35 Comments
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Monica Nastase's avatar

I love your writing style! I liked the parallels you draw multiple times and the introspective nature of this slice of memoir. I'm writing one myself too - the story of my own divorce and how I found myself after it, so this resonated lots. 😉

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Natalie Serber's avatar

I’m so glad you are writing your story. ❤️xN

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Mich Quigley's avatar

Wonderful piece, thank you Natalie. Brought back memories of an earlier marriage.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thank you for reading! Wishing you well. xN

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Lev Raphael's avatar

Thrilled to see Laurie Colwin titles! I read eight of her books back in the day and found her, Alice Adams, and Anita Brookner very inspiring.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

It's nice to think about those books from our past! Thanks for reading. xN

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EJ's avatar

Years ago, a writer I admired compared my stories to Colwin’s; I’ve not read her, but now I will. Dancing on Tisha B’av has long been a favorite story collection—thank you for it.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

What a nice comment you received! Yes, do read Collin!

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EJ's avatar

I’m not sure it’s apt, but it was my introduction to Colvin’s name—I look forward to reading her books & yours! All best, e

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Lev Raphael's avatar

My Second Collection, Secret Anniversaries of the Heart, includes some of the best stories from DOTB and many newer ones. It spans 25 years of publishing short fiction.

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EJ's avatar

I’ll get it!

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Liz McCrocklin's avatar

Yes, exactly this: But that fear seemed more surmountable than the loneliness of the present.

Also, this is a great line: When we were dating, my then husband-to-be told corny dad jokes, gave thoughtful gifts, paid our rent, and dealt cocaine.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thanks for reading! Fear vs loneliness! Both are powerful motivators. ❤️

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Jane Marcellus's avatar

This is fabulous, Natalie. You evoke the 80s so well.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thank you for reading and for letting me know! xN

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Miles Kim's avatar

Lovely piece. So full of details that I'll never know (as a 26 year old man) and yet universal enough that I immediately understand. It's like a mirror for me to see a new side of myself. About to spend some time reading more from you – thank you for writing this!

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Wow! This note made my day. Thank you for reading and for taking the time to let me know. Just the boost I needed today. xN

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Noha Beshir's avatar

Your writing is so evocative and crisp! I really enjoyed this.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thanks for reading! xN

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EJ's avatar

Wow. Exquisite. I long to read the book.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thanks so much! I long to finish the book! xN

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EJ's avatar

May it be soon; this is dazzling.

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Ali Isaac's avatar

Beautiful writing! 💕

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thank you. xN

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Maura McHugh's avatar

Fantastic. People are messy, yet we expect so much of them.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Normalize messy! Thanks for reading. xN

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Peggy Mandell's avatar

Magnificent.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thank you! And thanks for reading. xN

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MIHAELA Dragu's avatar

I love !

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Vanda's avatar

Lovely work. Love the sombre tone and the humor at once. Let me know if you ever want to be in my intimate writer's group on Sundays at noon Eastern.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and for letting me know your thoughts. xN

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Jamie Holland's avatar

The comfort of the I. Magnin ladies, the sky turning from pale blue to determined blue, yanking up the hood to work on the car--such great progression. The skiing, the anger, the willingness to look in the mirror. Really enjoyed this, Natalie.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thank you.

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Andrea A. Firth's avatar

Wonderfully nuanced.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thank you! And thanks for reading. xN

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