I get invested when I read a good story or poem. It plays as a movie in my head. This was powerful, bleak, and magnetic. Absolutely great work. The only thing I would like to change if I could, would be to hold the entire book in my hand right now! Kudos.
Karen
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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Amazing. I was riveted. I actually jumped when the vice principal came in. I get invested when I read a good story or poem. It plays as a movie in my head. This was powerful, bleak, and magnetic. Absolutely great work. The only thing I would like to change if I could, would be to hold the entire book in my hand right now! Kudos.
Karen
Comment Written 13-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2023
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Thank you very much.
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What prompted the story?
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My high school days. I hated them.
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I was little and very smart. I left in the in 11th grade, I couldn't take it anymore. The teachers were meaner than the students. When I have to deal with dimwits now, I just smile and pretend I care. You have a gift. I would like to see more. Have a good week. Karen