Reviewed:
Just in time for the holidays, Dynamite Jack has come up with a wonderful story. It's the tale of Grandma and her first, and only, true love. It didn't bring tears to my eyes but I did get a little emotional. I strongly suggest it.
Reviewed:
Dynamite Jack, previously known as Jayhawker, has given us a fine Christmas short story.
'The First...Noel' is a charming, pleasant, somewhat enchanting story of a young college woman ('coed' has developed way too many bad connotations) finding herself, her mate, and her future.
Using Christmas past and present as the framework for a very fond flashback, we meet Virginia as she is attending classes at the local community college. She is described by others as "smart, cute, funny, short, a runner, a daughter, a sister, a student, a pretty good cook..." AND, she is single, virginal, and not exactly looking for Mr. Right just now.
The story of their meeting and romance is well told, stirring the heart strings. Dynamite Jack resisted to opportunity to use his story as the vehicle for a hot stroke story. It has that potential, and others might be disappointed. I, however was not.
I applaud his choice to keep the story as a PG13. By doing so, 'The First...Noel' will stir your heart.
In the end, isn't that what a good Christmas story should do?
Mark
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PS: Pseudonyms don't necessarily reflect the actual gender of the author. Therefore, I use the apparent gender of the name under which the story is presented.