Genre: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
Pairing: None
Author's Website:
http://www.obsessedmuch.net/Author's LJ:
obsessedmuchWhy this MUST be read:
Good Xander characterization in fanfic is a lot harder to find than one might think, sort of like the whole needle in a haystack thing. Why? Because writing a good Xander is about more than just nailing his witty, Jossian wordplay and quirky sense of humor. There's a lot going on there *underneath* all the jokes that many writers seem to miss. Or choose to ignore.
Thankfully, Lar is not one of those writers. She gives Xander layers and real depth, without ever losing his unique Xander-y sense of humor along the way.
And in "Zen..." she outdoes herself, placing Xander in a hard situation and giving us one of the most fully realized and textured Xander characterizations I've yet to come across. She packs in so much in such a small space, but it never feels like she's trying to do so. It flows so naturally, sweeping you up and carrying you along for the ride. And the fact that it *doesn't* close with a pat, happy ending just makes it that much better.
Zen And The Art Of the Open Road