All I Have That's Real

Gripping opening sentence. You’re first three words hooked me in. Wow, this is a very thought provoking. It is dark and very powerful. A lot of different points of view going on. On occasion I found myself slightly lost and I had to read the previous sentence again to get back into the flow of the story. Perhaps I am just tired. I realise all the POV are pivotal to the story and carrying them off is something most authors would struggle with but you almost make it look effortless.
I was intrigued by the secret romance. I felt so sorry for the characters. Even now that I have finished reading I can’t get their story out of my head. That is a powerful testament to your wonderful writing.
This is really an incredibly good piece of writing. Well done, I hope this does very well for you.
Janny :)

Hannah-
My initial thought when I read the long pitch was... that's a lot of voices in the air... remembering his life by so many different people isn't an easy thing to juggle but you do it in such a way that I find myself fascinated by the story. I feel for Chase more than the girlfriend because their relationship was so secret. Personally, I'm not sure I would be able to do that. To be the secret lover, and the part where John had said if anyone found out about them he would kill himself? I can't imagine how horrible that would be to hear as a boyfriend. Still it's an amazing story and I'm glad I found this... Backed.
A.J.Race
Strangeland.

Hi. Only had time to browse through, enough to like and back it. As soon as I have more
time (in a few days) I think I shall comment more.
Meantime, please check TO KILL A DEAD MAN.
Dan

Hannah, what have I gotten into? What a sobering piece of reality from every perspective. I thought Chase was another girl, a competitor of Gina's, at the beginning. When you spoke of gayness I assumed Chase was a lesbian. How shocking to find out that John had a girlfriend and a boyfriend instead of two girlfriends. It turned the whole story around.

I usually read two or three chapters of a book and then move on because there are so many good books on this site. This is one, I promise, I'll finish.

Right now my shelf is committed - for a little while. The "high end" has been pretty volatile all month, but I'm putting ALL I HAVE THAT'S REAL on my WL and giving it six stars, and will move it up as soon as I have room.

Well done, very well done.

Old Bob
A PLACE IN LIFE

This is very, very good. You speak from the voices of different people, and John is alive to the reader, a real person, battling, doing the best he can.
You write with emotion, so don't let anyone try and change your style. It is fine just the way it is.
Marj.

Hello fellow YA writer.

This is looking good. Is there anymore, or is it not written yet? The pitches worked - intriguing, not giving too much away, although I think you could do more with them. I also love the cover - the snuffed out candle.

I like the format - using various different people to tell the story of how John got to the point that he did. The voices are all different and demonstrate how, although many people know us, we can appear different to them all, hiding and showing different aspects of who we are. It's readable and keeps the interest, the characters are varied and I found it easy to warm to each in their different ways, and to recognise each voice.

It's a subject that is very current and a tragedy. That people still feel that they have to hide, until they are driven to take such action. I think it's something that all young people should read, to understand the impact of some of their unthinking reactions. I also have a young guy in my book who is having similar issues and I'm glad its being more widely addressed in YA.

I found the voices believable - the different ages and perspectives, and the dialogue the same. Altogether very good. Let me know if you upload any more. It's on my watchlist, and will visit my shelf in the future (I have a few waiting a turn, so it won't be immediately, but I do think it has the merit to sit there.
Cariad
STONES.

What a perfect Title and pitch.
I have sprinkled stars on the manuscript.
A zoomer

backed AS PROMISED!!!

have 6 starred this to show intent and have added to our WL which means you WILL make our shelf in the next round of backings (its 11pm for us). Feel free to chase if at any time n will let u know exactly how long. Good luck with it!

A compelling and riveting read. I enjoyed viewing the scene from different perspectives, and think this is original and well-written. Backed with pleasure.

Dear Hannah, I love that in your pitch, you portray that you have perspectives of John & each person in his life that affect his decision to commit suicide. :) It is good that you have each character's name to help me keep track of each person's view-point. :) Your crisp dialogue & paragraphs made for a quick read through chapter 4 :) - your story isn't ended so I'm having a slight feeling there is hope, but your pitch says he commits suicide :) - I'll still pray that he changes his mind & has a happy ending. :) I have read, commented on, & put your book on my watchlist to at least 24-hour back when space opens on my bookshelf. :) I have also gold ******-rated your book :) - could you please ****** & back my memoirs/testimony book, in return? :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. every ******-ing & 24-hour back or longer moves our books up authonomy's lists :) - click on author's name, scroll down their profile page & click on their book cover or title :) - & your are on your way :)
None of this comment is copy/pasted & is written arduously my best from my heart. :)

:) I will comment on your book as soon as I have read it - read & commented on 2 days later :)