I've kept coming back to this. It resonates. I'm glad Randy loved the book and is immortalised in it. Generations of kids & adults are going to enjoy him.
This is a masterpiece - to begin with watching a movie that is a suspense story, notice a scar, create a mystery, what caused the scar, the suspense of being chased - will they be safe? Then, like the movie, the surprise finish - the story is really about a friendship, a rich friendship that ended too soon. After I'd read it I listened and you brought tears to my eyes. So many layers. Pure poetry.
Thanks Sherman. You made Randy still alive (also made some "running away" memories from my South Side Chicago childhood resurface as well)––what your magical writing does so well.
So sorry, Sherman. An old friend of that duration and intensity departing leaves a
special sorrow.
Am I right to think Randy was the basis for Rowdy? He was my second favourite character in 'The Absolutely True Diary...'
feisty and angry, protective and loving.
A smartarse too, as we say here. It's a compliment. He had many good lines.
I really hope that the work with the salmon comes to fruition. We had them released into rivers in Aotearoa and there's still a few around. Our tuna. ( longfin eels) leave their streams and rivers at 60-80 years old & go to breed west of Tonga. They were a big traditional food source. Still commercially harvested even though they are endangered and a taonga ( treasure).
Excellent recall from your sisters for their memories. The close details of your life that siblings share. Great essay.
Scar Story
wonderful. As a boy born in late 50's with four older brothers, I remember all that random and casual violence and the scars.
I love this. So. Effin’. Much.
I've kept coming back to this. It resonates. I'm glad Randy loved the book and is immortalised in it. Generations of kids & adults are going to enjoy him.
"Look! he's in your memory now." ONE OF THE BEST LINES EVER
I don't know of any author who can write so beautifully about loss and memory. Thank you for this story.
So beautiful. Thank you.
I'm curious to know what Randy thought of the book, if you are able to say?
The dynamic between the two boys rang so true, even if it was truth & invention entwined.
This is a masterpiece - to begin with watching a movie that is a suspense story, notice a scar, create a mystery, what caused the scar, the suspense of being chased - will they be safe? Then, like the movie, the surprise finish - the story is really about a friendship, a rich friendship that ended too soon. After I'd read it I listened and you brought tears to my eyes. So many layers. Pure poetry.
so moving to hear you read this the emotion palpable real you serve your friend well and us as wel l with this too:
Yes, the church that wanted to save our heathen souls was going to maybe save our terrified bodies.
peace
Thanks Sherman. You made Randy still alive (also made some "running away" memories from my South Side Chicago childhood resurface as well)––what your magical writing does so well.
That is a great tribute to your friend, Randy.
Thank you. What a lovely way to share your friend. Rest easy Randy.
So sorry, Sherman. An old friend of that duration and intensity departing leaves a
special sorrow.
Am I right to think Randy was the basis for Rowdy? He was my second favourite character in 'The Absolutely True Diary...'
feisty and angry, protective and loving.
A smartarse too, as we say here. It's a compliment. He had many good lines.
I really hope that the work with the salmon comes to fruition. We had them released into rivers in Aotearoa and there's still a few around. Our tuna. ( longfin eels) leave their streams and rivers at 60-80 years old & go to breed west of Tonga. They were a big traditional food source. Still commercially harvested even though they are endangered and a taonga ( treasure).
Excellent recall from your sisters for their memories. The close details of your life that siblings share. Great essay.
O my goodness. In our hearts and our memories. Shimmer.
Once again I am touched by your vulnerability as your voice breaks with emotion. A real man! Thanks for giving yourself to all of us.
Thanks for the intro to Randy, I'll hang with him...