I was exactly the same way when I read it for the first time years ago, and every time I re-read it, I end up in the same emotional state. For those who haven't finished yet, I just hope you aren't disappointed with the abrupt ending. Definitely read the JW chat log, as that provides a bit of closure.
I am going to go out on a limb and guess you have never been in a fraternity, military, or similar. The hard times are not about the abuse (although you can find guys that relish dishing it out, its not a majority), but about the bonding between men. True bonds are not forged playing board games, or attending polite parties. True bonds are forged through adversity and sticking together. Its the “holy shit, I can’t believe we did that” factor. You see it in war and you see it in the fraternities that truly value those bonds. When you bare your naked body, sleep together in a wet or muddy place, tackle major projects together, etc. you develop deep understanding, trust and comfort with other guys. And, it feels good when you stop.
Ok in the military that makes sense because you face life and death situations. But why would you create that artificially? No one likes or wants war. Why would you ever face war-time conditions when you didn't have to? If they want to have relationships like soldiers, why not join the army? They're college-age, they're in the prime of the recruitment window.
They were rechartered in 1995. Also, Rutgers is equidistant between NYC and Philly. Plus, the park where they had the camping trip is Hickory Run SP, two hours from Rutgers.
He mentioned later that he became the first openly gay president of the frat. Can you track who he might be/confirm that based on this information?
I haven't yet been able to determine this information
I'm curious how you're sure that the camping trip took place at Hickory Run State Park? Was there something mentioned in that chapter that pointed to that specific park?
Hey look at that we are having a civil discussion on LPSG, who would've thought?!@daRose - Agree on everything you mentioned about FM. The last update that JW wrote (more like glossed over) about messing around with Adam definitely felt rushed and you could tell he was holding back on writing out the details (or maybe he just couldn't do it emotionally... who knows). It always felt like with Kevin, at least he got the closure he needed and later on knew exactly who he was dealing with. But with Adam, it really felt like an unfinished story that never got a fair chance or proper closure. You could sense the regret. I think that specific relationship in FM always gets to me.
One thing though - I do want to push back just a little about your issue with people digging into the real life JW - although I want to make clear that I'm not trying start any type of flame war here (lord knows there's enough of that on lpsg). But the fact that we're on a website where people routinely get off on leaked nudes, baits, and discussing very personal details about famous and not-so-famous people kind of negates your point. However... I also get it, JW clearly didn't want to be in the public eye, especially towards the end, and he make it quite obvious that he didn't want to discuss or engage in conversations about his personal life anymore. All that being said, I don't plan on posting any further speculation about who he is. However, I'm also not going to judge others for doing so.
