Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

If I had a Hammer  by Grey Wonderer 9 Review(s)
good_one_pipReviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/25/2005
It's funny and irritating how evil Merry can be to Pip's face, and then someone else says something the least bit mean about Pip, and they have to deal with the wrath of Merry.

Author Reply: Just like most family and close friends, it's alright for Merry to talk about Pip but no one else better try it. LOL Talk about a double standard!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/20/2005
This is terrific.

Sam, practical as always, is quick to see the advantages of Pip's idea. And Sam's enthusiasm should help Pip's confidence a bit.

And I love the encounter with Merry and the Gaffer. Merry may be a bit ticked at Pippin himself, but don't let anyone *else* say anything about him, LOL!

Poor Gaffer. I think he's a bit lonesome.

Author Reply: I don't write Sam often and so I was worried about him in this story but so far he seems to be staying in character. I am having fun with the Gaffer though. Sam makes me nervous but the Gaffer is loads of fun! He is a bit lonely but he's had lots of visitors lately. And yes, Merry won't stand for anyone else picking on Pip. Glad you like this one.

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/17/2005
Between you, me and this here desk, this is one fine story :)

Author Reply: LOL I am so glad to hear it! Thanks for reading.

PIppinfan1988Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/8/2005
Ah! My sweet Merry is finally waking up! Pippin an inventor?? This is an excellent turn of events. For as much as I imagine Pippin a very clever lad, until now, I never thought of him as an inventor. I do love your Sam! He talks to young, inexperienced Pippin without putting on airs. A most excellent tale! Waiting for more...or shall I head on over to LJ and get No. 5?? ;-) Hey, gotta have something to read at lunch tomorrow... Thanks for a great chapter!

Pippinfan

Author Reply: Hey, thank you for reading! They say that necessity is the mother of invention and I believe that after finding some loads a bit too heavy to manage, Pippin simply came up with a plan. Merry is having a change of heart. As to your lunch reading, I am putting part 5 over here in a minute or two. If you print, I'd suggest doing it from here because the font on LJ went totally screwy on me for part 5 and it refused to behave. Thanks for the review and I am so glad that you like Sam.

MaidenofValinorReviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/8/2005
heh. I like Gaffer. that apple cobbler sounds so gooddddd. I shouldn't read when I'm hungry....

Author Reply: I think I must have been hungry when I wrote that part. LOL Glad you like the Gaffer. He is becoming one of my favorites to write lately.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/8/2005
“Just between you and me, Master Pippin,” Sam said in a low tone. “Them what does the teachin’ don’t always have all the answers.”

Sam's comments are really great - and wise. That statement is so true!

Well, it seems Merry needed old Gaffer Gamgee to see clear. Now he will come to Pippin's aid, I'm sure. He can never be angry with his adored little cousin for long, as is also true for Frodo :)

Thank you, G. W. !

Author Reply: Thank you for reading and taking the time to review. I am glad that you are enjoying this one. I do think that Merry is starting to come around now.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/8/2005
This is probably just what Merry needs to bring him onside! If he can be fighting for Pippin against the world, he can forget the disappointment of being discarded in favour of Sam as carpentry trainer.

And Sam is, truly, the best candidate for helping Pippin learn. He can listen - and give credit where it is due - and let Pippin try things. And, if he can learn to wield a sword effectively for Boromir, I'm sure he's capable of learning to hammer a nail and use tools properly.

This is a fun ride.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/7/2005
Not realizing they have a far better teacher who is both braver and better able to manage Pippin in that barn with him at the moment.

Pippin talking, hammer in hand, is quite the image to have in mind. Sam has his work more than cut out for him, doesn't he?

Author Reply: Ah yes, but Sam is fearless isn't he? Well, let's hope he is anyway. Pip and that hammer are a receipe for danger.

AuntiemeeshReviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/7/2005
What a sweet story. You've done such a good job with the psychology of it all, Pippin feeling young and insecure about the fact that everyone else is out of school, as it were, while he's still going through all the awkwardness of adolescence, and Merry being of no help because he's still young enough to feel left out and resentful. Thank goodness for the steadying presence of Sam. I can't wait to see how this all works out. :)

Author Reply: Thank you. Glad you like it. I was nervous about Sam as I don't write him often. More over the weekend.

Return to Chapter List