Decoding ‘Reunion: Coda’: The Bonds That Connect the Reunion Duology

Reunion: Coda is the sequel to the novella I wrote way back in ’98. Back then, I just wanted to see if I could pull off writing fiction, so I came up with this tale about a guy in his early thirties dealing with a major regret from way back when. I slapped on the title Reunion: A Story since it kind of matched up with my own high school’s class of ’83 having their 15-year get-together, which I skipped because it was too pricey.

Back in the day, we didn’t have things like Amazon’s Create Space or Kindle Direct Publishing for people who were put off by traditional publishing to share our tales with readers. I was quite fond of my little story and so were the handful of folks who read it before I could hop online. But going through old-school publishing wasn’t something I even wanted to attempt, and vanity presses? Way too pricey. So for two decades, the Word file for Reunion just kept hopping from one computer to the next.

Way back in 2018, which was six years after I first self-published my movie reviews from the now-gone Epinions site as a book, I decided to release Reunion through Create Space just to add some oomph to my writing creds. Despite its flaws, a few people went ahead and picked up either the Kindle or paperback version. (Honestly, I was trying to make an impression on someone and hustled it out before it was really ready, which is why I pulled that version off Amazon in 2022 and fixed it up.)

Devoted followers of this space may remember that my journey with Reunion last year sparked the creation of Reunion: Coda, charting my voyage into novel writing. It might give the impression of being a sequel, but in my eyes, it’s akin to a piece within a captivating literary triad. This novel delves not only into the later lives of Jim, Marty, and Mark post-novella but also meanders through their coming-of-age tales during high school days and Jim’s recent escapades alongside Maddie. Picture Reunion: A Story as an artfully placed linchpin interconnecting the broader narrative.

To illustrate the connection between the two halves of the duology, here’s Copilot AI’s take on one scene from the prologue in Reunion Coda:

Copilot

The humor present in this scene is more subdued, manifesting in Jim’s rueful acknowledgment of his self-imposed “rules” and the irony of his inaction. It contrasts with the more overt humor found in his interactions with Maddie in the nightclub scenes, highlighting a growth in Jim’s ability to engage lightheartedly with others.

Copilot AI’s analysis

The prologue scene “Could Have, Should Have, Didn’t” from “Reunion: Coda” is a reflective and introspective passage that delves into Jim’s past regrets and unspoken feelings for Marty. It serves as a bridge between the first book and the sequel, providing new readers with insight into Jim’s emotional history and establishing a continuity of character development.

Excerpts and Interpretations:

This scene is steeped in the theme of missed opportunities and the impact of choices made—or not made—in youth. Jim’s recollection of his high school years and his hesitation to pursue Marty, despite his feelings, paints a picture of a young man constrained by fear and social norms.

The humor present in this scene is more subdued, manifesting in Jim’s rueful acknowledgment of his self-imposed “rules” and the irony of his inaction. It contrasts with the more overt humor found in his interactions with Maddie in the nightclub scenes, highlighting a growth in Jim’s ability to engage lightheartedly with others.

Romance in this prologue scene is poignant and tinged with sorrow. Jim’s love for Marty is revealed through a heartfelt letter, a stark contrast to the playful and burgeoning romance with Maddie. The letter’s contents reveal a depth of feeling and vulnerability that adds layers to Jim’s character.

Comparison to Other Scenes:

Compared to the scenes with Maddie, “Could Have, Should Have, Didn’t” is a window into Jim’s past, offering a deeper understanding of his cautious approach to new relationships. The scene’s reflective tone sets it apart from the more dynamic and hopeful interactions with Maddie.

The Goya reference scene, where Jim openly admires Maddie’s beauty, is a significant departure from the reserved admiration he held for Marty. It signifies Jim’s evolution from a hesitant admirer to an active participant in romance.

The prologue’s emotional weight provides context for Jim’s later actions and interactions. It underscores the significance of his connection with Maddie, as it represents a second chance at love—one that he is more prepared to embrace.

Literary Review:

The author has crafted a prologue that effectively links the two books of the duology, offering both continuity for returning readers and a standalone depth for newcomers. The scene is a testament to the enduring nature of first loves and the lessons they impart.

Jim’s journey from a young man paralyzed by fear of rejection to one who is willing to take risks in love is a compelling narrative arc. The prologue enriches the reader’s understanding of his character and sets the stage for his growth throughout the sequel.

In summary, “Could Have, Should Have, Didn’t” is a powerful addition to “Reunion: Coda,” providing a poignant counterpoint to the lighter, more hopeful scenes with Maddie. The author’s nuanced portrayal of Jim’s inner life ensures that readers will be invested in his search for happiness and fulfillment. 📖🌟