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Glitter
I kept tripping over my feet, tripping over my words, and eventually gave up talking all together. You continued to smile anyway.
9 pages, ebook
First published February 24, 2012
4 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
August 11, 2016
Readers,I have just been SUCKER-PUNCHED!!
'You were born with a bottle of glitter by your side,an invisible crown on your head,and the image of a sequin-covered diaper implanted in your mind.'
As I started, I did not know who the narrator was.I did not know who the muse was.Name,age,sex.....nothing.
And then,slowly,the story unfurled!!
Beautiful and Stunning.
I cannot tell you anything else...who,why,how,....nothing else.Everything will be a spoiler.Hell,even telling you about their gender will be a spoiler.
And I still don't know the narrator's name.
But what I do know is that stories like this one are the reason I love reading.
My God!!What??? You have not read this one yet???
Click on this link right now....
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
...It's free!!
And by now if you are just thinking about reading it,then STOP!!And just read this.You won't be sorry.
That's all for now,Readers.
Ta-Ta!!
September 11, 2020
4.5 STARS 🌟
You were born with a bottle of glitter by your side, an invisible crown on your head, and the image of a sequin-covered diaper implanted in your mind.Written in the form of a letter, Glitter is the kind of book where it's best to go in blind.
From the moment you could walkInspite of being such a short read, Glitter is intensely powerful and heart-wrenching.
and talk, you began lighting up the world around you, whether it was by dancing, writing your own songs, or creating colorful outfits on paper.
I kept tripping over my feet, trippingBefore reading this, I never knew a simple 9-page story could have such an emotional effect. I can't really say much about it without giving the story away, but if you haven't read this, please do. ❤️
over my words, and eventually gave up talking all together. You continued to smile anyway.
December 18, 2015
“And when you kissed me back, I wanted to press pause on that remote control, the one that controlled life.”
How a few pages short story can be as insightful and as impactful as a novel is a mystery to me but the author managed to pull that miracle off. This is a story in a letter form as the writer reveals all his thoughts and feelings to Danny, his childhood friend. The writing is purely emotional and heartbreaking as we read the inner struggles of a young man who is so afraid of what other people will think of him if he ever acted on his feelings. Danny, juxtaposed to the writer is the exact symbol of confidence, of being comfortable in his own skin regardless of constant and endless insults he receives from everybody. His flamboyant personality still glitters and sparkles. He has zero shame as the author puts it until one ill fated day and all his glitter vanishes. Could there still be hope for Danny to regain his glitter? Read the short story.^^
January 29, 2013
4.5 stars
A powerful message of loneliness and courage, its a wonderful, inspiring story. I would be proud to call glitter boy my friend, why does it always take a near tragedy to realise what's important? Juggling between the popularity contest or being ostracized is a tough call to make. All I can say is, I am so glad the right choice was made. I loved it, a few tears were shed along the way and a sequel would make my day. Recommended, its a gem and thanks to Adriana for bringing it to my attention.
A powerful message of loneliness and courage, its a wonderful, inspiring story. I would be proud to call glitter boy my friend, why does it always take a near tragedy to realise what's important? Juggling between the popularity contest or being ostracized is a tough call to make. All I can say is, I am so glad the right choice was made. I loved it, a few tears were shed along the way and a sequel would make my day. Recommended, its a gem and thanks to Adriana for bringing it to my attention.
June 14, 2013
This story matters. Like each and every It Gets Better video on YouTube matters. Like every pride matters, every rainbow flag, the Trevor Project and every cute picture of two boys or girls kissing on Tumblr.
Glitter is a story that cannot be told too many times. If it will only give one kid, who is mocked or bashed for being too unique a snowflake, a spark of hope, it will be worth it.
As for the story itself: despite the jubilant praise I did not expect a letter of 9 pages to capture me completely and turn my world upside down. And it didn't. Which is fine. It's a letter you and I could have written as well. One you will probably have read before somewhere. In the newspaper, in a magazine, on the internet. I know I have come across sketches of lives like Danny's before, and multiple times. Only they didn't end on an optimistic note and were for those who did believe it would not get better, who couldn't stand the bullying anymore.
It's the extremely important subject matter that changes Glitter into something more than just an ordinary, somewhat melodramatic and sappy letter.
Glitter is free on Smashwords.
Glitter is a story that cannot be told too many times. If it will only give one kid, who is mocked or bashed for being too unique a snowflake, a spark of hope, it will be worth it.
As for the story itself: despite the jubilant praise I did not expect a letter of 9 pages to capture me completely and turn my world upside down. And it didn't. Which is fine. It's a letter you and I could have written as well. One you will probably have read before somewhere. In the newspaper, in a magazine, on the internet. I know I have come across sketches of lives like Danny's before, and multiple times. Only they didn't end on an optimistic note and were for those who did believe it would not get better, who couldn't stand the bullying anymore.
It's the extremely important subject matter that changes Glitter into something more than just an ordinary, somewhat melodramatic and sappy letter.
Glitter is free on Smashwords.
February 11, 2013
WOW.
With just a few pages this short story managed to leave me speechless...
"You were born with a bottle of glitter by your side, an invisible crown on your head, and the image of a sequin-covered diaper implanted in your mind."
"From the moment you could walk and talk, you began lighting up the world around you..."
Glitter is a short story but it left such an unforgettable impression behind...
I really can't tell you much about what happens in it, because that would spoil the experience. All I can say is, it's a beautifully written story in which each word is picked out perfectly and I completely fell in love with the characters... (even though we don't get to know that much about them)
Also, this short story is FREE -> https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/136115
So, I would advice everyone to keep an open mind, give this incredible story a try and hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I did!!!
"No matter where you were or what you were doing, all eyes were locked on you, whether they were scrutinizing or admiring. In my case, my eyes were always admiring."
****
June 17, 2014
One person doesn't like this story. One.
I found this to be clumsy, with age-inappropriate syntax and vaguely flimsy excuses for emo kabuki.
The occasionally excellent visual detail hints at some good writerly chops, but in the end this one is about as nuanced as the menu at Burger King.
I found this to be clumsy, with age-inappropriate syntax and vaguely flimsy excuses for emo kabuki.
The occasionally excellent visual detail hints at some good writerly chops, but in the end this one is about as nuanced as the menu at Burger King.
January 29, 2013
4.25*
Oh wow, this short packed a punch.
This story is told from a boy's perspective, we don't know his name, and it's not important, he tells of Danny. His best friend as a child, until he was old enough to be scared of being Danny's friend. What that would mean for him. Danny is a child so full of glitter and light, he always liked pink and gold and glitter, he's happy, or at least he lets people believe he is and he is himself.
And of course, it's hard to be yourself when you're different, and even your best friend doesn't want to be seen with you and leaves you behind for the norm.
The ending was heartbreaking, sad and hopeful all at the same time.
I so wished for an answering letter or a small hint at how Danny is and if he wants his friend back.
Oh wow, this short packed a punch.
This story is told from a boy's perspective, we don't know his name, and it's not important, he tells of Danny. His best friend as a child, until he was old enough to be scared of being Danny's friend. What that would mean for him. Danny is a child so full of glitter and light, he always liked pink and gold and glitter, he's happy, or at least he lets people believe he is and he is himself.
And of course, it's hard to be yourself when you're different, and even your best friend doesn't want to be seen with you and leaves you behind for the norm.
The ending was heartbreaking, sad and hopeful all at the same time.
I so wished for an answering letter or a small hint at how Danny is and if he wants his friend back.
May 9, 2017
**4.5 stars**
A very moving short about boys who are different, who put themselves out there, who take risks, and who aren't afraid to be their true selves. This is a story about courage and shame and all of those emotions that terrify us, especially as teenagers when being different seems impossibly difficult. This story is a special ode all of those glitter boys out there.
A very moving short about boys who are different, who put themselves out there, who take risks, and who aren't afraid to be their true selves. This is a story about courage and shame and all of those emotions that terrify us, especially as teenagers when being different seems impossibly difficult. This story is a special ode all of those glitter boys out there.
June 3, 2016
Why the best stories are always short? :(
This is an apology from a boy to his friend Danny for all the things he did wrong and all the hurt he caused him.
He talks about their childhood, from the very moment Danny was born and how beautiful and bright he was; those first innocent kisses; school experience and his own insecurities to accept who he is till the moment that Danny is in hospital. He asks him to forgive him for not being there for him and for all his sufferings and sad days.
This would have been a very emotional book.
July 10, 2013
Another 4.5 stars. This was absolutely heartbreaking, and here I was
at the end, tears streaming down my face, sloppy old thing.
I won't be doing a review myself, just read the others, and make the time to read this lovely short story, you won't regret it!!
at the end, tears streaming down my face, sloppy old thing.I won't be doing a review myself, just read the others, and make the time to read this lovely short story, you won't regret it!!
January 29, 2013
WOW, Some shorts just hit you, and this one packs a punch.
A beautifully told tale of human emotions, fear and love.
Would love to see a little bit more. Although I think if we had this story from Danny's point of veiew it would break me.
Well done Ayla Starr.
A beautifully told tale of human emotions, fear and love.
Would love to see a little bit more. Although I think if we had this story from Danny's point of veiew it would break me.
Well done Ayla Starr.
January 29, 2013
This is another FREE short story that I would've found if not for my GR friends' reviews. For a story < 3000 words, it packs quite a punch.
We will never know that name of the main narrator -- as he addressed his childhood friend, Danny, who were always happy with glitters pink and gold. Until that one heartbreaking moment.
But I would like to believe that the end was hopeful, that Danny would put the tiara again, held his chin up high, and become what he always has been (even if the others cannot see past that). Beautiful and fabulous...
We will never know that name of the main narrator -- as he addressed his childhood friend, Danny, who were always happy with glitters pink and gold. Until that one heartbreaking moment.
But I would like to believe that the end was hopeful, that Danny would put the tiara again, held his chin up high, and become what he always has been (even if the others cannot see past that). Beautiful and fabulous...
October 9, 2013
Please, please someone tell me this is a prequel to an actual book/story! PLEASE!!!! I have to know what happens next!
Poignant. /ˈpoinyənt/ adjective
1. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
2. painfully affecting the feelings.
3. designed to make an impression.
Yes, all of those things.
The pdf is 6 pages & free. Read it!
Poignant. /ˈpoinyənt/ adjective
1. evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
2. painfully affecting the feelings.
3. designed to make an impression.
Yes, all of those things.
The pdf is 6 pages & free. Read it!
June 7, 2013
The world can beat down even the toughest, most confident people but with just one true friend we're stronger.
This is a pretty amazing story. It's a love story, it's about friendship, about being yourself, being strong in the face of derision, and about taking comfort when it's needed. In the space of only 9 pages, the author managed to clearly define two distinct people, their evolving relationship, their strengths and weaknesses, and their realistic, familiar world.
This is an emotional read too. You can't make it through this story and not feel for these characters - or love them both completely in my case. Very highly recommended. Thank you to Kynthos for pointing this out. I'm so glad you did!
*Free on Smashwords at the time of reading
This is a pretty amazing story. It's a love story, it's about friendship, about being yourself, being strong in the face of derision, and about taking comfort when it's needed. In the space of only 9 pages, the author managed to clearly define two distinct people, their evolving relationship, their strengths and weaknesses, and their realistic, familiar world.
This is an emotional read too. You can't make it through this story and not feel for these characters - or love them both completely in my case. Very highly recommended. Thank you to Kynthos for pointing this out. I'm so glad you did!
*Free on Smashwords at the time of reading
April 23, 2014
LOVE IT!
February 6, 2013
I enjoy short stories like this, stories that have impact without unnecessary conflicts or silliness.
Though I do wish for a follow up onto the future of the pair, I can be satisfied with just this beautiful story of young friends and how intolerance and bigotry pulled them apart and...maybe will bring them back together?
It's sad but such a necessary message in just nine pages.
Though I do wish for a follow up onto the future of the pair, I can be satisfied with just this beautiful story of young friends and how intolerance and bigotry pulled them apart and...maybe will bring them back together?
It's sad but such a necessary message in just nine pages.
January 29, 2013
I loved it.
May 15, 2015
I'm going to be a curmudgeon.
This is all show, no tell; dressed up pretty in glitter but ultimately lacking substance or character development.
I didn't feel it at all.
This is all show, no tell; dressed up pretty in glitter but ultimately lacking substance or character development.
I didn't feel it at all.
November 8, 2013
My world has been turned up side down in less than ten page. Less. Than. Ten. Pages. Where did this come from? Who is this author? Why aren't they out there giving us more gorgeous and meaningful words? I want more.
This is stunning. The realism of the words simply flow off the page. The ache, the shame and the just being who you are, of deciding that what you want and what the masses think...ugh. I can't think to write anything that seems rational right now. Did I mention this was less than ten pages? All I can think about, all I can hear is one of my favorite songs; the haunting and beautiful "All I Want is You" by U2 and these lines...
This is stunning. The realism of the words simply flow off the page. The ache, the shame and the just being who you are, of deciding that what you want and what the masses think...ugh. I can't think to write anything that seems rational right now. Did I mention this was less than ten pages? All I can think about, all I can hear is one of my favorite songs; the haunting and beautiful "All I Want is You" by U2 and these lines...
But all the promises we make
From the cradle to the grave
When all I want is you.
February 4, 2013
4.5 stars
A very sweet love letter from one teenage boy to his first friend and first love.
I really loved how this short story was filled with courage. First, the enormous proof of strength Danny demonstrates by being who he is, even if his life would be so much easier if he’d hide his true self and conform. And second the courage of our narrator; he decides to stop being a coward and be there for Danny when he most needs it; when fighting against everybody drains him of strength and he’s on the verge of loosing himself.
The love letter/ confession is from one POV, but it’s so well written that it manages to portray between the lines Danny’s side as well. And by the end, you can see them together, sharing love, strength and forgiveness.
A very sweet love letter from one teenage boy to his first friend and first love.
I really loved how this short story was filled with courage. First, the enormous proof of strength Danny demonstrates by being who he is, even if his life would be so much easier if he’d hide his true self and conform. And second the courage of our narrator; he decides to stop being a coward and be there for Danny when he most needs it; when fighting against everybody drains him of strength and he’s on the verge of loosing himself.
The love letter/ confession is from one POV, but it’s so well written that it manages to portray between the lines Danny’s side as well. And by the end, you can see them together, sharing love, strength and forgiveness.
January 31, 2013
Wow. This one packed a punch! I never really appreciated the short story until I started reading MM fiction. In the time it takes to make a three ply tissue soggy (not that long these days)this book had me on a roller coaster of emotions, leaving me wrung out and wanting just little bit more when it ended.
Free online reads FTW!
Free online reads FTW!
January 29, 2013
Absolutely stunning. Heartbraking. Uplifting.
Simply beautiful.
Yet another free short story that changes you inside. Thank you.
Simply beautiful.
Yet another free short story that changes you inside. Thank you.
October 23, 2013
Thick with imagery and message, this is possibly one of the most meaningful, touching, heart-wrenching little treasures I've ever read.
I'm incomplete; I want to know what happens next...
I'm incomplete; I want to know what happens next...
August 13, 2014
It was really good. I am pretty amazed that a mere 9 pages could have such impact on the reader. Poignant yet beautiful. The glitter would gets in your eyes and makes you tear up as you see the beauty of it.
Somehow, this story reminds me of Danny and Lance of Plan B by S.J.D. Peterson. And look! even its main effeminate character has the same name as Glitter boy in this story, Danny.
NOTE: When I got it, it was FREE at Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
February 5, 2013
Wow, this is just lovely.
January 31, 2013
Wow this book is amazing. I loved It. I hope there's a sequel.
January 23, 2015
Every so often I would see this book appear on my home page, I was always intrigued by it...but I never did anything about it (I don't know why). After reading many glowing reviews I thought I would find out how to get myself a copy. It's currently free on Smashwords.
I usually enjoy short stories most of the time but I always have an issue with lack of depth due to how short some of them are. I was a bit dubious about this one as it's so short...and I mean short short.
I give it 5 Stars all the way! I don't think a short story has ever hit me so hard as this one has. The writing is beautiful and the story is so heartfelt.
It teaches the reader about prejudice, love, loss and hope...truly beautiful.
I think everyone should have some glitter in their lives.
I usually enjoy short stories most of the time but I always have an issue with lack of depth due to how short some of them are. I was a bit dubious about this one as it's so short...and I mean short short.
I give it 5 Stars all the way! I don't think a short story has ever hit me so hard as this one has. The writing is beautiful and the story is so heartfelt.
It teaches the reader about prejudice, love, loss and hope...truly beautiful.
I think everyone should have some glitter in their lives.
December 31, 2016
Those shadows from the past will always remain, those wounds might not go away easily, but they didn’t steal your tiara, Danny. They didn’t steal your glitter, your jewels, and your light. They don’t have that power. No one does unless you, yourself, let them.
This is an important short story with a powerful message. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, and I simply adored it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews