Yes, I am almost a year behind - a rather interesting year. However, I found this so incredible that I did not respond to the request for the dinner gathering because I wanted to finish the story! I am glad I did. Again, you are a word wizard!
Wouldn't it be a riot if someone walked in to the donut shop with one of your books and Mr. Walden saw it and recognized your name and then googled your name and saw your new found skill set!!!!! To be a fly on the wall would be priceless on that day! Grist for the mill! Xlent!!
Wow! This is so beautiful! So full! I waited to read it, when I saw how long it was; (I AM learning disabled and ‘long’, is a very long time if I am the reader 😅) but I couldn’t stop reading from the moment I started. The language (continuity/to donuts, to pugilism as a foreshadow-the TITLE to the ending-more contradictions than bones), the ‘telling’ of the tale, the people as characters and how nuanced they are, and so human, and well, contradictory... and yet the narrator’s (your) compassion (and Jana’s) atones for the human condition and you set yourself free 💔💖
I’m so waiting for the anthology of short stories (memoir?)!!! Just wow!! And thank you for sharing your voice and your stories! 🥲
I had a number of jobs in high school but one stood out because of the vivid cast of characters populating it. I worked in a family-run army surplus store in Colorado and you could fill a novel with the people I worked with. Some took care of me others literally endangered my life on a routine basis. I think of them often.
So many weaves. Feel like I've met so many of your characters. My younger brother worked at the Mr Donut in town after high school. He quit because he hated mopping the floors. He joined the navy. Go figure. Really enjoyed the story, Sherman.
I, too, loved this piece very much. Authenticity and honesty...it's what I admire about your writing. Thank you for yet another meaningful ride into a world outside my own.
I really enjoyed this piece of fiction. The characterisation was spot on. I could see John, hear his inner honest voice composing the most appropriate reply to a question.
Jana too, very much alive on the page.
Wearing her identity.
Three honour cultures is true. Those same three for us in Aotearoa , although we have rohe (tribal areas).
You got prison culture down accurately. I know it's never been your personal experience, nor mine, but I've visited -quite bleak- and heard the stories on the outside. Funny and tragic.
Thank you for this wonderful story! I know you weren't actually in prison but my son lives on 13th and Maple and I think I saw a donut shop somewhere 😉💕
I hadn't been to town in years. Last time I was there I bought your book at Auntie's. (I also heard you speak at Auntie's before we moved away.) I saw a donut place on our way to Sherrie's that I hadn't noticed before. Sherrie's is something else now. 😉
I know. It’s just that the story made me think you/me/we all should take a lesson from the character (story told in 1st person) and not let bitterness take hold.
And I’m glad you got to work at a donut shop at least once in your life. Something else we all should probably do. 😂
Yes, I am almost a year behind - a rather interesting year. However, I found this so incredible that I did not respond to the request for the dinner gathering because I wanted to finish the story! I am glad I did. Again, you are a word wizard!
My mind didn't wander once.
Wouldn't it be a riot if someone walked in to the donut shop with one of your books and Mr. Walden saw it and recognized your name and then googled your name and saw your new found skill set!!!!! To be a fly on the wall would be priceless on that day! Grist for the mill! Xlent!!
Thay boss has been gone for a very long time.
Oh well...
Wow! This is so beautiful! So full! I waited to read it, when I saw how long it was; (I AM learning disabled and ‘long’, is a very long time if I am the reader 😅) but I couldn’t stop reading from the moment I started. The language (continuity/to donuts, to pugilism as a foreshadow-the TITLE to the ending-more contradictions than bones), the ‘telling’ of the tale, the people as characters and how nuanced they are, and so human, and well, contradictory... and yet the narrator’s (your) compassion (and Jana’s) atones for the human condition and you set yourself free 💔💖
I’m so waiting for the anthology of short stories (memoir?)!!! Just wow!! And thank you for sharing your voice and your stories! 🥲
You got that working the night shift living in the twilight zone thing down.
Good stuff. Thanks.
"I almost cried. Almost. Because happiness can hurt."
Genius
Thank you.
I had a number of jobs in high school but one stood out because of the vivid cast of characters populating it. I worked in a family-run army surplus store in Colorado and you could fill a novel with the people I worked with. Some took care of me others literally endangered my life on a routine basis. I think of them often.
Yes, all those intense and brief relationships. I miss those people.
“Humans are filled with more contradictions than bones.” Love this story!
Thank you.
And I love that many people reading think you are an ex-con because you tell the story so well! It’s fiction but it’s so true!
My father was twice in prison before I was born. I have three first cousins who spent time in prison.
Oooh, ok. Donuts and the navy; there's gonna be a connection!
The story I'll post later this week is about a pizza man. So pizza and the Navy. My niece served in the Navy.
Alright my friend, pizza and the navy-looking forward!
So many weaves. Feel like I've met so many of your characters. My younger brother worked at the Mr Donut in town after high school. He quit because he hated mopping the floors. He joined the navy. Go figure. Really enjoyed the story, Sherman.
Thank you. In a coincidence, I'll be posting a short story later this week where the Navy plays into the plot.
I, too, loved this piece very much. Authenticity and honesty...it's what I admire about your writing. Thank you for yet another meaningful ride into a world outside my own.
Thank you, Becky.
I really enjoyed this piece of fiction. The characterisation was spot on. I could see John, hear his inner honest voice composing the most appropriate reply to a question.
Jana too, very much alive on the page.
Wearing her identity.
Three honour cultures is true. Those same three for us in Aotearoa , although we have rohe (tribal areas).
You got prison culture down accurately. I know it's never been your personal experience, nor mine, but I've visited -quite bleak- and heard the stories on the outside. Funny and tragic.
Excellent structure too.
Circles, man, circular.
Very, very, good writing. Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you for this wonderful story! I know you weren't actually in prison but my son lives on 13th and Maple and I think I saw a donut shop somewhere 😉💕
The place where I worked has been closed for more than 2o years. It was a dog grroming place at one point.
I hadn't been to town in years. Last time I was there I bought your book at Auntie's. (I also heard you speak at Auntie's before we moved away.) I saw a donut place on our way to Sherrie's that I hadn't noticed before. Sherrie's is something else now. 😉
I know. It’s just that the story made me think you/me/we all should take a lesson from the character (story told in 1st person) and not let bitterness take hold.
And I’m glad you got to work at a donut shop at least once in your life. Something else we all should probably do. 😂
Made my morning. I love it!
Thanks, Kathy!
Thanks Sherman for this story. I love your writing.
Thank you!