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Robert Leonard's avatar

This is one of the best pieces of American writing I have ever read. I've read it twice and will read it again. And again. It should be required reading in schools across the land—pure Americana. And I say this as an old carpenter who knows his tools. I also know that we shape our tools, and our tools shape us. So does Robert. And Avery.

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Avery Gregurich's avatar

Robert, Hot Damn! Thanks for these words. Far too kind, and they mean a lot coming from you. I gave up writing fiction for the last five years, and have just started working on something new for the first time since just this month. Thanks again for the support!

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Suzan Erem's avatar

Thanks for the note on this @RobertLeonard. I'm glad I didn't miss it! Nicely done. What a fantastic, complex, multi-faceted picture of a farmer. Wow.

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Tory Brecht's avatar

Loved this one Avery! My grandpa Phil farmed in Nebraska then owned a couple Standard Oil stations here in Davenport in the 1970s-80s. This story reminded me of him, thank you.

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Avery Gregurich's avatar

Thanks so much for reading, Tory. Glad this one connected with you. Robert might have definitely been a farmer/gas station operator in another life.

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Bev's avatar

“Sewed”?

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

Strong medicine-- specific, deliberate and headed for home. Pleasure to read it.

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Avery Gregurich's avatar

Thanks for checking it out and for the kind words. Truly bizarre and incredible to have someone who framed my childhood with film comment on this...

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terrence bracy's avatar

This is beautiful! Thank you.

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Avery Gregurich's avatar

Thanks for reading, Terrence. I really appreciate it.

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Tracey Loscar's avatar

I could smell this piece, and it made me smile. This is worth savoring with some coffee, whether it comes out of a red can or not. Loved this.

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Avery Gregurich's avatar

Thanks for reading Tracey, and for the kind words. I’ve known Robert as a few different people in my life. They all drank lots and lots of coffee.

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John Durante's avatar

The posters introduction to this very nice piece of writing about a narrowing sliver of Americana is supreme overstatement

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