Hyperactive Alex

[Zal Iterr]

Since Hyperactive Alex was posted, I've had several questions, sometimes from anonymous emails which didn't allow me to respond.  I welcome comments and questions on this story.

[Zal Iterr]

I know that tooting my horn is unseemly, but I got a very pleasant email with a review of Alex.

The writer, who wanted to remain anonymous, specifically offered to use the review for any purpose,

so I am posting it here.  Woot!

   You follow the primary rule of good science
   fiction: only one out-of-this-world plot
   element, and right at the beginning; every-
   thing else from there is straight story
   development.  And that one starting point
   is amazingly realistic.  And you avoid
   any ridiculous omniscient explanation
   at the beginning, leaving speculation as
   a sensible pair of hypotheses much later,
   after Alex has time to think and learn
   about the issue.

   Alex is gentle, good hearted, and never
   arrogant.  The obligatory high-school
   violence is minimal, and realistic; the
   later college violence is also realistic
    --- and realistically serious --- and has
   a careful buildup with the martial arts
   skills.  He's not a slut, and manages
   adult barriers with care, intelligence,
   and a realistic amount of trepidation.
   There are no ridiculous adult tyrants ---
   why should there be? --- and yet not
   everyone loves him; he does run into
   some obvious adult jealousy both in
   high school and college.

   The gradual loss of pre-college friendships
   is subtle and rings true.  You don't try
   to make Alex a champion at all school
   levels, which would be ridiculous.

   Any geek should enjoy reading of Alex's
   experience.

   You go only as far as a menage-a-trois,
   no ridiculous magic harem powers.

   The academic development has a good
   foundation, and builds realistically, with
   plenty of detail and a natural progression.