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Not Even There
Roger met Libby for the first time and would do anything to be with her. But then his friend tells him a secret and Roger's whole life goes into a tailspin that he may never get out of.
It could be a matter of life and death.
It could be a matter of life and death.
ebook
First published November 2, 2011
12 people want to read
About the author
J. Scott Sharp
9 books42 followersI have been a writer all of my life, but finally decided to lose my mind and do something about it at 46 years old. I am currently hard at work on a contemporary suspense/mystery novel entitled "Marble Summer Riot"
I have a degree in psychology. It qualifies me for nothing, but pretending that I know why you are acting the way you are.
I have a degree in psychology. It qualifies me for nothing, but pretending that I know why you are acting the way you are.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 11, 2018
Read more: http://cjlistro.blogspot.com/2012/05/...
I’ve been meaning to read Sharp’s work for a long time because he’s a lovely person and a very supportive writerly friend. I’m glad I started with this one. It really showcases Sharp’s skill with voice. Not everyone has that talent. Some people can write excellent plots or worlds or characters, but their writing sounds flat or generic. Or just doesn’t fit the character. Sharp’s writing is Roger. You can feel Roger in every word. There’s clearly a unique, real person here.
Not that Sharp doesn’t know plot—obviously not the case, as you’ll realize once you read it. This story hinges on the ending and (though I can’t tell you why!) does it very successfully. I didn’t see it coming at all, based on the beginning, but it made perfect sense once I realized what was going on. The two essential characteristics of a surprise ending. I did have to re-read the ending because the first paragraph was a little confusing, but it was partly out of shock.
The one major criticism I have, which kept it out of 5 range, is Roger’s friend David. I couldn’t reconcile the David from the beginning of the story with the David from the end—the David that would do what he did, if you’ll allow some vagueness. And as my fiction professor used to joke: “I’m sensing the ‘novel’ word.” Short stories need to exist in a microcosm. They can only deal with so much. I feel like there just needed to be more setup to justify the heavy ending, and David’s part in it. But Sharp’s writing has loads of potential. So if this story does show up in novel form someday, you can bet you’ll see my glowing review here.
I’ve been meaning to read Sharp’s work for a long time because he’s a lovely person and a very supportive writerly friend. I’m glad I started with this one. It really showcases Sharp’s skill with voice. Not everyone has that talent. Some people can write excellent plots or worlds or characters, but their writing sounds flat or generic. Or just doesn’t fit the character. Sharp’s writing is Roger. You can feel Roger in every word. There’s clearly a unique, real person here.
Not that Sharp doesn’t know plot—obviously not the case, as you’ll realize once you read it. This story hinges on the ending and (though I can’t tell you why!) does it very successfully. I didn’t see it coming at all, based on the beginning, but it made perfect sense once I realized what was going on. The two essential characteristics of a surprise ending. I did have to re-read the ending because the first paragraph was a little confusing, but it was partly out of shock.
The one major criticism I have, which kept it out of 5 range, is Roger’s friend David. I couldn’t reconcile the David from the beginning of the story with the David from the end—the David that would do what he did, if you’ll allow some vagueness. And as my fiction professor used to joke: “I’m sensing the ‘novel’ word.” Short stories need to exist in a microcosm. They can only deal with so much. I feel like there just needed to be more setup to justify the heavy ending, and David’s part in it. But Sharp’s writing has loads of potential. So if this story does show up in novel form someday, you can bet you’ll see my glowing review here.
May 16, 2012
Told in first person point of view, Sharp’s character made a few comments that drew me in from the beginning. As an avid mystery fan, figuring out the plot is first on my list. My mind swirled with possibilities.
Sharp paints a vivid picture and displays a deep understanding of his character’s psychology. The reader sees directly into the mind of the main character and feels what he feels.
The understanding of how the teenage outsider’s mind works was simply amazing. I hate to admit this, but it brought me right back to high school! The hormones, the pimply faces, the insecurities. We have it all in Not Even There.
The best aspect of this short story was the friendship between the main character, Roger, and his best friend. It’s one of those situations when it’s written so clearly you find yourself wondering if the author lived through that exact moment. Especially when we meet the “hot girl” every high school boy can tell you about. The one you have a crush on the rest of your life. The one you can’t seem to speak to without stuttering.
The paranormal twist threw me for a loop. Call me crazy, but I have a tendency to skip reading the book descriptions. A pleasant surprise.
The writing in this short story is simple, clean, and to the point, which works well from the first person perspective of a teenager.
Five stars was an easy choice. I look forward to longer works from J. Scott Sharp!
Sharp paints a vivid picture and displays a deep understanding of his character’s psychology. The reader sees directly into the mind of the main character and feels what he feels.
The understanding of how the teenage outsider’s mind works was simply amazing. I hate to admit this, but it brought me right back to high school! The hormones, the pimply faces, the insecurities. We have it all in Not Even There.
The best aspect of this short story was the friendship between the main character, Roger, and his best friend. It’s one of those situations when it’s written so clearly you find yourself wondering if the author lived through that exact moment. Especially when we meet the “hot girl” every high school boy can tell you about. The one you have a crush on the rest of your life. The one you can’t seem to speak to without stuttering.
The paranormal twist threw me for a loop. Call me crazy, but I have a tendency to skip reading the book descriptions. A pleasant surprise.
The writing in this short story is simple, clean, and to the point, which works well from the first person perspective of a teenager.
Five stars was an easy choice. I look forward to longer works from J. Scott Sharp!
May 9, 2012
"Betrayal is sneaky. Sometimes, a person doesn't know they've deceived someone until it's too late, or maybe they do and don’t want to admit to it. If a person betrays someone in front of their face, it's a safe bet that they never gave a shit any way. At least that’s what I thought."
In this short story by Sharp, sixteen year old Roger plays a dual role in a tragic incident of betrayal that is based on an age old triangle, two men who love the same woman. I can still remember all the days of uncertainty that made up the high school years. Every win is the highest peak. Every loss is the most devastating thing possible. Every reaction to it all will consume your entire being. Moderation isn't even in the vocabulary.
Sharp executes this tragic piece with precision and heart as he takes you back to the pains of high school and young love. I'm not sure whose part of the story hit harder, Roger's or David's. The end even has a "wait, did I just read that right" twist that you won't see coming.
I wouldn't recommend this for a young teen, but college age and up.
In this short story by Sharp, sixteen year old Roger plays a dual role in a tragic incident of betrayal that is based on an age old triangle, two men who love the same woman. I can still remember all the days of uncertainty that made up the high school years. Every win is the highest peak. Every loss is the most devastating thing possible. Every reaction to it all will consume your entire being. Moderation isn't even in the vocabulary.
Sharp executes this tragic piece with precision and heart as he takes you back to the pains of high school and young love. I'm not sure whose part of the story hit harder, Roger's or David's. The end even has a "wait, did I just read that right" twist that you won't see coming.
I wouldn't recommend this for a young teen, but college age and up.
August 7, 2012
It's amazing how much I was pulled into this story in such a short time!
Most of the characters in short stories I read are so one-dimensional. Usually I would compare it to watching a tv show for the first time and not really getting to know the characters before some other show comes on. That did not happen here. I was totally invested in these characters. It took no time at all for me to want to know them.
Sharp took a short story and expanded the view, almost as if I read a novella in a short amount of time. I got every bit as much fullfillment as I would get from a full-length story in "Not Even There" I just wish that I could find out what happens next!!
Most of the characters in short stories I read are so one-dimensional. Usually I would compare it to watching a tv show for the first time and not really getting to know the characters before some other show comes on. That did not happen here. I was totally invested in these characters. It took no time at all for me to want to know them.
Sharp took a short story and expanded the view, almost as if I read a novella in a short amount of time. I got every bit as much fullfillment as I would get from a full-length story in "Not Even There" I just wish that I could find out what happens next!!
May 9, 2012
"A Story of Friendship Gone Wrong" is the subtitle to this wonderful short story. Roger and David are unpopular kids in high school. They are best friends, basically brothers. Then there is Libby, a very beautiful and popular girl at their school. After Roger and David realize they both like her, their relationship goes downhill. Way downhill. What will happen between them will change their lives forever. The story captivated me from the beginning. The only problem with it was that I wanted more! I look forward to more from J. Scott Sharp in the very near future.
June 10, 2012
In "Not Even There," J Scott Sharp proves that, while he may not be there, he is most assuredly here. This tragic tale weaves together the complicated strands of teen angst, friendship, dysfunctional relationships, love, lust, and obsession in a masterful package that is fraught with tension and emotion.
May 5, 2012
review to come
June 17, 2012
*Disclaimer: I did receive a free copy of the novel in order to review. This however did not influence my review in any way.*
Great Twist on the Teenage Love Triangle!
In the short story, Not Even There, Roger is one of the students that seem to fade into the background at school, and so is his best friend, David. They’ve been friends for years and have been through so much together that it seems nothing can break the bond they’ve forged. In fact, they are more like brothers of sorts than friends. But when David tells Roger he is in love with Libby (who happens to be the girl he is head over heels for as well) things begin to sour quickly. Roger must decide if his heart is more important than his friendship, and quickly. If he makes the wrong choice, there will be consequences no one can foresee.
Sharp transported me right back to high school. I immediately felt a connection with the main character, Roger. I remember well the insecurities I felt as a teen, especially when it comes to romantic interests and friendships that can be quite delicate at times. Sharp manages to get into the head of a teenage boy and show the emotions so realistically that one can’t help but get absorbed into the story.
Not Even There reminded me why I usually don’t read short stories; I always want more. I’m glad I had a chance to read this one though and am looking forward to reading more works by Sharp in the future.
Great Twist on the Teenage Love Triangle!
In the short story, Not Even There, Roger is one of the students that seem to fade into the background at school, and so is his best friend, David. They’ve been friends for years and have been through so much together that it seems nothing can break the bond they’ve forged. In fact, they are more like brothers of sorts than friends. But when David tells Roger he is in love with Libby (who happens to be the girl he is head over heels for as well) things begin to sour quickly. Roger must decide if his heart is more important than his friendship, and quickly. If he makes the wrong choice, there will be consequences no one can foresee.
Sharp transported me right back to high school. I immediately felt a connection with the main character, Roger. I remember well the insecurities I felt as a teen, especially when it comes to romantic interests and friendships that can be quite delicate at times. Sharp manages to get into the head of a teenage boy and show the emotions so realistically that one can’t help but get absorbed into the story.
Not Even There reminded me why I usually don’t read short stories; I always want more. I’m glad I had a chance to read this one though and am looking forward to reading more works by Sharp in the future.
May 22, 2012
The Good:
Love Triangle: Ah yes, we've seen them everywhere. However, Mr. Sharp provides a fresh view of the love triangle. This time the story comes from the point of view of one of the pursuers not the pursued. I like the take because it let you see in the eyes of someone else.
Main Character: I really enjoyed Roger. I could put myself into his shoes. It really took me back to being in high school (Not sure if that is a good thing). I could also relate to his dilemma over Libby.
The Plot: It was simple which is perfect for a story this length. It did not have anytime to get me confused with other subplots.
The Bad:
Character Motivations: At times I had to question the character motivations fo David and Libby. However, I know this a short story and I could probably understand where they were coming from more if it had been longer.
Overall: This is great short story. I would recommend it to anyone looking for something they can read in one sitting. I'm looking forward to reading more on Mr. Sharp's work.
Love Triangle: Ah yes, we've seen them everywhere. However, Mr. Sharp provides a fresh view of the love triangle. This time the story comes from the point of view of one of the pursuers not the pursued. I like the take because it let you see in the eyes of someone else.
Main Character: I really enjoyed Roger. I could put myself into his shoes. It really took me back to being in high school (Not sure if that is a good thing). I could also relate to his dilemma over Libby.
The Plot: It was simple which is perfect for a story this length. It did not have anytime to get me confused with other subplots.
The Bad:
Character Motivations: At times I had to question the character motivations fo David and Libby. However, I know this a short story and I could probably understand where they were coming from more if it had been longer.
Overall: This is great short story. I would recommend it to anyone looking for something they can read in one sitting. I'm looking forward to reading more on Mr. Sharp's work.
June 25, 2012
Title: Not Even There
Author: J. Scott Sharp
Review by Joanna Lee Doster
Rating: 5 stars
EVOCATIVE OF EAST OF EDEN WITH TEENAGE ANGST AT ITS BEST
J. Scott Sharp delivers a powerful punch with his exquisite portrayal of teenage pathos and pain. Wow! What a gifted writer with his laser-like focus aimed at Roger and David's longstanding friendship as it unravels in a horrible way over the "love triangle" with Libby. His artful writing harkens us back to our own teenage years fraught with insecurity and a yearning for love, relationships and acceptance. I didn't want the short story to end. I would love it if the talented author could expand his story and share with the readers what happens to David, Roger and Libby after the short story ends. Great writing... no one wants the story to end.
Author: J. Scott Sharp
Review by Joanna Lee Doster
Rating: 5 stars
EVOCATIVE OF EAST OF EDEN WITH TEENAGE ANGST AT ITS BEST
J. Scott Sharp delivers a powerful punch with his exquisite portrayal of teenage pathos and pain. Wow! What a gifted writer with his laser-like focus aimed at Roger and David's longstanding friendship as it unravels in a horrible way over the "love triangle" with Libby. His artful writing harkens us back to our own teenage years fraught with insecurity and a yearning for love, relationships and acceptance. I didn't want the short story to end. I would love it if the talented author could expand his story and share with the readers what happens to David, Roger and Libby after the short story ends. Great writing... no one wants the story to end.
March 27, 2013
J. Scott Sharp's imagery and use of the senses made me feel I was right there. As if the author had painted a picture with his words, making it easy to see the settings and characters.
I was almot immediately able to identify with the characters. Hurting for them when they hurt and hoping they could at least have greater hope if not happiness.
Though my stomach jolted when I realized the ending, I was glad he left the characters at that point. Leaving the reader to contemplate what could happen.
I usually read for my interest and for my children and others, so I will mention there is the usual teenage use of foul langage, but not to an access or making the writing seem crude.
I was almot immediately able to identify with the characters. Hurting for them when they hurt and hoping they could at least have greater hope if not happiness.
Though my stomach jolted when I realized the ending, I was glad he left the characters at that point. Leaving the reader to contemplate what could happen.
I usually read for my interest and for my children and others, so I will mention there is the usual teenage use of foul langage, but not to an access or making the writing seem crude.
September 18, 2012
I was so pulled into this story!! It was told in a totally different view. How far will friends go?? So much told in a short story Great Job!!
October 6, 2014
Very short story, but awesome !!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews