Book Club - Meeting 1 on Library

Henny B-F-R

September 13, 2012 12:38 PM

Book Club - Meeting 1 by Henny B-F-R

Henny sat in the designated corner of the library waiting for the first book club meeting to begin. She fiddled with her dark brown curls whilst she waited, pulling them straight and letting them spring back into place. She was both excited and nervous. She hadn't really felt the club needed signing up for – it wasn't like Quidditch, where you needed to badger people if you didn't have a full team, or the baking club, where they needed to get resources - although she was now slightly regretting that decision, as she had no idea how many people to expect. She didn't fear the thought that no one would show up. If that happened, she could simply slope off and hope nobody ever asked her how her club was going. What she really feared was one person showing up. Especially one shy, awkward first year, who she would then have to attempt to have a meeting with. She could imagine that would be like pulling teeth. Or perhaps someone dominant and bossy who just tried to take over everything and shout her, and any others present, down. She was relieved, therefore, when a variety of people showed up, stopping fiddling with her hair as soon as the first person headed her way. She allowed a few minutes for late comers but once it seemed like the stream of people had dried up, she began.

“Hello,” she said, feeling a little anxious about addressing a group. It wasn't really something which she was used to and, as she wasn't even the oldest and definitely wasn't the best known or most popular here, she questioned her right to be doing so, “And thank you for coming to the first meeting of the book club. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Henny,” that felt a little redundant as one could presume the person speaking was the one who had gathered them all there but it seemed necessary to make an introduction.

“Obviously we haven't had a book set for this meeting, so I though we could go around and make introductions – nothing difficult, just names, houses, years and the like – I-I'll be writing it down too, so that I have a members list,” she added, hoping that the slight stumble around her words wasn't going to make people question her competence, and that they didn't hate her for making her do a start of term introduction activity, “And say the kinds of things that you like to read – either your favourite book, if you have one, or favourite genre, or something particularly great you've read recently. Also, if you think there's anything that would make a good read for the club, then please suggest that. I came with an idea but I don't want to ram it down anybody's throats, so please make suggestions if you have them, and we can vote on this month's read at the end of the meeting. And I'll make a list of people's suggestions too, for future meetings, although you're welcome to contribute a suggestion at any time, not just this meeting.

“I guess I should go first...” It was only fair if she was going to make them do it that she did it too, although she was starting to feel like she was talking an awful lot, “I like quite a broad range of things, although my favourite period for literature is the 1800s and early 1900s. I like both Muggle and wizarding literature from this period,” there was a lot more she could say – she could have given an entire lecture on the subject of the reading she enjoyed – but she was feeling self-conscious about having talked so much and she still had to make her recommendation, “I have too many favourites to choose one really,” she shrugged, feeling it was a bit of a cop out.

“The novel I'm putting forward isn't a favourite, so don't be shy of rejecting it, but it's something that I thought would be appropriate for Sonora. It's called 'How the West was Charmed' and is a modern novel but set in frontier times, describing the struggles of early wizard settlers as they made their way across the country. Ok, that's more than enough from me,” she sighed, relieved to be passing the topic on, “Your turn,” she smiled at the person on her right.

OOC – Ok, each person posts their introduction. Once all the people who signed up on the OOC have posted I will a) put a vote up on the OOC so we can choose this month's book and b) you can assume that the meeting dissolves into free chat and can branch out into a thread with someone if you choose to, or just leave. Sorry it's not more interactive but hopefully it will be when we have books to discuss. If anyone has any other suggests about this meeting, feel free to put them on the OOC board under the notification for the meeting. Thanks!

Subthreads:

The book club fraud. by Eris Ackart

13 Henny B-F-R Book Club - Meeting 1 211 Henny B-F-R 1 5

Eris Ackart

September 26, 2012 10:24 AM

The book club fraud. by Eris Ackart

Book club wasn’t exactly the sort of group Eris Ackart thought she would find herself in—ever. She couldn’t remember the last book she’d read on purpose, and the only time she used the library was when she needed to study, which she wasn’t terribly found of. The Teppenpaw girl preferred the outdoors and physical activity, but here she was. Since moving to Arizona, Eris had been in a right mardy, and it was time to get over it. Normally, she wouldn’t have considered the club, but Michael had mentioned it to her and it came up again in conversation with her classmate Waverly. She didn’t have anything better to do, so she figured she’d give it a shot. Yes, it implied reading, but Eris hoped to make a friend or two as well.

She hoped she wasn’t in the wrong place, and took a seat near the person she imagined to be the creator of the club. She looked about Eris’ age, but she wasn’t exactly sure. Eris hadn’t been to many classes yet, and wasn’t a great judge of age, but she smiled at the girl anyway and waited for the rest of the group to join.

Soon they were doing introductions, and the third year found herself wracking her brain for the title of a book as Henry spoke. She knew she was a book club fraud, and hoped that the more genuine members wouldn’t be horribly offended by her presence. Eris nervously brushed her dark waves behind her ears when Henry passed the attention over to her.
“H-hello, I’m Eris Ackart, Third year Teppenpaw.”

That was the easy part. As far as book suggestions went, Eris was drawing blanks. The only books she could think of were all related to Quidditch, or there was that vampire rubbish that she couldn’t remember the name of. Either way, the English girl decided it was better to be open about her lack of enthusiasm towards books. After all, secrets didn’t make friends.

“Honestly, I don’t usually read for fun. So, for the moment, I have nothing constructive to add to the group… but I’ll do my best in the future. Also, I think we ought to have snacks at these meetings.” Eris felt her face redden ever so slightly, as she turned to her right, flashing an awkward smile at her neighbor in an attempt to indicate that is was their turn to speak.

0 Eris Ackart The book club fraud. 0 Eris Ackart 0 5

Waverly Canterbury

September 27, 2012 12:17 AM

You're just a beginner, no worries by Waverly Canterbury

The book club was something that Waverly was actually looking forward to. Thinking about trying out for Quidditch made her a tiny bit sick to her stomach, so she thought about the book club and the baking club constantly. Besides, of course, schoolwork, horses, being a library monitor, and all that good stuff. She was glad that there was such a club being created here, though she wasn't exactly sure what they were going to talk about. Anyway, she'd find out once she got there. If she ever got there.

Currently, she was rushing over to the library, having taken a nap and overslept a little. She didn't want to be late, but it seemed like it was inevitable now. She had tried to convince a girl she'd met in class to go, Eris, a transfer student. She couldn't imagine being forced to change schools and be sent all the way to a different country. She was still in awe of people who did that.

Henny seemed a little nervous, but Waverly didn't blame her. Starting a whole new club and actually leading it was a huge deal. She was glad that the girls in her year were starting all these new clubs. Waverly spotted Eris almost as soon as she got into the library, breathless, and sat down next to her. "Sorry," she squeaked to Henny, still trying to catch her breath. She smiled at Eris, glad she'd come, but Henny had already started talking so she didn't say anything.

As the circle went around, Waverly tied up her brown hair. It was inherently straight as a board, but got frizzy after she ran a lot. It was just easier to tie it up into a ponytail, which is just what she did. With her hair tied back, it was much easier to see her vibrant green eyes.

It was her turn then, and she shot a comforting smile to Eris before turning to smile at everyone else. "Hi, I'm Waverly Canterbury. I'm a third-year Pecari. I really like fairy tales even though I know that's supposed to be for kids. I also like fiction books of all kinds. One of the books that I really like is called 'The Seventh Wizard'. One of my, er, friends introduced it to me my first year here." She wasn't sure if she would really call Cepheus a friend, but he had definitely opened up a whole new section of the library to her, maybe accidentally. He was one of those people that Waverly had classified as those purebloods, the ones who wouldn't really talk to her unless it was by accident.

Anyway, she was talking about her book. "It's about an Auror who goes abroad to war and sees how magic is corrupting society and tries to live like a muggle to see how that works for him. But, well, never mind. I won't spoil it." She smiled, and then turned to the next person. She wanted to read all of the books the club members were suggesting. If only she had the time...

19 Waverly Canterbury You're just a beginner, no worries 218 Waverly Canterbury 0 5

Lucian D'Alesandro, Aladren

September 27, 2012 1:35 AM

Happily surrounded by books. by Lucian D'Alesandro, Aladren

Lucian loved reading a good book, probably more than he liked talking to people. He didn’t have to try to figure out a book. It was pretty straightforward. They contained millions of pieces of information, made him look at things in new ways, and gave him more knowledge about the world around him. Who couldn’t like books? When he saw the sign up sheet for the book club he quickly signed up. Finally, a club where he thought he would fit in. Baking wasn’t really his thing, and he wasn’t comfortable with trying out for Quidditch yet.

He walked into the library and spotted a few girls sitting in a circle. It had crossed his mind before that he may be one of the few boys in this club, but he decided he didn’t care. He also didn’t care if people thought he was a nerd because of his love of books. He spent little time worrying what people thought of him. He quickly took a seat next to one of the girls and listened as Henny made her introduction and suggested a book, and listened as the other girls introduced themselves. After Waverly spoke, Lucian realized it was his turn.

“My name is Lucian D’Alesandro. I am a second year Aladren,” he began scanning the circle, “I read just about anything. I love reading. I really enjoy philosophical and astronomy books though. I like learning about what may be out in space, and reading about different views people have. I haven’t read much fiction, I am more of a nonfiction type, but I am up for anything. The book suggestions I have heard so far sound interesting.”

He sat back, more relaxed now that his introduction was over, and smiled at the group. He then turned to the person next to him and awaited their introduction.

0 Lucian D'Alesandro, Aladren Happily surrounded by books. 0 Lucian D'Alesandro, Aladren 0 5

Aubrielle Thornton, Teppenpaw

September 27, 2012 10:13 PM

Happily surrounded by friends! by Aubrielle Thornton, Teppenpaw

Aubrielle was so excited about the Book Club meeting at the Library that she could hardly sleep the night before. She didn’t know what they would be doing that first meeting, but she was sure that they would all find out very soon! Her red hair was in a single braid at the nape of her neck and she wore a pair of black gauchos and a white wife-beater type tank top with a pretty black sweater over it to cover her shoulders in case the library was cold. She carried her robes on her arm, just in case she’d need it later on, the twelve year old wasn’t sure if she would.

Bri was excited about this more since Waverly had said she was going. B liked Waverly and hoped that she and Clara would always be friends with Waverly. She also knew that Waverly’s little sister was starting this year too. Bri couldn’t wait to introduce Abi to Wendy, especially after what Waverly had said about her sister.

Brielle came in and spotted Waverly. She walked over towards her, but when she’d tried to sit down Lucian sat down there instead. Okay, no biggie. I’ll sit next to him, he’s nice. she thought to herself as she sat. “Hey Lucian!” she said, large grin on her face. The Aladren boy had never bothered her, in fact she liked him as a person and had high hopes that since he was joining Book Club that they might become friends too!

She waved behind him to Waverly as well. “Hey Waverly! I’m here! This is really cool, isn’t it?!” she asked them both, seeing another girl behind them. She didn’t know who the girl was, but she was going to know. She liked to meet new people!

“Hi, I’m-” she started to ask behind Lucian and Waverly.

Unfortunately, as soon as she asked, Henny started talking to the whole group. Henny welcomed them and thanked them for coming before introducing herself to anyone who didn’t know her. She wanted them to do an introduction so they knew each other’s names. Brielle thought that was a great idea and smiled broadly to show Henny that she did.

Henny started by telling the group that she liked a broad range of book types. Bri understood what she meant, as she was in the same boat. When Henny suggested ‘How the West was Charmed’ Bri thought about how she described it and it made her smile again.

When the girl between Henny and Waverly told them all her name, Brielle smiled towards her and waved. She was glad to know her name and she couldn’t wait to talk to her! AND she’s a Teppenpaw! That’s awesome! she thought as Eris kept talking.

“Snacks are a good idea!” Brielle piped up, before smacking her hand onto her mouth. Her cheeks flushed and she looked at Henny apologetically.

Waverly’s turn arrived and she spoke about ‘The Seventh Wizard’ and fairy tales. Bri smiled, knowing Analea would love her when she got to come to school next year! But when Waverly kept telling them about the book, Bri’s smile widened a little bit. That could be interesting… she thought as the turn became Lucian’s to introduce himself.

When Lucian was done, she noticed that it was her turn next. “I’m Aubrielle Thornton, a second year Teppenpaw. I’m like Henny and like to read anything really. But right now I’m fascinated by historical fiction novels like ‘Devil’s Arithmetic’ and ‘Number the Stars’. I know it’s Muggle History about the time of the Holocaust in World War 2, but I still think its fascinating…” she said as she looked to the person next to her for their turn.

0 Aubrielle Thornton, Teppenpaw Happily surrounded by friends! 0 Aubrielle Thornton, Teppenpaw 0 5

Josephine Owen

September 29, 2012 4:46 PM

Feeling ancient by Josephine Owen

She din't think she wasn't the oldest person gathered in the library for the first meeting of the book club, but she was definitely older than most of the students already seated. She had wondered in advance of this first meeting quite how a club would work with students across the whole school. Would the seventh years be expected to read the same material as the first years? Would her own preferences and opinions be shouted down by louder, potentially not so refined, voices? She had decided to come along anyway - she loved to read - and if she didn't enjoy the club she could always leave, or potentially create a new faction for more advanced readers.

Arriving in a purple knitted skirt and a blue cotton blend jumper, Jospehine sat herself in one of the remaining spaces and tried not to feel too self conscious. She wasn't good in groups of strangers, nor did she much like the idea of introducing herself in front of everyone, even if they were mostly younger than her. As it drew closer ot her turn to speak, she felt her heart beat start to race and she began to feel warmer then could be accounted for by the room temperature. "I'm Jo-" she started, but then realised no sound was ocming out. The fifth year cleared her throat and started again. "I'm Josephine Owen, fifth year Pecari," she said. She didn't add that she was a prefect, but she was aware that the third and fourth years at least would know that.

"I love to read anything and everything. Poems, plays, non-fiction, Muggle fiction - just about everything going." She had liked the sound of some of the books that had been mentioned so far, so she thought she'd add her own into the mix. "I recently read a fiction story about extinction told from the animals' perspectives," she said. "I particularly enjoyed the vivid scenery descriptions and strong anthropomorphization." She looked to the next person to continue on, and only once they'd started talking did she realise that she hadn't given a book title or author for the book she had mentioned, but she could easily provide them if anyone were to ask.

0 Josephine Owen Feeling ancient 196 Josephine Owen 0 5

Nora Dobson

October 28, 2012 2:03 AM

Not quite as much by Nora Dobson

When Nora had heard about the book club, she had signed up instantly. Like most Aladrens-she couldn't imagine Kitty sitting still long enough-she loved to read, both fiction and non-fiction. Anything she could get her hands on though Nora did tend to prefer things with some substance rather than the silly novels aimed at teenagers that Hope seemed to prefer.

She'd learned to read very young and had never really stopped. Nora thirsted after knowledge and things that made her think. She loved thinking, much to the chagrin of her mother and others who thought she lacked emotions. That wasn't true. For one thing, the fourth year felt a lot of disgust for stupid people and hated people who acted like they were better than her-and Nora did care about some people.

The meeting began and she listened to Henny's introduction. Her curiosity instantly piqued at the book that the younger Aladren mentioned. Her grandmother had been a Brockert, they were the Western family. Nora couldn't help but wonder if the book was at all based on them. They were the ones who'd 'charmed' the west so to speak. It would be interesting to read the book and compare it to her family's history. Of course, neither a fictional novel nor the official history of any pureblood family could be considered especially accurate.

The next person to speak was the new third year transfer, Nora looked at her with some interest. The other one, Joshua McLachlan was a person that she found intriguing, as long as he didn't act superior to her. Of course, the fourth year hadn't heard the things about the Ackarts that she had about the McLachlans. Nora was attracted to the dark-not that she had romantic feelings for Joshua, she was already betrothed.

Eris, however, surprised her by mentioning that she didn't really like to read. The Aladren didn't care if the other girl didn't, but why attend a book club then? She got that the girl was new and probably wanted to make friends and whatnot, but there were other activities she could have done,for example, there was a baking club. Of course, it was entirely possible that Eris didn't like baking either but still. Her being there just made no sense. Maybe there were complex psychological reasons and suddenly, Nora found her a lot more interesting.

Waverly Canterbury spoke next. She'd never really spoken to the Pecari, but the younger girl seemed the sort that wanted to be involved in everything . The Aladren sort of wondered if she was trying to get prefect or something. She listened patiently as Waverly mentioned one of her favorite book which Nora couldn't see herself getting behind the premise of. Why would anyone choose to live like a Muggle? And the idea of magic corrupting society was deplorable. Yes, of course there were bad wizards-her grandfather was one-and probably good Muggles but the mentality of 'purebloods are bad, non-purebloods and Muggles are good' was downright insulting and no better than the reverse. People who held that mentality-not that Waverly necessarily did, it could just be a well-written book and not a statement of the Pecari's views-and thought all purebloods were prejudiced were hypocrites.

Nora smiled as Lucian D'Alesandro spoke and mentioned his love of philosophy and astronomy. Trust an Aladren to have good ideas. She too enjoyed hearing other people's views-it was just that she also enjoyed analyzing them and debating with the person if she disagreed. The Thornton girl's-this one was Aubrielle apparently, she had trouble differentiating between them-suggestions also didn't sound too bad, even though they were Muggle books, at least they weren't potentially offensive to her. Most Muggles didn't know anything about magic and therefore, couldn't insult it or say their way of life was superior and so Nora would rather read books written by them than one like Waverly had suggested.

Next, Josephine Owen spoke and her suggestion also sounded reasonable. The fourth year was rather glad the older girl had shown up, just so she wouldn't be the oldest person there and had basically chosen to sit next to her for that reason which meant it was Nora's turn next. "I am Nora Dobson, of the South Dakota Dobsons." Nobody else had introduced themselves that way but they weren't apparently that sort of family, though she thought she'd heard of the D'Alesandros, and it was habitual for her "Fourth year, Aladren. I like to read everything-except romance novels-but I especially like books on psychology."

11 Nora Dobson Not quite as much 197 Nora Dobson 0 5