1. What I look for in any story is the emotion. Solshine's
The Letters has that in spades as it reviews Buffy's evolving reaction to Spike's letters. The story also has incredible details: the unexpected elegance of Spike's script, the inelegant sealing wax as if he's defending himself against the emotions expressed in his letters.
2. The Scooby's watch over Giles the summer after he's tortured by Angelus in Gilescandy's
The Watcher's Watch Diary '98. I adore how the kids stand together to support Giles when he needs them, even when he isn't willing to admit he needs/wants help!, and how each character's personality shines through in their entries.
3. deird1 does an amazing job of juxtaposing humor with guilt and grief in
The Very Secret Diary of Andrew Wells. Andrew's personality shines through and his journal comments, such as listing an ongoing debate over the prowess of Batman vs. Spiderman as strategy discussions and morale boosters, provide a humorous background against the growing realization that something's not just right with the upcoming battle.
4. Eee! il_mio_capitano's
Distractions might be only a drabble but it is brill. I don't know what to say without giving too much away so go, read, and enjoy!
5. And I know this isn't generally done, but the whole idea for this rec list came from me wanting to rec my story
The Letters (the 84, Charing Cross Road remix) in which we see Anya and Severus Snape's relationship through a series of letters, e-mails, and wedding invitations.