From Then and there to Here and Now
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "Please read author notes first"Life experiences
35 total reviews
Comment from justmarly
I loved this story. The only thing I hated to know the boy received beatings, but there are better kids today who has been brought up with a rod then those who get what they want and are let go. Keep up the good work.
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2016
  |
I loved this story. The only thing I hated to know the boy received beatings, but there are better kids today who has been brought up with a rod then those who get what they want and are let go. Keep up the good work.
Comment Written 17-Mar-2016
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2016
-
The harder my mother hit, the more love she was channeling. I am still incorrigible...John
Comment from royowen
A most enjoyable episode indeed, the descriptive narrative is very clear and concise, the harsh reality of growing up in occupied Europe would have been difficult for your parents. The fact such severe punishment was meted out and it wasn't pretty, I also remember some teachers were quite sadistic, but once again life was tough. A most enjoyable chapter, the literary commendation was good, a most enjoyable episode, blessings, Roy
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2016
|
A most enjoyable episode indeed, the descriptive narrative is very clear and concise, the harsh reality of growing up in occupied Europe would have been difficult for your parents. The fact such severe punishment was meted out and it wasn't pretty, I also remember some teachers were quite sadistic, but once again life was tough. A most enjoyable chapter, the literary commendation was good, a most enjoyable episode, blessings, Roy
Comment Written 17-Mar-2016
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2016
-
Thank you much. More to come...John
-
Well done
Comment from foxangie123
I so very much love how you reach to the future instead of going back to the basics of life as you said pioneer days. Clever dear. Great stuff.
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2016
|
I so very much love how you reach to the future instead of going back to the basics of life as you said pioneer days. Clever dear. Great stuff.
Comment Written 17-Mar-2016
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2016
-
Thanks. More to come...John
Comment from suneagle
Fascinating. Your writing is somewhat formal in tone, but the story is very entertaining. Perhaps you could relax the narrative a little and try a more conversational style--remember you are talking to the reader about your life, not dictating a lecture.
I've noted a few other observations that you may like to consider:
It is a last resort for a lot of different characters, many of [whom] do not care to discuss their past.
After his release, he settled in the small town [where] I was born.
I became accustomed to my cheeks and ears being squeezed and pulled, the small hairs on my temples being twisted and [I] was even slapped occasionally.
Beatings were administered by my mother with a [cat-o'-nine-tails].
Gathering courage, I eased forward with the intent of reaching the [opposite] bank.
(Seems a better choice of word.)
So, I did the only thing I could do - I tossed the [cat-o'-nine-tails] into the outhouse.
We would go fishing in the river, participate in endless [cops and robbers] games with the town kids, play soccer, etc.
By the time I was ten, I was in the same row as Mike and we were ready to join our oldest brother[, Rich,] the following year.
I was [ten].
I trust I've been helpful. I look forward to reading more of your memoirs. PM if you have any comments or questions about this review.
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2013
 |
Fascinating. Your writing is somewhat formal in tone, but the story is very entertaining. Perhaps you could relax the narrative a little and try a more conversational style--remember you are talking to the reader about your life, not dictating a lecture.
I've noted a few other observations that you may like to consider:
It is a last resort for a lot of different characters, many of [whom] do not care to discuss their past.
After his release, he settled in the small town [where] I was born.
I became accustomed to my cheeks and ears being squeezed and pulled, the small hairs on my temples being twisted and [I] was even slapped occasionally.
Beatings were administered by my mother with a [cat-o'-nine-tails].
Gathering courage, I eased forward with the intent of reaching the [opposite] bank.
(Seems a better choice of word.)
So, I did the only thing I could do - I tossed the [cat-o'-nine-tails] into the outhouse.
We would go fishing in the river, participate in endless [cops and robbers] games with the town kids, play soccer, etc.
By the time I was ten, I was in the same row as Mike and we were ready to join our oldest brother[, Rich,] the following year.
I was [ten].
I trust I've been helpful. I look forward to reading more of your memoirs. PM if you have any comments or questions about this review.
Comment Written 15-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2013
-
You have given me much-needed suggestions. I thank you. I hope to give you more fodder to digestand improve. John...
Comment from gotanenvoy
You certainly had a hard introduction into life. I think that is where your exuberance comes from. "Have fun while I have the time."
Your writing certainly brings to life vivid images of the surroundings and circumstances you found yourself in.
I look forward to reading more about you.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
 |
You certainly had a hard introduction into life. I think that is where your exuberance comes from. "Have fun while I have the time."
Your writing certainly brings to life vivid images of the surroundings and circumstances you found yourself in.
I look forward to reading more about you.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
-
I hope you are ready for a ride. I ask you to sincerely help my efforts to finish my life's work. All recommendations for improvement are welcome. Thanks, John...
-
I hope you are ready for a ride. I ask you to sincerely help my efforts to finish my life's work. All recommendations for improvement are welcome. Thanks, John...
Comment from jjstar
Wow, what fascinating story. I loved it. Unique to some of us, but I bet a way of life back then. Thank you for sharing this recollection with us. The vibrant language and humorous tone was an awesome read. I'll continue reading for sure.
Great job!
******************************************************
Comments/suggestions
fascination as the butcher's heavy mallet came down =======EWWWWWWW! LOL
A coal-burning stove dominated the living /kitchen area and I cannot ====may need a comma after area...
used to buy him out of the army.===cool, I didn't know that could be done! Woo hoo!
Being the way I am,===might want to change the verb to was to stay in tense...
I tossed the cat-o-nine-tails into the outhouse. ===hehe I would've done the same thing...lol
I sometimes feel as though I'm ===felt???
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
|
Wow, what fascinating story. I loved it. Unique to some of us, but I bet a way of life back then. Thank you for sharing this recollection with us. The vibrant language and humorous tone was an awesome read. I'll continue reading for sure.
Great job!
******************************************************
Comments/suggestions
fascination as the butcher's heavy mallet came down =======EWWWWWWW! LOL
A coal-burning stove dominated the living /kitchen area and I cannot ====may need a comma after area...
used to buy him out of the army.===cool, I didn't know that could be done! Woo hoo!
Being the way I am,===might want to change the verb to was to stay in tense...
I tossed the cat-o-nine-tails into the outhouse. ===hehe I would've done the same thing...lol
I sometimes feel as though I'm ===felt???
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
-
I hope you are ready for a ride. I ask you to sincerely help my efforts to finish my life's work. All recommendations for improvement are welcome. Thanks, John...
-
I hope you are ready for a ride. I ask you to sincerely help my efforts to finish my life's work. All recommendations for improvement are welcome. Thanks, John...
Comment from Selina Stambi
Such an interesting read!
I enjoy reading about folks' roots and am amazed that your memory goes so far back.
I do look forward to reading more. Good luck with the rest of the narrative!
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
|
Such an interesting read!
I enjoy reading about folks' roots and am amazed that your memory goes so far back.
I do look forward to reading more. Good luck with the rest of the narrative!
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
-
I hope you are ready for a ride. I ask you to sincerely help my efforts to finish my life's work. All recommendations for improvement are welcome. Thanks, John...
-
I hope you are ready for a ride. I ask you to sincerely help my efforts to finish my life's work. All recommendations for improvement are welcome. Thanks, John...
Comment from Sanku
loved your writing .it brought out a lot of similar childhood memory for me .I grew up in the villages of India -a totally different country but we also played cop-and -robber games!i want to read the next part.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
|
loved your writing .it brought out a lot of similar childhood memory for me .I grew up in the villages of India -a totally different country but we also played cop-and -robber games!i want to read the next part.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2013
-
Net chapter is up. Thank you. John...
Comment from beccabootie123
I am writing my own story and drawn to these type writings. great writing the intergration of the memory with the whole story done well. reads easily and pulls you in. some people just had interesting lives and other people need to read about it. these are one of those stories and I hope mine will be as well. thank you for writing and sharing it
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
|
I am writing my own story and drawn to these type writings. great writing the intergration of the memory with the whole story done well. reads easily and pulls you in. some people just had interesting lives and other people need to read about it. these are one of those stories and I hope mine will be as well. thank you for writing and sharing it
Comment Written 13-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
-
The next chapters are posted, if you're interested.
Comment from Taffspride
What an entirely fascinating story. I was intrigued when I started reading, but captivated by the end of this chapter.
Your descriptions are so vivid, I could picture where you lived, the sights and the sounds. Very well written. I am ready to go on reading.
Thank you for sharing.
Iechyd da
Ann
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
|
What an entirely fascinating story. I was intrigued when I started reading, but captivated by the end of this chapter.
Your descriptions are so vivid, I could picture where you lived, the sights and the sounds. Very well written. I am ready to go on reading.
Thank you for sharing.
Iechyd da
Ann
Comment Written 13-Jan-2013
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2013
-
I am busily occupied to continue this journey. I hope you follow. You should be aware that this all leads to self-discovery and will challenge all indoctrination, domestication and propaganda. Thanks, John...
