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I really enjoyed the layout of this story.... Chuck's life in reverse. The middle part brought back his feelings/ love of dance and music. Loved how Steve described the contagious outburst Chuck's memories brought about. The secret that was exposed in the cupola .
One quote touched me......"the seeds of his end... have lately begun to awaken". Mortality! And the acceptance of his universe in the end ( beginning).
That's what I took from this. A real tribute to a life. And by God, it was going to affect everyone.
After reading it I wondered if it would have as much impact if you read it chronologically? Part III, Part II and then Part I. Backwards I guess is what I mean. It was a unique story. I liked it alot.
Oh, I didn't think about that aspect of it. Yes, I guess it really wouldn't work.I don't think it would work as well in chronological order. I think the mystery of the billboards is vital to the story and that would get lost in chronological order.
Oh, I didn't think about that aspect of it. Yes, I guess it really wouldn't work.
.....those of us who have lost a loved one, know that feeling intimately Deej, and I agree with your view.....to expand on it just a bit, this story puzzled the hell out of me at first, but then I thought-"Hell, this is Steve and Chuck's world could well be one of those "other world's than this" and a world within worlds".......when he leaves the mortal coil-the universe around him ceased to exist.....the second portion with the dance was the sweetest and I believe this is another of those "literary" pieces that Steve drops every so often....it is by far the most striking of any in the book....Good observations guys.
I also connected to this. I always take books and movies and people's personal stories to heart because we aren't alone in this world. We experience similar things.
I like the end to the beginning format. And I found some personal satisfaction that Chuck was so important, the world was just....black.
How could the world go on without him?
When my dad died, it was a bright sunny day. And I remember walking out of the hospital and looking at life happening around me. THe golf course across from the hospital was packed, people were at the park, biking, laughing. Enjoying company.
I was so angry! Did these people not realize a very important person just died? How dare they continue to play golf! How dare they laugh! Can't you see that the world is changed now? The very air was different.
That's what I took from this. A real tribute to a life. And by God, it was going to affect everyone.
....yes'm......May 13th-- If It Bleeds ?
I think this was a very metaphysical story. We all have a world inside us and when we die that world die. Although metaphysical in nature it is very well told and you go from wondering who the heck this chuck person is (all the billboards) and when the story progresses you get to know and also to like him. A good story that i liked and also a story that makes you think.
Both you and Kurben touched on something there. There are worlds inside each of us and when we die, those worlds are gone even though no one realizes it......those of us who have lost a loved one, know that feeling intimately Deej, and I agree with your view.....to expand on it just a bit, this story puzzled the hell out of me at first, but then I thought-"Hell, this is Steve and Chuck's world could well be one of those "other world's than this" and a world within worlds".......when he leaves the mortal coil-the universe around him ceased to exist.....the second portion with the dance was the sweetest and I believe this is another of those "literary" pieces that Steve drops every so often....it is by far the most striking of any in the book....
May 13th-- If It Bleeds ?