Reviews (246)

AspenJules · 7 June 2012 · Chapter 20: Part 20

GW - I found this story through Dreamflower who mentioned it a week or so ago as being one of her all-time favorite stories, that it was a feel-good story she loves to re-read on a regular basis. I made a note that I would have to check it out but have been so busy it ended up in the back of my mind, about to be shoved out the back door by all the other junk that gets shoved in there. Well, this week I ended up with the [un]fortuitous occurrance of getting the flu, and in the process of trying to find something to take my mind off of feeling miserable, I remembered this story and looked it up. Now, understand, I am a big fan of comfort food. If you saw me you would instantly realize that that is probably my first idea of where to turn when I am miserable (I'm rather hobbity that way, LOL). However, with this particular flu even THINKING of food made things worse, and so this story worked as a wonderful "comfort food" for my mind and soul, without stirring up things that are better off left unstirred. Sorry I didn't review as I went, but suffice it to say that I loved it all. Sam was great (Gamgeefest did a good job watching over him), and I loved him stepping on the shellaced boards, and Pippin's realization and the Gaffer's teasing of him for it. I LOVED Frodo pushing Berilac into the dung - I will NOT believe that was by accident - and then dropping him back in a second time! And Merry's diatribe about "perfect Frodo" was hilarious. I wondered if/when he would realize all those apple cores were from Pippin. OH, and Pippin's confusion about what Merry was saying and worrying if Frodo was going to read him a poem in Elvish while talking to him about Tobias Tunnely. All in all, this was definitely just what I needed to get my mind off of feeling miserable, and do you know - I'm feeling much better now! Thanks!

PipMer · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 20: Part 20

I know you wrote this story a while ago, but I just read it, and it's one of my favorites of yours! When I read the summary, I thought it might be so-so, but then I got into it...it's wonderful! I love all of Pippin's actions and behavior...so Pippinish, and teenager-ish, as well. I never thought of him as being particular insecure, but he really would be, being surrounding by much older hobbits all of the time. I always thought he would be full of confidence and cock-sure, but that's more Merry's role, I guess. I keep forgetting Pippin is so much younger than all of his other friends and cousins. You brought that out very well indeed! I know you've expressed before that you don't think you write Sam well, but I think you did a fantastic job of him in this story. He's so self-effacing here, and he really would be. Excellent job, GW!

Marta · 12 July 2006 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Hey Grey Wonderer, I have a question about this piece and how you'd like it to compete in the MEFAs. We're trying to finish off categorizing, so it's important that we talk ASAP. I emailed you just now from mefasupport(at)gmail(dot)com, but I know sometimes gmail does not play well with Yahoo. If you don't receive this email could you email *me* at that address? Thanks, Marta

GamgeeFest · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

And to quote Wayne's World "Isn't it great that we're all better people?" *cheesy smile* lol. I was surprised when Tunnelly swallowed his pride and congratulated Pippin and Sam. That was might big of him. Maybe that hammer knocked some belated sense into him. ~_^ He's seen what some patience and not assuming the worst can do to a student. Frodo and Merry really shouldn't knock that coat-stool too much. Once it's perfected, that thing will be taking off. And how wonderful that Pippin gave Gaffer the wheelbarrow. Pippin is so thoughtful. *hugs Pippin* I was smiling like a dork when they won all those prizes. They may not have gotten first place, but they can't complain. At least Sam didn't have to fret over the "best tutor" award for too long. And you're right, Pippin does have a way of saying the exact wrong thing at the exact wrong time, lol. I loved the Gaffer elbowing that other hobbit in the ribs. Well, I'm sad to see it's over, but as I said before, this is one of my favorites of yours. You did a wonderful job with it all around. :)

TopazTook · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

I love how Pippin is so confident that Sam will win the tutor's award, yet so surprised when he himself wins one! And I was laughing because it was so totally in character that he would buy the coat-stool, too, and think it was a great idea. His first sort-of girlfriend was pretty cute, too. :) In the previous chapter, I don't know how Frodo knows about Berilac's comments (thin walls in Bag End? eavesdropping outside a door?), but I'm pretty sure he does, and it was so appropriate that he was the one to get him back. Great story! Another G.W. tour de force!

Baggins Babe · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Ah, this was absolutely perfect! What a great chapter to finish on, and I was right in thinking the Gaffer would be the recipient of the wheelbarrow. I'm so glad Tobias was able to be gracious and that Berilac apologised, and I loved Saradoc's response to the grumbling about the rowing-boat! This was a terrific story, GW, and I would love to see a story on Sam showing Frodo how to build something. I'd love to see a more practical Frodo. :-)) He can't possibly be as inept as he is sometimes made out to be!

Marigold · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

It's over! Sigh...It was a fun read, thanks! I think that this line was just perfect: "Yes, sir," Sam said. "I’m a gardener and I suspect that’s all I'll ever wanted to be. I like watchin’ things grow and helpin’ them on their way." I'm looking forward to your next story!

eiluj · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

A wonderful chapter tying together all the pieces.

Larner · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Hooray! The moment I heard there was a prize for the best teacher I had everything crossed, you know! And glad there is a decent bone or two in Tunnely's makeup. Wonderful! Excellent. And the Gardener has indeed helped a Hobbit bloom this summer.

PIppinfan1988 · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Is it possible that this story gets any better??? I think it did! :-) What a sweet and most joyous ending to this excellent story. We can't always be first place winners; Pippin shows just how honorable second place can be, too. He was just excited to be participating--he didn't seem to care about which place he finished at; just having something entered delighted him to no end. Your Pppin is so...not just trusting, but genuinely and inherently good at heart and happy. Yes, he has is bad days like any other "kid", but generally, he so loving and childlike. I absolutely love your Pippin. :-) LOL, that darned Merry! I do love this little spitfire, too. I know hobbits love to eat, but I think this particular Brandybuck has a bottomless pit for a stomach. :-P LOL, and Frodo being mischievous! Too cute! I was so focussed yesterday on my toffee apples that I forgot to mention how hilarious his casually knocking Berilac into the dung was! I *still* have a taste for toffee apples, you goose! You have such a gift for comedy and drama! This was a fantastic, brilliant tale from beginning to end--and I'm truly sorry to see it end. :-( I had fun and enjoyed it all! Thank you for sharing your wonderful imagination! :-) Pippinfan lol, I think I smell a story-bunny hopping round here that has lots of chicken stew in it! LOL, when you least expect it--expect it!

henry · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Wow.. wonderful ending. Everybody gets together for a celebration at Bag End. Pippin and Sam both get awarded and the Gaffer gets a new wheelbarrow. I especially loved the way master Tunnelly was almost ignored in the competition, he deserved that.. and Pippins remark afterwards: "Still, in a way you’re responsible for it all," Pippin said brightly. "If you hadn’t quit then I never would have got Sam for my tutor." Pippin grinned up at Mister Tunnely completely unaware that his remark was in any way offensive. "You should come to dinner too." Merry snickered. "I love it when he says things like that." Great story. One of your best I think. Henry

Bodkin · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

This is a great conclusion. I am glad Tobias Tunnely very wisely decided in the end to be gracious about his loss. Although I suspect he is extemely relieved that Sam has no plan to set up as a carpentry teacher! Berilac behaved quite well in the end - and the big celebration party with all the winners is great. I like Holly - and the coat-stool boy. (Incidentally c-s boy, if you put the stool on a base, so that it spreads the weight - and that the hobbit can stand on it as he hangs up his coat and sits down - then it won't be so top-heavy. Get Pippin to put his inventive mind to it.) It's great that Pippin is the one to buy it - and that Merry says, But it will fit in perfectly with Pippin's things. In fact, I can't think of any room in the Shire that it would look good in *except* Pippin's. The Gaffer is just the right recipient for the wheelbarrow. And it looks as if Pippin might just be setting up a small production business. "That one has a very forgiving nature," Mister Tunnely said. "That is just one of the reasons why we are all so protective of him and so very proud of him," Frodo said with a smile. A great exchange. Conciliatory and warning at the same time. I really enjoyed this story - great stuff.

Auntiemeesh · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

A great ending to the story! Pippin was so excited to have something entered into the contest, I don't think he would have cared if he hadn't won at all, but the fact that he did get a prize made it even more special for him. I was pleasantly surprised by how gracious a loser Tobias Tunnelly was. I think he'll be a better instructor for the little lesson he learned this summer. :)

Andrea · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

"Nell gave Pearl a look, Pearl nodded, and Nell whistled again." LOL! A whistling Nell, that's very tookish! A lovely ending! Everyone is happy now, even the coat-stool lad. I think, it will look splendid in Pippin's room ;-) Though I still don't know, how Frodo came to know about Berilac, I highly appreciated the lad's apologies. He's a good guy after all! Thank you, G.W. for this wonderful story! I'm looking forward to reading more.

Pearl Took · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Bravo!! Bravo!! Bravisimo!!! " "Good luck, Pip!" Merry shouted. Pippin grinned at Merry and shouted back, "I just want Sam to win!" Sam’s eyes widened and the Gaffer chuckled. "Little Took could ‘a gone all day without sayin’ that." "You don’t know our little brother very well, do you?" Nell grinned. "If it’s the wrong thing to say, then Pippin will probably say it at least once and maybe twice." Sam was listening as Pippin explained about the prize that was given for outstanding work by a tutor and everyone watched as the color drained from Sam’s face." "Everyone cheered and clapped and Merry snickered as Pippin bowed slightly. Sam was still in shock over the news of a prize for the instructors. Nell placed her fingers in her mouth and let go with a whistle that would have made any lad proud and Pippin grinned at her. Pearl elbowed her younger sister and hissed, "That is not proper behavior for a lass." Nell just smiled and repeated her performance as Pearl rolled her eyes." ""Dang it all!" someone in the back shouted. "Givin’ a prize for somethin’ as queer as a boat! What is this contest comin’ too?" Pippin and his group clapped harder and Saradoc glared back into the crowd and said loudly, "If you’re ever in water up to your ears you’ll wish you had a boat!" There was laughter as someone else shouted, "You tell ‘em Saradoc!" " ""Thank you, Samwise that is most generous of you," Mister Tunnely said. "I do think that this celebration should be for you and your student. You did the job that I should have done and did it admirably." He shook hands with a very surprised Sam. "Still, in a way you’re responsible for it all," Pippin said brightly. "If you hadn’t quit then I never would have got Sam for my tutor." Pippin grinned up at Mister Tunnely completely unaware that his remark was in any way offensive. "You should come to dinner too." Merry snickered. "I love it when he says things like that." Frodo groaned, rapped Merry on the head and walked over to Mister Tunnely. "You are welcome to join us, Tobias and so is your student who built that fine-looking headboard. Come to dinner and let us bury the hatchet or in this case, the hammer." " " "That one has a very forgiving nature," Mister Tunnely said. "That is just one of the reasons why we are all so protective of him and so very proud of him," Frodo said with a smile. " " "If it’s all right with everyone, I should like to give my wheelbarrow to the hobbit that I have wanted to give it to since I started working on it," Pippin said. "Well, since I started working on it with Sam, anyway." "Go ahead, Pippin," Frodo said. Pippin pushed the wheelbarrow over and parked it next to a rather surprised Hamfast Gamgee. "Here Mister Gamgee, I want you to have this," he said. "Me?" the Gaffer asked. "Well, what did I do to deserve this fine gift?" "Well, I think you may be one of the reasons that Sam let me build it," Pippin grinned. "When I was explaining about the two extra wheels to Sam, he told me that he thought it would be good for someone with a bad back like yours. He said that you could use one like this and so now you have one." Hamfast looked over at Pippin and grinned. "It’s the finest present that these old bones of mine have got in some time, lad. I don’t know how to thank you." "You already have," Pippin smiled. " *******WONDERFUL!! WONDERFUL!! WONDERFUL!!********** I'm sorry to see it end in many ways. This has been such a joy to read. Thank you for such a wonderful (have I mentioned that it's wonderful?) story!!

Mum's the Word · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I've loved every minute -- er, sentence -- of this lovely story. And you've wrapped it up very nicely, with forgiveness, wisdom, friendship, gifts, and of course lots of hobbity food. Excellent job, GW! I hate to see it end, but you've given it a perfect ending. Hugs and blessings, Mum

SlightlyTookish · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

A great conclusion to a wonderful story! I'm sad to see this one end but this final chapter was very nice. It's so good to see Pippin recognized for his improvement, and Sam awarded for being such a good instructor.

Julie · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

I knew it!!!! I knew Pippin was going to give his wheelbarrow to the Gaffer!! I figured it would be either the Gaffer, Sam, or in some weird twist, Tobias Tunnely. I was really hoping for the Gaffer & you even added an extra reason that I didn't think of as to why he should have it--his bad back. I also enjoyed how it was Sam's reward to not have to worry about his father laboring anymore. This chapter was perfect--the way you set the tone, the characters, the peanut gallery comments during the contest, everything. I liked the interaction of Pearl & Pimpernel with their brother; Merry, Estella, Fredegar; the Gaffer & Mr. Grubb; and all the rest of the hobbits. Absolutely LOVED your Gaffer. I also really enjoyed how Berilac finally got his commuppence & how he did apologize to poor Frodo. I just want to say how much I've enjoyed this beautifully written tale from start to finish. I cannot wait to read whatever you come up with next. I don't know if you have anything planned, but I wouldn't mind something with the Gaffer in it again, or Berilac, or Frodo. Hmm, you could always expand & further the story between Saradoc & Frodo's carpentry lessons(hint, hint great material there in the orphaned lad & the foster Saradoc who's never had to teach. hint, hint).

pipspebble · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

A wonderful ending to a perfectly wonderful story! I just adore how Pippin has such a forgiving and generous nature, and even the old sourpusses ended up being good in the end. Thank you for such an entertaining tale. This was one of your best. And that's saying a lot! :-)

shirebound · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Yes, sir," Sam said. "I’m a gardener and I suspect that’s all I'll ever wanted to be. I like watchin’ things grow and helpin’ them on their way." "I think you’ve spent the summer doing exactly that, my friend," Frodo said coming over and putting an arm around Sam’s shoulders. "Pippin looks a bit taller than when the summer started and he certainly is on his way." Yay, what a perfect ending to a delight of a story! Thanks, GW!

Anso the Hobbit · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

Oh, yay! Happy ending! *grins from ear to ear* I just love how generous Pippin is and the Gaffer is just the perfect person for getting this wheelbarrow. I am also very happy that Sam won becuase he certainly has done a marvellous job helping Pippin. :D

Dreamflower · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

*big fat happy grin* I WAS RIGHT!!! HE GAVE IT TO THE GAFFER!!! *err..excuse me*clears throat*sorry about that* What a wonderful way to wind this up. Tunnelly did learn his lesson, and ended up being a good sport after all (though I suspect if he had not, then he might have found himself with fewer students). Berilac learned his lesson--Frodo might have been subtle, but Beri clearly knew it was because he had been out of line. I think my favorite lines were these: "Splendid!" Pippin crowed. "I have to go see if Holly can come." He dashed off. "That one has a very forgiving nature," Mister Tunnely said. "That is just one of the reasons why we are all so protective of him and so very proud of him," Frodo said with a smile. It's so good to show that large-hearted generosity and forgiveness that is such a part of Pippin. I was so pleased that Holly won--I suspected she might. The boat was a surprise, but should not have been. Pippin winning for his innovation, and Sam's win as best tutor could not have been better! The impromptu feast was fun, and I loved the touch of Pippin buying the coat-stool. Well, if it had to be over, it ended with just the right notes. But I will say I would love for you to do some more stories with Frodo more prominent, as you did him marvelously in this, and I would also like to see some more Sam/Pippin interaction--maybe not so long as this, but I can see Sam teaching him a few other things a lad needs to know. I loved Larner's little story that incorporated yours. I'd also love to see you do a little something post-Quest, where maybe Sam and Pippin talk about this particular summer and what it meant to Pippin. What great fun this has been? Now what will I have to look forward to from you?

harrowcat · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 20: Part 20

I am sorry that I haven't been reviewing GW but, truth be told I left reading your story because I was following a number of others and just didn't have time. However, I spent all Sunday evening and a lot of Sunday night catching up with a very happy grin on my face most of the time. Now I have a sore back from sitting too long so can I put myself down for one of the wheelbarrows please! I figured that the reason Pippin didn't want to sleep in that bed was because he had 'borrowed' the bed slats to replace the wood he had cut and ruined for his first creation! Your idea was much more inventive! And the whole story beautifully summed up in the last sentence or two! Loved it!

PIppinfan1988 · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 19: Part 19

ROTFL!!!! Oh, weren't you just so funny! There I was, trapped at work and not a toffee apple to be found in the place!! I made a mental note to read this yesterday, but got sidetracked. At least I wouldn't have choked on my jello when Merry started dragging every hobbit in the Shire to the toffee apple wagon--how many did he have? A dozen?? I'm thinking, *she's (you're) doing this on purpose*! All because I said I had a taste for toffee apples--well, young lass, its a good thing I keep an emergency stash of caramel dip in my fridge or I would have been out at the market straight after work buying a toffee apple. LOL, your Merry was making me salivate for one of *his* apples! I actually brought an apple with me to work for lunch, but was afraid to eat it because I thought it was the last one--had to make sure I had an apple for my caramel dip later on! LOL, that darned Merry! I couldn't help it--I laughed my butt off right there in the storeroom; thankfully, stick-in-the-mud was taking his lunch break outside. I have enjoyed this most excellent tale from beginning to end! LOL, that is, all the way to the toffee apples! It is *always* a complete pleasure to read a tale from Grey Wonderer! Now...if only poor little Pip can swing this contest, we'll all be sitting pretty. I am curious to see whom he's going to gift his wheelbarrow to... As usual, a fantastic chapter--thank you for sharing! Pippinfan

Andrea · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 19: Part 19

Great chapter! I'm still grinning when I think of the toffee apples and their beautiful vendor :) Pippin did a great job in answering the judges questions, and he did that in a very entertaining way! LOL! Last but not least, everything that Frodo did to Berilac was "well-earned", though I'm still wondering how he came to know of it.