Reviews from

Faces of the City

A make believe essay.

51 total reviews 
Comment from Green Lake Girl
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Good job, Ric! I felt my senses were on overload while reading this story--then I realized that was the point. I've been to many, many places but never New York City. I assume that your depiction of this great American city is accurate.

Living in the craziness of New York City has taken a toll on the man telling his story. Too much working and commute time with little left over for relationships. I don't think we were meant to lead such chaotic lives.

Good writing and great descriptions. Well done.

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 06-Jan-2015
    Thank you so much, Green Lake Girl, for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. Yes, New York is a fascinating place, but not one that people who don't like mass confusion can stand for long spells. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. :-)
Comment from bob cullen
Excellent
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I've been fortunate enough to visit New York twice. It is the most amazing city I've ever visited and I'm not sure why. It's size overpowers me. The people intrigue me. And the attractions simply amaze me.

I would love to spend a month there and that may not be enough.

I loved your writing in this essay, you humanized it by telling the story of your fellow traveller

 Comment Written 06-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 06-Jan-2015
    Thank you so much, Bob, for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Yes, New York, is a fascinating place, where you can never see or do all that is offered. I love it in small doses of four or five days at a time, and miss it for months when I leave, but I'm afraid that long stays could be overwhelming to some. I usually stay in Garden City and ride the train to the city for a day or two at the time, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. :-)
Comment from amahra
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This was really, really, nice to read. I visited New York some years ago and the most frightening thing was wedging my way through two hundred people crossing the street. And that was just the two hundred that were facing me, not the three hundred crossing with me. LOL! In Baltimore, no more than ten or fifteen people cross the street at any giving time. Most times, I'm the only one crossing at an intersection. I loved your story and want to hug that guy in his underwear. What a body!

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    Thank you so much, Amahra, for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Your kind words and generous six-star review are greatly appreciated. It is so special to me when a talented writer and wordsmith of your caliber enjoys one of my posts. Now, I just hope that picture doesn't get you locked up for chasing some naked cowboy down Broadway. Thanks again, Ric. :-)
Comment from Antoine Charlemaine
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is really quite excellent, Ric. It is truly an essay: you begin with a broad palette, describing the sights and sounds with intricate detail, then diverge into a real-life example of a person who actually calls this city 'home'. The story you weave around this fellow train commuter is detailed, engrossing and heart-felt. It also highlights the day-to-day struggle the city dwellers endure, just to survive. Then, you round out your essay with suitable closing remarks that bring it all together. Well done, well-written and executed, Ric.

A couple of things I noticed:

'The rat-tat-tats of a jackhammer in the background jar(s) the sidewalk, shakes your teeth, and sprays...'

'Fumes from vehicles stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic (that has) not moved in ten minutes,...'

'It('s) meant as (a simple) reminder of her special-spiced perfume, back when they met and fell in love.'

Thanks for a riveting, informative read, Ric.

Anthony

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    Thanks so much, Antonine, for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Your kind words, suggestions, and fantastic six-star review are greatly appreciated. There is nothing more special to me than having such a talented writer and wordsmith read and enjoy my posts. Thanks again, Ric.
reply by Antoine Charlemaine on 05-Jan-2015
    You are most welcome, Ric. I have just sent you a fan request. Looking forward to getting to know you better.
Comment from Genya
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I loved this. I have never been to America or to New York and to be honest, I have never fancied going. You make it sound such a fascinating place, the lights, the people, the vendors, the smells. You have used every sense to bring this beautiful place to life. Meeting the guy on the train and hearing his life story, that just added to this great piece. I really enjoyed reading it. I tend to stay clear of cities, a country pumpkin really, but this sounded so exciting. Guess my camera and notebook would be full by the time I returned back. Thank you so much for recommending this read, I loved it. A well deserved six. Genya

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    Thank you so much, Genya, for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. Manhattan, New York is a wonderful place. Filled with excitement that stimulates imaginations as much as any Wonderland. But everything has a price, as you found from the distanced man and his wife. I always enjoy the city, but within a few days, I can't wait to get away. I guess it's just not for an old, country boy like me. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :-)
reply by Genya on 05-Jan-2015
    When I have to go to the capital to catch my plane to go back to the UK I just can't wait to leave again. I love the peace and quiet of country life, hence I live in the mountains. Love it. Genya
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    I love the country and the mountains, but I guess it's just the little boy that's still in me, I hate to think I'm missing something. :-)
Comment from Zue65
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I love the way you developed the essay, the introduction was catchy and interesting, the description of the hustle bustle of city life was very detailed and credible, and the most interesting passenger whose story with his wife Cinnamon mirrors the many undiscovered stories of the unrecognized faces of the sea of people that is Manhattan. The conclusion is a fitting summary which reflected your observation and the main message of this essay. An excellent write indeed.

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. It's always nice when people like our work, but more important to me is when others understand exactly what I'm trying to say and portray. Thanks again. :-)
Comment from Mary Ann MCPhedran
Excellent
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A great story and I enjoyed reading the flow of the story runs smoothly and has great imagery I enjoyed reading it and the descriptive script kept my attention at all times .I found no reason for to suggest changes. Mary

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    Thank you so much, Mary Ann, for taking time to read and comment on my story. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. It always makes me happy when talented writers don't find mistakes or the need for changes. :-)
reply by Mary Ann MCPhedran on 05-Jan-2015
    I make mistakes all the time, and rely on others to point them out. MaryLOL
Comment from kiwijenny
Excellent
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I can so smell this place...a love laced in senses...if it were mine I'd call a child lavender or jasmine or daphne ...all senses from my home...you reminded me in this piece how evocative is our sense of smell
IF I made a scent for my husband it would probably be smoked baby backed rib scent...
God bless...well written ..you took me on a smell surround adventure

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    Thank you so much, Kiwijenny, for taking time to ready and comment on my story. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. I liked your idea for a scent of smoked baby backed rib for your husband. However, I'm afraid it might overwhelm all the other scents. Huh, well. . . on second thought, I guess that's what he's suppose to do. LOL. Thanks again. :-)
Comment from Selina Stambi
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello Ric,

I enjoyed taking a walk down memory lane with you.

I've visited the Big Apple once - that's enough, I think! I do recalled seeing the Underwear Cowboy!

The 'spicey' love story was very touching.

Nicely done.

Happy New Year.

Sonali




stove. (It's?) meant as just reminder of her

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    Wow, I was just reading and reviewing "Thursday's with Harold" and was thinking that I hadn't seen you around lately. Of course, I haven't listed anything in months, as I took some time trying to improve in some of my weakest areas. For a few weeks I must have missed your work, but for all that time I kept remembering the last words from your last review of my post. It said, "You keep writing, and I'll keep reading." Those words meant a lot to me, for a writer of your caliber to keep offering me suggestions and reading sub-par work. Corny, silly, maybe so, but I got goose bumps when I flipped from reading your heartbreaking chapter and saw your name by your review. Sorry, I didn't mean to write you a book, but I'm so happy that you are still taking time to read my posts, and even happier that you enjoyed this one and it wasn't covered with spag, as most times before. Thank you so much, Sonali, for your time, help, and the great review. Best Wishes for the Happiest and Healthiest New Year!
reply by Selina Stambi on 04-Jan-2015
    I enjoyed reading your 'book', Ric! Welcome back. Yes, I will keep reading. :) You keep getting better and better, you know. Here's to an amazing year of writing for you - keep reaching for the stars!
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    I can't thank you enough for all the help and encouragement you've given me. When I've been discouraged and couldn't see improvement, your words kept coming back, "You keep writing, and I'll keep reading." :-)
reply by Selina Stambi on 05-Jan-2015
    Words are powerful things, aren't they? They can be weapons for ill, or medicine to heal. :)
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    Yes, words are magic! And to think I've spent my whole life thinking they were just that annoying buzz in my head. :-)
Comment from GWinterwin
Excellent
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Wow what a good story telling of all the things going on in a big city. You didn't forget a thing. Good word flow to keep the reader interested in what's coming next. Great job of displaying a day in the big city.

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 04-Jan-2015
    Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment on my essay. Your kind words and generous review are greatly appreciated. It was brought to my attention that I did leave out cabs and cabbies, which was a mistake, but I'm glad it isn't any longer. :-)