"Strange Currencies" (A Kurtofsky Fanfic) Complete
"Part of me wants to say, "Fuck you," and the other part wants to hug you."
(Dr. Glitterbear, fan fiction dot net review)
"This is now my head canon for Glee S3. All that I wanted to see about Dave and his journey, you wrote."
(Papa Bear, tumblr post)
"You put the GLEE writers to shame with your amazing dialogue and characterizations."
(maryd828, fan fiction dot net review)
"From now on, I'll consider this to be how the events unfolded after On My Way. Screw the canon, this is how it is, period."
(Spooky Bibi, fan fiction dot net review)
"Strange Currencies is, for me, the quintessential David Karofsky story."
(CPB NYC, fan fiction dot net review)
Read "Strange Currencies" here.
More reviews:
I have Kurtofsky Feelings....
because of the last Chapter of Strange Currencies ;___;
Can we just forget Season 3 and rewrite it like that? Because it’s just perfect………
(lassandra tumblr post)
GAH
OMG RUGBERN’S NEWEST CHAPTER OF STRANGE CURRENCIES!!!
I AM LAUGHING AND GRINNING LIKE A TOTAL IDIOT. SERIOUSLY THIS MADE MY DAY!
THE FEELS FOR THIS CHAPTER.
(g-ghostly hauntings tumblr post)
THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU for such an amazing story. Can't put into words what the experience of reading it has been for me. This is now my head canon for Glee S3. All that I wanted to see about Dave and his journey, you wrote. THANK YOU from the bottom of my big ghey heart.
(Papa Bear tumblr post)
Such a wonderful story; I can't begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed this. You put the GLEE writers to shame with your amazing dialogue and characterizations. As far as I am concerned, this is how things really happened, and whatever is on the TV show is AU. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into this. Long live Kurtofsky!
(maryd828 9/10/12 . chapter 42, fan fiction dot net review)
From now on, I'll consider this to be how the events unfolded after On My Way. Screw the canon, this is how it is, period. It's going to remain one of those fics that I'll be remembering years from now. Thank you so much for the 350 000 words that took me on such a fantastic journey and basically fixed everything that went wrong on the show.
(Spooky Bibi 9/9/12 . chapter 42, fan fiction dot net review)
This was beautiful and real. I just plain can't get over how amazing it really was. Thank you for creating such a beautiful story and thank you for being such an awesome pirate. Your partner is one lucky fellow. I hope you keep writing for the Kurtofsky fandom, but if this ends up being your only work then at least it was great. Once again, thank you.
(OurEchoes 9/9/12 . chapter 42, fan fiction dot net review)
I love your writing. It's such a great story without all the trashy-ness that usually accompanies a fic on this website. Really, so well done.
(DarkestAngel13 8/23/12 . chapter 39, fan fiction dot net review)
Strange Currencies is, for me, the quintessential David Karofsky story. Like you, it was Kurtofsky that got me watching Glee in the first place... any story that did right by Dave would be okay by me. You gave readers so much more with this story. Your development of Dave makes the show's character look like a sparse outline. All your characters, both canon and your original characters, are all beautifully developed, but you gave Dave fans something really special... I just want you to know how much this story means to at least one fan who was invested in the original story arc and felt seriously jilted at how it was handled on the show. I detested what they did, I thought how they handled it was disgusting in more ways than one... I admire your writing - the style and language, very well done. The story line is excellent and flows beautifully throughout. Every chapter is interesting and special in some way; there are no dead spots or anything that doesn't seem to fit. I love your imagination and creativity, taking the characters places that would not occur to most of us, and providing the details to make it vivid and real. I especially admired the fact that you kept it believable and didn't give in to any temptation to augment or omit any of the unpleasantness - you made it work well and it made for a more powerful story.
(CPB NYC 8/17/12 . chapter 38, fan fiction dot net review)
It always amazes me how you build engaging, rounded characters, how you take the time and care to do this for all of them, even the minor ones. You don't just give us a Kurtofsky story, you give us a whole universe.
(Spooky Bibi 8/16/12 . chapter 37, fan fiction dot net review)
I actually made a futile attempt to read one of your chapters while at work as I had a few minutes spare (the chapter with the project in it) but only made it halfway before I got all emotional and had to stop. It's definitely not something that can just be read leisurely, but best read curled up on the sofa with a nice hot drink.
(Metamorphosis2011 8/4/12 . chapter 33, fan fiction dot net review)
Man, you did it again. I have fallen in love with this story more times than one, and these chapters have me doing it every other paragraph. I can not wait until the end, I'm sure it will be just as great as the rest of the whole story. But at the same time, I never want it to end cause honestly this is my weakness! Please, write like your life depended on it!
(KaroBear 7/26/12 . chapter 35, fan fiction dot net review)
I don't even know where to start. I had to sleep on it because I was so emotionally engaged after reading this chapter that I thought I wouldn't be able to write a coherent review. I underestimated the power of this chapter... It's been days and the scenes still play in my mind. It's so rare that I'm haunted by a story this way, rare and precious... It was so perfectly described and evocative, I got goosebumps... This chapter finished convincing me that this fic should be a proper book. It is so far better than a simple fandom project. There is nothing amateurish about it. Actually, the way it's built, the pacing, the endless knowledge you have of the characters, it all scream professional writing to me... I thoroughly appreciated how you made Dave and Kurt both grow to know and love each other the way you did. Neither is perfect, it's not just a simple infatuation, it doesn't come from feelings of gratitude or obsession. It's just the natural order of things for them to go this next step. The most wonderful thing is that it doesn't feel predictable, rather a hope finally fulfilled.
(Spooky Bibi posting as Guest 7/22/12 . chapter 34, fan fiction dot net review)
One of my other favorite things about the last few chapters is Kurt enjoying how Dave makes him feel like a man - this is total headcanon for me - and I especially loved the idea that Kurt had maybe just been 'excluded' from typically-masculine pursuits for so long that he just stopped questioning his own choices. These characters started in canon as such basic archetypes - what I love most about this pairing is that they absolutely would challenge each other (as well as those around them), and you've captured that so perfectly here.
(louisestrange 7/22/12 . chapter 34, fan fiction dot net review)
Cheese and rice on a stick! You said time and thoughtful approach - how did you get here knowing you had this chapter in mind since the beginning? I read it three times and onto my fourth. It was so right on. I screamed "FINALLY!"... And it wasn't a bad "FINALLY." It was a you both have grown so much that it works now for you to be in a relationship. Kurt, you are past being arrogant, and Dave has his mental issues handled and that he can see Kurt as a friend not on a pedestal without giving up their "teenagerish" behavior. Who ever your Dave is - he should be plenty proud of you.
(Mr. Glamour Shot 7/20/12 . chapter 34, fan fiction dot net review)
This couldn't have been more perfect. Even if you ended it here, I would be content. Brilliant. I tip my metaphorical hat to you for this amazing story. Thank you for writing it.
(mugglerock 7/19/12 . chapter 34, fan fiction dot net review)
Seriously, if the show itself could have pulled this storyline off with just a fraction of the depth and delicacy you have here, Max would've had that Emmy nomination!
(louisestrange 7/20/12 . chapter 26, fan fiction dot net review)
You know that term "flailing" that a lot of the fangirl/boy types use? They're always "flailing" about...oh, and "squeeing", I believe. Well, I honestly thought I was entirely too mature and cool for that kind of thing...I'm a grown-ass woman, for God's sake. I was so wrong... As I started reading, my grin only grew wider...there were teeth showing and everything. I think I may have even emitted a sigh or two. Then, at about the midpoint of the chapter, my mouth emitted a sound that I could only assume was a "squee"...it was alarmingly high-pitched and I had to quickly look around to make sure that no one had heard me. This was quickly followed by the flailing thing...my hands actually flapped a bit. What on Earth? This story has meant so much more to me (and I daresay, anyone whose had the pleasure of reading it) than the culmination of the romantic portion, but this chapter was everything I could have hoped for these two. Would you mind terribly continuing to write this through until their old age? I'm always going to want to know more of their story and you are the perfect storyteller.
(LisaLamb posting as Guest 7/20/12 . chapter 34, fan fiction dot net review)
Your portrayal of Dave continues to be remarkable. What I liked the most is how the circumstances in this chapter make him grow, help him become a real inspiration and model to people... It feels genuine, that he could have this kind of resonance with people. The best part has to be how he doesn't fully realize his influence, yet he doesn't shy away from it either. A very realistic reaction, very relatable too. I also appreciate the fact that Kurt doesn't miss a second of it. Moreso, I adore how it is subtly changing his perception of Dave.
(Guest 7/16/12 . chapter 33, fan fiction dot net review)
...your portrayal of Dave is so heartbreakingly well done, and your Kurt is the one I want to see in canon. All of the characters here are entirely engaging... Your handling of not just Dave, but his friends' reaction to him, after the suicide attempt I feel is particularly realistic and well-handled. It's by far one of the best I've read. I also adore the fractured timeline and it works so well in this story - it shows a real level of skill that most would struggle to pull off with any degree of success.
(louisestrange 7/19/12 . chapter 19, fan fiction dot net review)
Dave's handling of Sebastian was flawless! It was like a fine dessert after a good meal. It makes me wish I could have been as eloquent with Attitude Queens Past.
(jester2vri 7/16/12 . chapter 33, fan fiction dot net review)
This is a real masterpiece. The story, its structure, the level of details in every character (canon or original), every aspect of this fic is spectacular. It's both epic and intimate and I've rarely seen a fic draw me in so quickly and so deeply... What's even more memorable is your portrayal of Dave. At first I thought he was a little too good, too mature or grown-up, in his attitude and in his speech. Then it got me thinking about how many teens like him I knew in high school. People who would be actually quite smart and knowledgeable, but felt more comfortable hiding it and playing dumb, for fear of teasing or simply to fit in with the cool crowd. In the end, it's very believable that Dave would try to accept every side of his personality at Thurston. He could have easily been pretending at McKinley, not just about his sexuality but also about his interests. Through his journey, you're conveying a much broader message of self-acceptance... I have to commend you on your work with your OCs. Gretchen, Johnno, Sean, Rupert, Lorraine, just to name a few, are all well-rounded, realistic characters. None of them feel superfluous and they all bring this story to a higher level of complexity and creativeness.
(Spooky Bibi 7/15/12 . chapter 32, fan fiction dot net review)
The Kurt and Dave moments were amazing. Can not wait for the next one you are Awesome.
(PowerLad 7/5/12 . chapter 29, fan fiction dot net review)
Another stellar chapter...every bit was completely believable and well fleshed out. Your characters are so nuanced and imperfect, without ever coming off as simple caricatures...and when they're at the tops of their games, they're downright dreamy. Please stop whatever it is that keeps you from writing fulltime... I need this in daily doses.
(LisaLamb 7/5/12 . chapter 29, fan fiction dot net review)
*squeals*
I can't.
This chapter.
Just ugh.
Love, love, love.
(The-Darkness-Befalls 7/19/12 . chapter 34, fan fiction dot net review)
This story is amazing and a real treat to read. The backstory you created for Dave leading up to his suicide is very believable and has a very good build up. His struggles are so palatable it hurts at times. Despite all his positive steps his fears and past still haunt him and I can relate on a very personal level to his pain and that thinking of withdrawing yourself from people might somehow help to solve the problem but all it ends up doing is make you feel even more isolated. On that note, you actually managed to make my cry in this chapter. I can get very emotional when reading good fiction but I rarely ever cry... The development in the friendship between Dave and Kurt is beautifully written and paced and Kurt and Blaine's struggles are also portrayed very realistically.
(Metamorphosis2011 7/2/12 . chapter 28, fan fiction dot net review)
Even the little Sean and Kurt conversations are written so well, I feel I'm actually watching the show. I wish you had been a writer, this would have made the show so much better. Please, like always continue writing!
(KaroBear 6/29/12 . chapter 28, fan fiction dot net review)
Seeing Dave on the road to, at the very least, contentment, has been an enormous gift and anyone with a lick of sense is reading this fic and exceedingly grateful for it.
(LisaLamb 6/26/12 . chapter 27, fan fiction dot net review)
The sheer, emotional way you write is a testament to this story. I'm forever grateful for choosing to read this story.
(KaroBear 6/23/12 . chapter 26, fan fiction dot net review)
Wonderful chapter, dark but wonderful all the same. I felt Dave's fear rising as viscerally as he must have. I'm thoroughly unsettled right now, just as when 'On My Way' aired. Great job!
(jester2vri 6/23/12 . chapter 26, fan fiction dot net review)
Wow. You filled in the back story perfectly. I never noticed before how real the characters seem. Looking forward to the rest of the story.
(Liam the lemming 6/23/12 . chapter 26, fan fiction dot net review)
It's been awhile since a fanfic has reduced me to tears. You've filled in the void left by the show in such a brutal and devastating way. Part of me wants to say, "Fuck you," and the other part wants to hug you. Thanks.
(Dr. Glitterbear 6/22/12 . chapter 26, fan fiction dot net review)
I'm finding the pace here very realistic and it's making this fic so enjoyable to read. Typically, I find the stories that take place during their high school years to be difficult to swallow...usually due to what I consider to be unrealistic character development. But this story is so perfectly balancing what we know in canon about these characters and what we can assume or postulate from there that I am completely sold that this is what SHOULD have happened on the show itself...including the backstory on David's senior year. Thank you for satisfying my need to know what became of this multi-faceted character after the events of OMW.
(LisaLamb 6/15/12 . chapter 23, fan fiction dot net review)
Love the last two chapters. I really liked the way you handled Dave and Kurt's encounter at Scandals without retelling it once again. Love the way you are filling all the spaces between what we saw.
(jester2vri 6/12/12 . chapter 22, fan fiction dot net review)
I am really loving the updates for this story. I like how you're weaving it, with the past and the present, and how it's all coming together.
(usernamebingo 6/12/12 . chapter 22, fan fiction dot net review)
Most of the time when a story has this many chapters, I get bored with it and wanna scream, "Get to the point!". This story, on the other hand, I want to wrap myself in it's blanket of beauty and dream forever. It just gets better and better.
(Dr. Glitterbear 6/11/12 . chapter 21, fan fiction dot net review)
I like the way you're slowly building an animosity between Dave and his team mates. The hostility demonstrated in 'On my way' has to come from somewhere. I like him wandering into Scandals on Halloween, that's always a huge night here, lots of people you only see a few times a year.
(jester2vri 5/20/12 . chapter 17, fan fiction dot net review)
There aren't enough words to convey just how magnificent this story is thus far. One of the best fictions I have read, not to mention the best post suicide attempt Dave centric story out there. Magnificent.
(mugglerock 5/7/12 . chapter 13, fan fiction dot net review)
... (I) just wanted to praise the way in which you're developing this beautiful story... I have to tell you that many chapters made me cry, is just the way in which you tell Dave's story is so honest and raw... just thank you for telling this much needed part of Dave's journey. And btw, your original characters are FAR, FAR, so FAR BETTER than any of that new canon characters thrown by RIB(6) through this horrible season... your work with Gretchen, Sean and the other kids has been great and I just want to encourage you to keep writing, because this fic is quality.
(wolffbear 5/5/12 . chapter 12, fan fiction dot net review)