If that title doesn't startle you ... it should.
When I started Lance's book, I was tempted to make those the first words. It summed him up in so many ways. It wasn't just about the anatomy, but his brashness and arrogance, as well. The words didn't work as an opening because I needed to set up the AA meeting format first. "Hi, I'm Lance. I'm an alcoholic" made for a better introduction to the story.
I felt by the third chapter, Lance could be comfortable enough to be ever so blunt.
Read [Chap. 3] Meeting No. 6 here.
I think that what makes it less offensive is that Lance views his endowment as a flaw. It hasn't helped him in life, at least the way he wants. Had I been sitting in on that meeting, I'm sure my own personal opinion would have been one of very little sympathy. But it is very easy to assume someone with lots of money or good looks or claims to fame has it made. There are enough celebrity tragedies to contradict that. No matter who you are, problems have their way of infilatrating one's life.
And here's Lance. He's trying to turn the corner on his own life. And in doing so, he's learning to listen to others. Their issues are putting his own in perspective. Being a good listener and empathy are helping him grow just as much as being sober. Now in the real world, Lance must grow up.
Lance's big dick didn't shield him from any problems. It probably caused a few, as he surmises. But it is a part of who he is. Now he just has to figure out what that is — and become a better man.
I think this was a really satisfying chapter. Not a lot of drama. Lance seems to really be making strides forward, which I like to see. The more he unburdens himself at the AA meetings, the more he will heal, I hope.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see all those meeting participants treating each other with so much kindness and compassion.
ReplyDeleteIt's a reminder of how smart -- and lucky -- Trent was to have used all those years when his sexual paralysis made it impossible for him to have intimate relationships with women or men to develop himself into such a vital and well-rounded and caring person. Someone people tend instinctively to like. To lust after too (poor baby!), but even though he doesn't see it himself, he presents a heckuva total package.
Wheeas we know from Lance's interchanges with Trent that Lance thinks of himself as someone with nothing going for him except his superdick. Guys with this particular, er, endowment, whether straight or gay, tend to think it makes them a really big deal. It was interesting to learn that Lance doesn't. This could be his saving grace, assuming his suddenly gained understanding of his drinking problem turns out to be real.
And here I thought you were making Lance into a softie too quickly. It's nice to see he still has an arrogant streak — and lack of any social filters — still in him.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying the new characters. Seems like Jakob and Lance could be good for each other -- even as friends.
ReplyDeleteI get excited every time a new chapter posts. I didn't even mind the straight sex.
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