Everytime I read this, I become more impressed with the work you have crafted, this epic tale. I refer to the whole Bucktown timeline, not just this chapter in it. It truly marvels me.

I first read this years ago, because I was a fan of Generation X. I read it, and was engrossed. It was so well done...all the little nuances. I knew many a kid like Perkolater growing up, and the attitudes of the Gen-Xers were right on target, and also reminded me of childhood. Plus, the little nuances of the story: the language of the 'hood was perfectly done, the hip-hop and sports references not only well-referenced, but thrown out there PERFECTLY. Monet commenting on how Perk's wardrobe had nothing but sports logos on it (which, hell, was true of me that age...I cheered at the Devils t-shirt he had). All extremely well crafted, something I appreciate even more with age.

I also love how you have such a broad range of knowledge. You know blues, soul, hip-hop, rock, folk, Tori Amos (she always was hard to categorize in anything...). You managed to work in a beautiful Catholic homily, and aspects of the Nation of Islam and its positive message.

And your storycraft...few stories can move me to tears, and this does. The changes you make in the characters are well-reasoned, and add immensely to the story. Even the one I 'dislike(out of the fact that they're two of my favorite characters, so I feel deprived when they're combined), the reveal of Penance as Blink, was very well done and made me cheer.

Bravo, sir. Thank you for writing this amazing tale.

I found this series of stories only yesterday, a broken link on a website had made me curious and with the help of Google I tracked the series down.

And then I spent the entire night, that I should have spent sleeping, reading your stories.

I love the new characters you put in, loved the way you build up your story arc and am a bit sad that this story seems to be the last one.

Couldn't you write one or two more? Pretty please?

Simone

I love it! *snif* Please write a sequal!