Reviewed:
If you like stories with genuine depth and interesting characters, try "Jacob's Story" by 'writer 406'.
The author is a first-time contributor to SOL, but you would never believe it considering the quality of the writing. The characters come across as real, and are unveiled through scenarios that are totally believable and can even melt your heart.
The main character, Jacob, has a nightmarish face resulting from a dog attack when he was very young. His personality is influenced by growing up in foster homes, and he is truly an introvert, largely because of his shocking facial features.
But he learns how to support himself in a profession where his features are mostly irrelevant. His isolation from society causes him to observe others rather than participating, and he writes music and lyrics, and paints to express himself. Through a music busking performance at a local market, he gradually starts to expand his connections with the world around him as people listen to his music.
That's all I'll describe for now since the story is still in progress. I've read 25 chapters, and there are still (hopefully many) more to go. Give it a try. I can't think of a single first-time author whose work has impressed me this much during my many years of subscribing to SOL. It's directly comparable to some of the best authors on this site. And, you'll find an extremely small number of grammar distractions in the story, even if you're a member of the literary police, making it even more enjoyable.
Reviewed:
There are many readers out there who are hesitant on taking a chance on reading a work submitted by a new, unknown writer. I know that feeling since I am generally one of these people. I tend to only read in progress stories submitted by writers that I know. However, for whatever reason, I found myself intrigued by a new writer's (writer 406) first story - "Jacob's Story." I took a chance and I am very glad that I did.
If you read this story, you will find yourself drawn into a wonderful story filled with well written characters that are deftly presented. The story will well presented - there are no glaring grammatical errors; the prose is well crafted and interesting. This story sucks you in - you care about the characters involved. These are not the caricatures that you often find in many (people that you often don't care about). Rather, you find a main character, Jacob, who is a recluse but a wonderful musician and song writer. This story is about him and the people that he interacts with. There is a sense of ordinariness about the characters that draws you. These are not rich people nor are they handsome nor are they well endowed. They are ordinary and in that ordinariness you find yourself identifying with them and caring about them.
As I previously said, the story draws you.; it captures you. So, my recommendation - for a first time writer, what a truly wonderful surprise. Read this story - you will note regret it one bit.
I am giving this story my highest ratings - it deserves them.