003. - Book Club!

[helpdesk_hero]

Alright, so I've suggested this a little to some friends of mine, but I'm thinking about throwing this out a bit wider.

I'm thinking about starting up a book club. Less in the style of book of the month and more organizing one or possibly more groups who can share books or even genres they love most with other people. People would still do the whole guiding discussion but not looking for high end critique so much as just talking about it.

We all need something to unwind and I don't doubt some of us are really fans of reading. I would think the arrangement might work best with members willing to buy their own books. I think for the first few meetings I'd be willing to cook either a simple meal or some finger foods to enjoy, but people could also volunteer to provide food or drinks.


Anyone interested in the idea?

Comments

[adamantlyardent]

Those would be fine. But please, don't go to much extra effort just for my sake; you seem to be already doing so much.

[mysterioisthetruth]

So it's as simple as saying what I felt at any given situation? Then I'll be cured in no time.

[helpdesk_hero]

Okay, listen. I love any sweet thing with rhubarb in it. You're an excuse to feed my addiction. And I sorta need this right now.

[helpdesk_hero]

No. If it were that simple life would be a wonderful thing. Healing is a process. Think of it...

Have you ever had to do physical therapy?

[mysterioisthetruth]

No, I haven't.

But I've seen movies about it.

[fridgeflower]

My masochism is my private business, but yes. Let me know what you land on?

I'm also more than happy to help with organizing or snacks or whatever. There's always room around my coffee table.

[helpdesk_hero]

Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist is more like that than it is like going to your GP. Each step is slow. Sometimes you take one step forward and two steps back but some days it's three steps forward and only one back. It's a slow spiral up and out of the darkness of your heart.

This won't be easy. I seriously need to know if you feel like you're strong enough for this.

[helpdesk_hero]

I am not the New Mutant that needs to hear about your masochism, Laurie. But yeah, I'll definitely keep you appraised. And I'm sure your coffee table is splendid.

You're responsible for buying wine for those who need it. I'm not legal to buy alcohol for a bit longer.

[But there's a chuckle in his voice. Like he'd actually bother drinking.]

[fridgeflower]

I can handle being the Designated Dionysus, I think.

... Are you under the impression that there's a New Mutant that does need to hear about my definitely-a-joke masochism?

[mysterioisthetruth]

'The darkness of your heart.' So dramatic! Maybe you do have a way with words after all, David.

Am I strong enough? Are you trying to insult me?

[But his tone remains that easygoing, more friendly persona, keepng it light.]

[adamantlyardent]

Far be it from me to hinder your need for a rhubarb tart, David.

[helpdesk_hero]

Okay, that is the best version of a DD I've ever heard.

[Yeah, he's laughing. And then he trails off with a mischievous smile.]

Hey, for all I know, Sofia might have been interested in knowing. I don't judge.

[helpdesk_hero]

Hey, I knew some people who thought they were poets. I'm just not good at that.

I'm not trying to insult you. I know I'm still trying, after a few years, to be strong enough for it. I'm hoping you're braver than I am.

[And it seems a fair point.]

[helpdesk_hero]

My heroine.

[mysterioisthetruth]

I can do anything I set my mind to, right?

[At least he has confidence? Or, at least, a show of it. How seriously he's going to commit to this remains to be seen.]

[fridgeflower]

Pfft. I wish. Who on this planet or any other wouldn't let Sofia Mantega step on them and be grateful? I'd just have to hope she'd hypothetically have better taste in women than she did men.

So she's-- Do you know how she is, by any chance..? She's well, I hope, since we're joking about her.

[adamantlyardent]

Not even hardly, but I appreciate the sentiment.

[helpdesk_hero]

That's what people say.

Oh. Buy a yoga mat.

[mysterioisthetruth]

A what?

[helpdesk_hero]

It's genuine sentiment.

I'll let you know when it's time.

[helpdesk_hero]

Yoga mat. Probably some clothes too, for working out.

[adamantlyardent]

Then I will await your message.

[mysterioisthetruth]

That has nothing to do with having a chat.

[helpdesk_hero]

[Okay, he's glad he's not drinking because he'd spit the drink out. Oh wow, uh, what? Was there anyone straight on their team on this planet? Was that what Laurie was implying? Holy.]

Uh, I'm not really the sort that wants to be stepped on. And yeah, Julian was in bad taste.

I haven't had a letter from her in a while, so I can't speak to her currently. She tried to get back into the hero business for a while, worked with a team. Had an exosuit or something.

[helpdesk_hero]

Oh you'd be surprised about the ties between body and mind. Trust me. My specialty might be in developmental psychology, but I've got a LOT of experience in the care of people with powers.