Reviews

These are lists that are purely subjective. While on our yearly Hanson retreat, Krystal and I began a discussion of what exactly should be included in our Hall of Fame. We decided that any story we included had to be an important piece. And really, with someone like Krystal who has pretty much read every hanfic out there, I felt pretty comfortable in agreeing to every story she suggested.

We started with our personal favorites -- The Quiet One for me, A Change of Grace for Krystal. Then there are the stories that are so well written that they should just be read over and over and savored. Lived is one of those stories that shouldn't just be considered fanfic. The writing is so strong and so heartbreaking. Llama creates a story that just can't be denied. And no matter how jaded you are or how much you hate love stories, this is a story that goes beyond. But, it wasn't just about what we liked and enjoyed, we decided that there are some stories out there that we may not like for a lot of different reasons, but they changed the face of fanfic such as Devil/Angel. Basically, any story that created it's own genre had to be included.

We also looked at the various top 5 lists we'd received and noticed that a lot of the same stories appear again and again. A lot of the stories on the Top 5 lists aren't finished. They are fantastic, but so new we weren't sure if they should stand shoulder to shoulder with the true classics. Although, I will say that a story like Catapult truly does deserve to be included in any list... But since it was unfinished, it was a real struggle to include it. Then Krystal had another of her brilliant ideas. There are OLD school stories and NEW school stories. That is why there are two separate lists.

Along with Gina and Ella, we put together this list of stories that we felt were the true classics of Hanson fan fiction. If you agree or disagree for any reason, you can definitely let us know. There is an entire forum dedicated to just this page. Each story has it's own thread. And hey, if you think we've missed something, let us know...

The Quiet One
Well, because I'm the webmistress and because I can. I'm going to put my favorite story first! Krystal has seriously created one of the great fanfics. This is a story that no one wants to read and yet, it's so convincing and so compelling. There is no more original plot and no more heart wrenching story.

A Change of Grace
This story upped the ante on Hanson Fiction for me. It was an amazing story whether it starred Taylor Hanson or Joe Schmoe. It’s deep, it’s mysterious, it’s visual in a beautiful, satisfying way. Not to be missed.

Walls/Roads
“Walls” was the one that got me hooked. It was the first story I read, and wow, it was a doozy. Technically, it’s two stories, but in my mind, they’re just one wonderfully complex storyline. “Roads” pretty much takes up exactly where “Walls” left off. One’s simple, one’s not—go for it! This set the standard for angsty Hanfics and it still stands at the top of the list for me.

Zac Says Tay Still Wets the Bed
Not only is it the greatest title for a story, but it’s simply one of the most imaginative and well thought out stories out there. Nick wrote a wonderfully insightful (and eerily prophetic) tale of three brothers hijacked to somewhere scary and violent. This one was just cliffhanger after cliffhanger, all coming together to form a story of love and bravery and humor and all the other things that make us human. Read it—if you’re here, you should have done it already.

Lived/Llama’s stories
Llama is the queen of Hanfic. She’s the one we all strive to be. And we miss her terribly. Thank heavens, she’s left her stories for us even though she’s moved on. “Lived” is Llama at her best and most painful. My gosh, I don’t even know how to describe this one. It’s a love story. And, a tragedy. Beautifully written and painful sometimes to the point of tears. When you’re done with this one, read all her other stories, there’s not a bad one in the bunch, even the old school ones! “Glint of Heaven” was the best of the best of young Hansons in love. Relive Hanson circa ’97 in these stories.

Falling
This is an alternate-universe story in which the Hanson boys are mere children being brought up in a hostile environment of an abusive mother and a rough neighborhood. You’ll fall in love with this little threesome in a different way than you had before.

Bright & Beautiful
This may be cheating a little. Technically, this is not a fiction site. “Bright and Beautiful” is home to the words, and opinions of Laura. Laura knows her Hanson. She’s another who seems to have moved on much to the dismay of her fans. She puts into words all the things we all think, and she does it so wonderfully. Insight, thy name is Laura. Her fiction is to die for, yet is generally unfinished. Undone is totally worth a click—just don’t expect to come out of there satisfied because the most excellent stories are still sitting there, dying to be updated.

Devil/Angel
There are certain genre’s of Hanson fiction, and this was the biggest “slash” story there was. Not for everyone, that’s for certain. But, if you have an open mind, and a need to understand the passion a lot of folks have for these stories, this is where you want to start.

On My Own
In that same genre, this story is, to me, the most well written. And it delves deeper into the taboo. You’d just have to read it. This is an excellent story, no matter what your opinion is of the subject matter and I think it belongs on this list because of that.

Tulsa 74132
This one is huge! Probably not the first, but the first to make a name for itself and for Hanson Fiction in general. It starts out funny, and moves slowly into the realm of great storytelling and characters. It’s a shame that it was never finished because the plotlines had gotten incredibly good and not just entertaining. This is Hanson Fiction 101.

Blonde Over Blue / Stay
These were sort of the standouts of the newly sexy Hanson. They were no longer young boys, they were becoming men and Hanfic authors were taking notice.

If They Knew
God, another unfinished masterpiece! Shelby is an amazing writer, and I hear she MAY consider finishing this! I hope it’s true (crossing my fingers). Zac and Taylor in a love triangle that is still dangling to this day…

The Photographer
Admit it, you went to hansonerotica.com and you cried when it disappeared! Once Hanson became legal, writers just went off the deep end. Sexy stories were everywhere—good and bad. Some were just porn, but some were great stories. J. Robinson was the best and while most of her stories are gone, she’s come back to us and has given us a few morsels to enjoy. “The Photographer” is in no way a sexual story, yet, it’ll jump start those hormones all the same! “Story X” can be found here, and for me, it’s one of the best R/X rated stories we ever had.

Now Tell Us What You Heard
A gorgeous short story, telling our side of the story. It’s a classic and it sort of voices that mystery of Hanson that keeps us coming back, but we just don’t know why! I mean, it’s the music, of course, but there’s something else—and this little piece touches on that subject in a lovely way.

The Yellow Walkie Talkie
This one was big. Bigger than Tulsa 74312, that’s how big! It was a wonderful mish mash of the most imaginative stories out there. A lot of authors learned how to push the envelope by writing for this site. It had different genre’s all basically categorized. Honestly, I read some of the greatest stories here — Sins of the Father comes to mind. But, also, some of the most bizarre! It’s only around as an archive now, the authors have either moved on or have their own sites now, but really, check it out if you have some time and prepare to laugh, and gasp, and just shake your head at times…

Catapult
May as well start out with the Queen Mother of present day Hanfic. Ella wrote a little story a couple years ago—it was good. Then, she went away. Then, she came back again and did rewrites on the story that kicked it up to the top of the heap. Catapult is a strange little plot that turns into one of the greatest love stories you’ll ever read. Read it now so you can say, I knew Ella when she was just a writer of Hanson Fan Fiction…

Turn the Page
Barbara writes like a big girl. Big girl plots and big girl characters. And she’s consistently written interesting plots that are original and believable. She was a welcome addition to fanfic, and I try weekly to talk her into writing more…still working on it! Be sure and read Deep Blue Heart, it's amazing.

In Retrospect
Morgan has taken all those little Taylor-Stereotypes and made a character that is to die for. And, she’s paired him with a heroine who’s every bit as messed up as he is. What you’ve got is a marvelously old-school tale, told in the now. And it works. The only thing I’d change is that she’d update more than once every six months. That’s a hint, Morgan.

Consequence of Feeling
Gina has written a beautiful, haunting piece here. Don’t be turned off by it’s similarity to Catapult in the opening chapters. She’s already given Ella a nod and said it was inspired by her story. But, it takes a huge leap in the opposite direction very quickly, and it never looks back. This is a gorgeous story—updated very often, wooo-hoooo!!! You don’t hear that very often, now do you?

Back in the Swing
Lily is no one-trick-pony in the world of Hanson creativity. Probably known first and foremost for her art, Lily’s site is a wonder to behold. You’ve never seen Hanson like this. Everything from anime style caricatures to breathtaking sketches of the guys—it’s all here. And she’s so very funny—you’ll laugh out loud at some of her visual commentary. That said, do not skip out on her writing. She writes some of the most amazing short pieces ever. Ever. She’s an artist in every sense of the word. Click on “fiction” and see for your self.

Burn
Like Ella, the rewrites on this one kicked it way up. But, let me warn you now, this is not a sweet story in any way. It’s tragic and angsty and insanity at it’s worst (or best, if that’s what you’re into). This story is painful to read at times, mainly because it’s so incredibly well written. Toona is like Lily, an artist and a writer. Check out a killer story and while you’re there, look around her site at her commentary and her art. One stop shopping!

Avery
Speaking of tragedy, nobody does it any better than Ashley. If this is your genre, then this is your girl. Avery is probably the most well known of her stories. Bring a box of tissues with you, and settle in for a bumpy ride. And if you’re a glutton for punishment, check out her other stories on the site. Ouch.

So, There Was This Boy…
Stephanie didn’t want me to put this here, but I can be stubborn when I need to be. It belongs here as much, if not more than all the others. It’s a classic Hanson love story. The plot may seem like it’s been done before, but this one is at the head of the class. This is the way it’s supposed to be done. And Cleo is far from MarySue. The good news: this is the first in a trilogy, the third of which is being written and updated currently, and even in a fairly timely manner! Perfect summer reading. Put it on your list.

The You in You
Diosa is new to the scene. The stories aren’t actually that new, but the site is brand spanking new. Some of us have had the pleasure to be on a writing group with her and have been enjoying her stories for a couple years. But, now, you’re all in luck! She’s got a site now, and for me, her stuff is must-read in the New School area. Hair Like Fire is so very, very different. Don’t miss it because it seems weird — it’s fantastic story-telling in the most AU Hanson story I think I’ve ever come across! And then, there’s her masterpiece The You in You. Oh man, it’s so funny, and so well told — don’t stop after two chapters and tell me it’s not funny. She lets you get to know the characters first. Really, that helps a story be good! I feel like an elementary school teacher… I’m going to predict this one will be a classic!

Krystal

1. A Change Of Grace
2. Walls/Roads
3. Zac Says Tay Still Wets The Bed
4. So, there was this boy...
5. Lived / Deep Blue Heart / Catapult / Consequense of Feeling / Falling

amanonthemoon

Tulsa 74132
In Retrospect
The Quiet One
Carter
So There Was This Boy...

Barbara

Change of Grace
Just Another Victim/Once More With Feeling
Living Up the Ghost
Walls/Roads
So, There Was This Boy/Happily Ever After/Best Laid Plans
honorable mention: The Quiet One, Just Survive, and Dust

Catherine

1. So, There Was This Boy
2. Emotion Sickness
3. My Mother's Obsession with Pies
4. Lived
5. Surrealistic Emotions

Middleofeverywhere

The Quiet One
Catapult
Imprisoned (mine...lol)
EACHF
In a New York Minute

Ella

Emotion Sickness
In Retrospect
The Quiet One
Pretty Much Forever
My Mother's Obsession with Pies

Laura

Zac Says Tay Still Wets the Bed
Catapult
Journey Back to Normal
Change of Grace
Falling

Amanda

--Tulsa 74132
--For What It's Worth
--Two Worlds Collided
--Angels Would Fall
--Holding Onto Nothing

Hillary

1. mowgli
2. walls/roads
3. just like you & me
4. so there was this boy
5. angels would fall

Valerie

1. walls/road
2. The Quiet One
3. Just Like You And Me
4. Tulsa 74132
5. Just Another Victim

itriedtorockyou

1. if they knew
2. crash into me
3. silver lining
4. My mother's Obsession with pies
5. lived

Sophie

lived
so there was this boy
emotion sickness
in retrospect
not a pretty girl

Melissa

Not A Pretty Girl
Seamstress for the Band/ or Story X
Tulsa 74132
My Mother's Obsession With Pies
Emotion Sickness

Stephanie

1 -- The Quiet One
2 -- Lived
3 -- Falling
4 -- Zac Says Tay Still Wets The Bed
5 -- Catapult

Poser

1) Walls
2) The Quiet One
3) Holding On To Nothing
4) Just Another Victim
5) No Pants Day

Lilith

1. Catapult
2. Avery
3. Anomalies
4. Operation Tulsa Thunder
5. Fallen Angel Trilogy

Miriam

1. Walls
2. Avery
3. The Quiet one
4. IOU
5. Emotion Sickness/Catapult

Rachel

1: Imprisoned
2: In A New York Minute
3: The Quiet One
4: Perfect Girl
5: Catapult

pithetaphish

1) On My Own
2) Lovers In A Dangerous Time
3) Faded / Kokai
4) The Rapist
5) Masquerade (The Vampire Anthology)

Diosa

1. Lived
2. Just Another Victim/Once More with Feeling
3. The Quiet One
4. So There Was this Boy... (trilogy)
5. Catapult

NatalieDancer

1. Out of Focus
2. The Quiet One
3. Avery
4. Close Your Eyes but Don't Sleep
5. Walls/Roads