197 Comments
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Brian Huseland's avatar

I like how you use the word maybe in lots of different ways. But mostly one way.

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Michael Frank Rhoderick's avatar

I have reached the place of self-forgiveness for the part I played in breaking up a family over five decades ago....until I haven't....

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Sharon's avatar

What really matters to me as a reader are characters. My favorite writers have great characters. There are writers I admire like Toni Morrison and Anthony Mara, they are excellent wordsmiths, they are artists with words but they have no characters that I care about. I don't need perfect characters, but I need characters that are alive and interesting. This is a great character sketch.

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Andrea Stein's avatar

I look forward to your posts, Sherman, both fiction and not. You are such a fine writer that reading anything you write is a joy. But this in particular is so good — I am a fan of noir and gritty realism. Still, it’s your ability to be so immediate that the line between fiction and nonfiction blurs. Did this really happen? No of course not but for a moment the reader isn’t so sure.

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Marianna's avatar

I really thought you were confessing to a crime! I was slightly alarmed and the thought—-who confesses to a crime on Substack? Get a grip (to self). Relieved to read the comments confirming it’s fiction. Very, very compelling.

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Simon Brooks's avatar

Wow.

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Paul Franzmann's avatar

Powerful story!

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Wendy  Gray's avatar

Well, shove me in a river!!! This was quite intense and, morbidly FABULOUS! Sheesh!

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Mel Crane's avatar

Well done! Very enjoyable from my perspective. I had to remind myself it wasn't real, I was holding my breath several times.

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

that's how that one goes. great.

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Wolfy Jack's avatar

Sherman. I dont know if you have checked but your FB page, assuming that is you (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087856953589 ) , it is full of these posts where people are inserting T shirt adds. Seems like a hack but who knows maybe you have gone in the T shirt business.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

I am not on Facebook.

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Wolfy Jack's avatar

Really, there is a site with your name and picture posting things about American Indians, see link above. and slipping in T shirt ads. The posts are interesting but the T shirt stuff is mercenary.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

There's probably more than one site doing it. There's at least five Instgrams doing it. I can't be chasing down all the frauds. It's up to folks to use their own judgment. The fake ones can't write like I do!

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Gloria Horton-Young's avatar

WOW!!

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks

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Terry Morris's avatar

Nice twist!

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thank you. A crime story genre move!

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Andrea's avatar

Thanks Sherman….its lovely to connect after ALL these years! A BIG hug and lots of love!

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Andrea's avatar

I really was delighted to be in touch! You were/are a n IMPORTANT person in my life… i thought if you as a dear dear friend!—and still do!!! Much love!

And how is your life?.. do you have a partner and kids.. what is your work, please!

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Diane and I have been married for 30 years. Our sons are 27 and 22! I'm still a full-time writer! Say hello to Jaime!

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Andrea's avatar

Jaime is really good. If you are in our neighborhood… please stop or call!!! I/we really loved you!!!

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Andrea's avatar

And OF COURSE… your work is FABULOUS!

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Kresge's avatar

I love your writing.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thanks!

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one Picture one Story's avatar

A great read. A fiction filled with so much truth the unbelievable part goes down as smooth as a fine Kentucky Bourbon. I will try to forget this story so I can dive into it again knowing nothing.

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Sherman Alexie's avatar

Thank you!

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