Under the Radar Rec: Jungle Fever

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

I think this is the right place to do this, but if not just let me know. I was reminded on the Pros-Lit listserv that too often the same writers and stories get recommended. There is a good reason for that, but what about all the other stories we love?

I thought I'd try this year recommending two stories a month that I haven't seen recommended very often before. These stories may be available online or only on ProsLib or in a zine. But they are all stories that I enjoy and rarely see discussed. Anyone else who wants to do an "under the radar" recommendation is welcome! But I'm committing myself. *g*

Title: Jungle Fever
Author: Hestia
Availability: The zine Unprofessional Conduct 8 (available through Gryphon Press)
Why?: After a visit with his nephews, Doyle comes down with German measles. He's been wrestling with his feelings for Bodie and, in a fevered delirium, he mixes up the book he'd been reading to his nephews with his life with Bodie. Bodie, meanwhile, checks in on Doyle, since he hasn't been answering the phone. He gets the doctor round, takes care of Doyle...and they both discover that its time for dreams and reality to merge.

He heard the click as the receiver was replaced then felt the sensation of something cool on his forehead. Slowly, he opened his eyes and saw Bodie's face bent over him. Of course.

Out of nowhere, anxiety gripped him. He felt the need, urgently, to tell Bodie how important he was, how it would devastate him if he left, but the power of speech seemed to have abandoned him. His mouth felt clumsy and distanced, his brain empty of sense. He began to panic as the words refused to form. There had to be something he could say to keep Bodie by his side. Had to be.

Bodie must have sensed his distress because he caught the weakly-grasping hand and held it firmly. And all of a sudden, the words were there.

"We be of one blood, thou and I," he murmured. Yes...

"Course we are, sunshine," Bodie said softly. The words went over his head but the affection reassured him. Bodie would stay now. Content, he turned his face into the pillow and fell easily into sleep.

Comments

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh, excellent idea, and just the place to do it too! *vbg* I'm hoping to get back into reading and reccing stories as well, and it's an excellent idea to go for ones that we don't see mentioned as often!

Lovely first choice too - the Unpro zines are brilliant, with some lovely little stories, and I do like this one by Hestia! Thank you!

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Ah, great! I'm glad to have a place to do this. So, okay, two a month. I can handle two a month. Maybe more if I get really ambitious. *g*

Yes, the Unpro zines are brilliant. I've never regretted the money for any of them, and I go back to them often.

[callistosh65.livejournal.com]

Oh me oh my.. I see another cheque winging its way to Sara..*g* This sounds like *just* my kind of story! Thanks for the teaser, and I like your idea of 'under the radar' recs very much, so I'll try to come up with some as well.

I've already got one in mind, actually, a curious one-off that was sent to me with a box of other stories. I'll hunt it out since I've never come across anything by that author again and I very much enjoyed it.

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Well, yes, now you have me tremendously curious! I'm so glad you like the idea and might play along. This is also my cunning way of make it a responsibility--a duty to reread Pros stories every month.... *g*

I think you'd like this story very much, along with all of Hestia's stories. She has a delightful view of the lads.

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

I like the summary you've given me. I've found a listing for the other stories in the zine, and I'd be interested in a rundown of them with a bit more detail if possible. Thanks!

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Well..I'm not sure what to tell you. All the stories are enjoyable. Given some of your preferences, you'd probably not enjoy the Kate MacLean as much as the others, but...you know I just don't think you'd go wrong with this one, really. I'm thinking of reccing both "Future Imperfect" and "I Spy" in future posts. Hmm, and maybe "Mrs Doyle and the Vicar's Rabbit" (which sounds crazy but is very enjoyable. *g*)

[probodie.livejournal.com]

OM. Now I really need to get more UC from Sara.

LOL

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Yes! This one is truly a good zine.

[miwahni.livejournal.com]

What a fantastic idea. I hesitate to outlay on zines sometimes as I've been disappointed in the past so recs like this are positively helpful.

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

And there are other good stories in this one. Everyone has their own thresholds, of course, but I've never regretted purchasing the Unprofessional Conducts. And this is one of the most solid issues, in my opinion.

[miwahni.livejournal.com]

I've just contacted Sara re Unprofessional Conduct 8 - and ordered The Yellow Brick Road for good measure. Now to wait impatiently as zines wing their way halfway around the world....

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

She's very efficient so it shouldn't be too long. I know what it's like having to wait, though! But then the day arrives when it's there and you're holding the package in your hands, all anticipation.... *g*

[ancastar.livejournal.com]

Oh, I love this one! I don't have all the UnPros, but I've got this volume. This is one of the stories I've gone back to read multiple times. It really satisfies my h/c and sweetness kink.

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's just all around satisfying. I love all of her stories, really, and wish she'd written more in Pros.

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

I'm light years behind on this, but I just came across a mention of this story and in trying to find out more about it, I found this rec.

Can someone please post a link to Gryphon Press for the uninitiated? ;)
I've searched and googled, but can't find where to order this zine.

Or is this story likely to be archived online soon?

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Hello! Yes, sorry about that. You can find a list of publishers and contact information at The Hatstand: http://hatstand.slashcity.net/zineinfo/1agents.html

Just look for Gryphon Press there. There's just an email contact. You'll find other publishers there as well, if you're interested in Pros zines!

As far as I know, this story won't be available online ever.

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

I've written to Sara to find out about availability and cost.