Huw Jones

I think 'A Special Place' is totally deserving of the praise Nigel lavishes on it. I would go so far as to put it in the top five stories on the AD site. I confess I used a device in the story as part of my own story on AD.

I need to throw my hat in the ring too. I loved our library. I used to spend hours as a youngster in our kid's section and when I got to about 11 the librarians let me borrow adult books. I recall discovering The Hand Reared Boy by Brian Aldiss, normally a science fiction writer, but a very different type of story which introduced me to some new masturbation techniques (some involving elastic bands)! I worry about the way that libraries are closing everywhere. Thank goodness that Harry Potter introduced a new generation to the written word.

Llongyfarchiadau o Gymru! Congratulations from Wales!

Re-read this story and loved it again. I've decided I've not got the patience to be an archaeologist but if I could guarantee as much excitement on a dig, I'm off to buy wellies, a trowel and a paintbrush. Mihangel's trademark attention to detail, woven into a lovely romance.

Unfinished Symphony is a beautiful fusion of coming-of-age, innocence, gentle romance and the simple bloody unfairness of life. It is profoundly moving, overwhelmingly sad in parts but always gives places to earth grief. I have experienced considerable loss, so expected to take what we are warned is a sad story in my stride. I was fine until I read Joey's poem: a simple expression of love and appreciation to Mark for his swimming coaching. From then on I walked with Richard through his tears and grief. Unfinished Symphony is the most beautiful thing I've read in a very long time.

Thanks Nick and Jeff. It isn't the easiest read but it tells an important story. I'm working on the sequel.