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Jimmy
Rainbow Award-winning author Luke Hartwell explores the relationship between gay and straight best friends in this acclaimed, sparse, moving story that has been favorably compared to Brokeback Mountain. Chris has been in love with his best friend Jimmy since childhood. While Chris is at college, Jimmy is sent to prison. Now Jimmy is free once more and the two meet again.
Publisher's Luke Hartwell has revised this short story and included it in his short fiction collection titled Four Walls and a Passion under the new title "Blue South." Watersgreen House is keeping this edition in print for customers who want to read the original version.
Publisher's Luke Hartwell has revised this short story and included it in his short fiction collection titled Four Walls and a Passion under the new title "Blue South." Watersgreen House is keeping this edition in print for customers who want to read the original version.
32 pages, ebook
First published August 23, 2012
3 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Luke Hartwell
38 books62 followersReaders can track Luke Hartwell's book releases on the Watersgreen House website. Luke's books are available from Barnes & Noble, Apple, Kobo, Gardners, Baker & Taylor, Smashwords, Scribd, Odilo, and OverDrive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 21, 2015
4,5 stars!
Since recently I've become a big fan of short novellas.
It is fascinating so see how authors manage(or do not) to create a whole world of emotions and feelings only within a few pages.
Well, figuratively in a few pages, but within a very short length.
Luke Hartwell did a great job.
I absolutely LOVE this story. LOVE IT.
And now I want to read more of this author.
November 11, 2014
We
FEEL
THINK
WISH
HOPE
TALK
DO
but we do not do all the above wholly aware, we are not always able to put a name to what we feel, or we are not always able to say how we feel or what we think and we do not always ask for what we wish.
This little story is like that, bittersweet, bitter at the missed opportunities of the past and the sweet of the possibilities of the present. At the same time it was what was built up in the past that has brought Jimmy and Topi to this present.
Reading this I was left with questions, blanks and that’s ok, especially when I woke up in the middle of the night and thought, I know, I know why his hair was different. I know I might not be making any sense, but this is just to show that this story left me thinking about it. Sometimes unanswered question are good for a story, it leaves you thinking about it, like a puzzle you have to solve.
December 19, 2014
OK... WHAT THE FUCK???
Wow! Really WOW!!
I need to look for words...
LOVED the writing!
The only snag: it is too expensive for such a short book, and I can totally see readers rating it lower for that fact alone!!
Shame actually.
Wow! Really WOW!!
I need to look for words...
LOVED the writing!
The only snag: it is too expensive for such a short book, and I can totally see readers rating it lower for that fact alone!!
Shame actually.
November 14, 2014
flawed. very flawed. but....
also true.
and beautiful, in its way.
i won't forget it.
also true.
and beautiful, in its way.
i won't forget it.
August 22, 2014
A lot of emotion in such few pages. I'm sad for what might have been but hopeful for what may be.
August 27, 2014
GAH! 
Great hook. Very similar contagion to Atom Heart John Beloved ..as Hartwell writes from the seat of his intense emotions. A full-length version of this could have cultivated Hartwell another winner to rival his 'beloved' masterpiece with this great fleshed story of characters.
Great hook. Very similar contagion to Atom Heart John Beloved ..as Hartwell writes from the seat of his intense emotions. A full-length version of this could have cultivated Hartwell another winner to rival his 'beloved' masterpiece with this great fleshed story of characters. 
October 13, 2014
A piercing arrow to the heart, followed by a cube of sugar to the soul soothing away the pain of regret. Then a glimpse of what may come to be for those courageous enough to seek.
Love is love.
Love is gender-blind.
Love is without boundaries.
Poignantly evocative vignettes of innocent young love tested by hardship and separation. The story felt so real it could be happening somewhere right now at this very moment. A moving story of two childhood friends going through the trial of growing up. There's reminiscence of good times and laments of lost opportunities; of what-could-have-beens if only courage was within their reach where it counts most.
The story may be short and the pace was initially too slow for my liking then it grew on me and the last part stole my heart and breath away. Some might complain that the story is too short, yet I am in awe that in mere 6,050 words the impact is greater than a full length novel. I for one, wouldn't be forgetting this heartfelt romance anytime soon. I really dig well-paced slow burn romances. Aside from that, the impression the story made is deeper than I had first thought the longer I ponder on it. Somehow this story is like a short version of Brokeback Mountain although the storyline itself bears no similarities. It's just a feeling I had after reading it. Felt like having watched a good movie that lingers on your mind. I have to thank Lena♥Ribka for recommending this little gem to him. She's got good taste.
On a side note, I was reminded of these two quotes which I wholeheartedly agree with and find to be a great motivator in times of weakness.
Never say never. Why try to limit your possibilities? Just go out there and take that fall if need be, at least that way you wouldn't have to face a lifetime of regrets after it. Life is too short for self-doubts.
BOOK DETAILS:
Title: Jimmy
Author: Luke Hartwell
Publication Date: August 25th, 2012
Type: Short Story, 6,050 words
Genre: Gay Contemporary Romance
Description:
Rainbow Award-winning author Luke Hartwell once again explores the relationship between gay and straight best friends in this sparse, moving story. Chris has been in love with his best friend Jimmy since childhood. While Chris is at college, Jimmy is sent to prison. Now Jimmy is free once more and the two meet again.
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* Reviewed on October 13th, 2014
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October 30, 2014
OMG!
This was WONDERFUL!
How could something so short move me so much?
Brilliant!
This was WONDERFUL!
How could something so short move me so much?
Brilliant!
June 17, 2015
I liked how the past and the present time stories were balanced, two scenes definitely stood out and moved me.
I enjoyed the rest, but overall, I can't say Jimmy had a big impact on me.
November 17, 2014
Very good.
July 28, 2013
Okay, this was a very interesting short story. It is an honest exploration of the relationship between two childhood friends, one gay and one straight (who was in prison for 17 years). The style was very different than what I'm used to, but different. I think the story menages very well to draw the reader in completely in just 30 pages. 4.5 stars
September 3, 2016
I stumbled across this little gem and what a huge diamond it turned out to be. This short story was unique, different, intriguing, deep. I could go on and on and on. So much said in so few words. Wow, just wow!!! Gotta check out more of Luke Hartwell's work now.
May 30, 2013
now i'm Just waiting for the next Luke Hartwell's book....this story was just amazing, so surprising as well. I love it beyond word!
October 28, 2012
Curious on Hartwell's writing, I had decided to start reading on his shorter work - Jimmy. I was glued on reading his short story from the moment Hartwell shared on the main characters. Remarkable how a short story could get me to be hooked on the 2 guys and I found myself wanting more. Perhaps a bit too pricy for a short story but it was money well-spent, in my opinion.
to-read-yes-own
August 24, 2014August 24, 2014
A short novella recommended by Lena (her 4.5 stars review).
Thanks sweetie!
A short novella recommended by Lena (her 4.5 stars review).
Thanks sweetie! 
June 5, 2023
I thought this short story by Luke Hartwell to be very charming, and interesting. It centers around two men, Christopher and Jimmy. Jimmy, being recently released from prison reconnects with his boyhood friend and the two converse about growing up, lost time, and the sexual tension between them.
Favorite line: "But if having sex with a man sends a man to hell, you can send me," (Hartwell 17).
Favorite line: "But if having sex with a man sends a man to hell, you can send me," (Hartwell 17).
February 17, 2015
Huh :-/
My friend Lena recommended this book to me. We both share a big love for Todd Young's writing, so I value her opinion, a lot.
'Jimmy', however, leaves me unsatisfied and confused behind.
The writing style was actually pretty good. But the story...? Huh :-/ I was wondering what this was all about the whole time. It's not really romantic, though it tells a story of love. It's not really hot, either, though there is some action going on. It was rather uncomfortable reading about it.
I'm afraid that does not leave so many stars for the rating, only 1.5. Above all, for a 30 something pages long book, the price is way too high. I can't recommend reading this, sorry.
My friend Lena recommended this book to me. We both share a big love for Todd Young's writing, so I value her opinion, a lot.
'Jimmy', however, leaves me unsatisfied and confused behind.
The writing style was actually pretty good. But the story...? Huh :-/ I was wondering what this was all about the whole time. It's not really romantic, though it tells a story of love. It's not really hot, either, though there is some action going on. It was rather uncomfortable reading about it.
I'm afraid that does not leave so many stars for the rating, only 1.5. Above all, for a 30 something pages long book, the price is way too high. I can't recommend reading this, sorry.
December 25, 2014
This was the first piece I read by Hartwell... and I knew I'd discovered a very special author. I read Atom Heart John Beloved next, the only other Hartwell work published at the time, and was blown away. Then I've read all the others as they came out. I can't really tell you wish I love more. They're all brilliant in their own way, and mostly very different from one another. I loved this little story when I first read it, and I've read it many times since. Just beautiful stuff.
February 16, 2015
I actually just finished reading Hartwell's new novel, Nathan's Story, and was left craving more, so decided to read this little jem again. I think it may be my favorite short story. There's something very Brokeback Mountain about it, and while I LOVE Brokeback, I think I like this story even more. All of Hartwell's books so far have been SOOOOO good!
November 4, 2018
This story left me with so saudade....
Sorry, not an accurate translation for saudade, the most beautiful and soulful Portuguese word.
This song has saudade not only in its lyrics but it seeps through its music
https://youtu.be/P1MSvn7dCPk
Sorry, not an accurate translation for saudade, the most beautiful and soulful Portuguese word.
This song has saudade not only in its lyrics but it seeps through its music
https://youtu.be/P1MSvn7dCPk
June 1, 2023
It was a really good short story and a very quick one. Trying to read books depending on the season/month just to shake things up and because it's pride month I read this and thought Hartwell did an amazing job in so few pages.
August 25, 2012
Kind of reminds me of Brokeback Mountain in the sense of how much character development the author was able to deliver in so few pages. Short but sweet. I loved it.
February 16, 2015
Cute little short story.
August 29, 2020
Great story narrative but I really wish it was longer. I really loved it though.
August 7, 2025
2.5 stars. Meh
October 12, 2025
Nice and short. Wet dream for any gay man
October 4, 2017
I think this short story is one of the best (or maybe the best) work of Luke Hartwell. Almost 20 years told within 30 pages. Definitely a masterpiece. It feels a bit like a "Brokeback Mountain", but with a possibility of Happily Ever After.
P.S. And it is much better than "Atom Heart John Beloved", because Nathan's Story was Meh.
P.S. And it is much better than "Atom Heart John Beloved", because Nathan's Story was Meh.
February 24, 2019
This is the same story as the now-deleted "Jimmy." I think it has been modified slightly, but if you've ready "Jimmy," there's no reason to buy this. On the other hand, if you haven't read it, this to me is a must-read. It is Hartwell at his narrative best, and I absolutely love the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews