So I was

Chatterbox: Blab About Books

Monthly Book Club
So I was...

So I was looking at old threads and came across this book club thread from Fidelity (May 2020): http://www.cricketmagkids.com/chatterbox/blababoutbooks/node/436614

and thought it was such a good idea that it was such a pity to let it go... so here we are! I think maybe for this one (if enough ppl, let's say at least 5 (cuz that sounds good, no other reason) ppl join) we should have a list of ppl who just volunteer a book for each month, and two ppl do it every month so if you don't like one book, hopefully the second one will more fit your tastes (and if not, you can always sit out a round (or give the book a try anyways! I did that with York: the Shadow Cipher, and did NOT regret it)) so that way we don't take a long time deciding which book to read and everyone who wants to can have a chance. I think we'll have the list in order of who signs up first? Idk, everyone feel free to veto me on anything I say here, I have never been in a book club before (tho I would love to be in one! And I HAVE done one book battle if that counts). But anyways, maybe some rules/guidelines?:

1. Everything has to be CB appropriate (oc!) and try to be accessible for all ages

2. Be respectful of everyone's comments and choices (also oc!)

3. Be mindful of spoilers, some ppl just don't appreciate them! I think we'll meet on the last day of every month to talk about a book, that way hopefully everyone will have one or both books finished, and discussions don't have to be limited to the end of the month. That's when ppl can start posting spoilers, so be mindful of that! I'm also aware some ppl (like my friends) who like to read out of order, that's totally fine too! Just pls, as I said, be very mindful that you don't give anything away.

4. Take turns and if someone on the list doesn't give a book by the end of one week past the last day of the month (e.g. if the last day is Jan 31, deadline is by the end of Feb 7), then I'm afraid we'll have to skip you entirely until your next natural turn so ppl have time to get and finish a book

5. For the two ppl picking books per month, maybe try to have different books from each other each month so ppl have choices? And you can pick a book you've already read or haven't yet but it sounds good, it doesn't really matter. Just hopefully everyone can access it.

6. Pls try to label what ages you think the book would be and if it's idk scary or has death or something in any way for more sensitive readers? But try to without spoilers??

7. No limit/deadline for joining

8. I'm wondering if ppl are ok with poetry books too? I mean, I think definitely in-Verse and prose, but are you guys fine with just poetry collections? Just putting that out there. 

 

Hope this was all clear enough and covered everything, thanks! And do you guys think a month is long enough? I'm not entirely sure what you guys' book speeds are and plus if you have busy schedules and lots of homework. I can read at least a book a day maybe(depending on schedule and hw) but idk you guys. We can switch to meet every two months if needed, or something else. Also, if everyone can't make the last day of a month, I think I'll just make the last seven days (or 5 days?) open for discussion/spoilers? Everyone pls correct me or tell me if I'm missing anything, thank you. And ACKK I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS IF PPL WANT TO DO IT!!

submitted by CelineBurning Bright, age Bookworm, Reading EVERYTHING!!!
(August 14, 2023 - 12:40 am)

Oh my goodness, I feel so bad! I forgot about this thread. (I'm choosing a book now, but do we start the book now, or do we wait until the first of December?)

I'm going to choose a fantasy book that takes place in another world, about a girl named Marya. In the book, Marya is sent away to a boarding school for troubled girls because of an...incident that happened with her brother. As far as I know, no romance is involved, and it's appropriate for 8-12 year olds. I'm reading it right now, and so far, it's wonderful! It's called The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy, and Lupine actually mentioned it in another thread--which is what turned me onto it. So thanks, Lupine!

Be warned, though--women in this world are looked upon as if they were lesser--but it's a book that shows how the girls at Dragomir overcome this. There is discussion of witchcraft, and sorcery, but that's about it.

It's SUCH a good book! I hope you guys enjoy it.

(Also, Celine, thank you! I'm definitely working on being proactive.) 

submitted by Endless_Parodies
(November 7, 2023 - 8:39 am)

Oops, sorry, I was so unclear.

everyone got moved up one space bc someone wasn't able to do it and so now for this turn you'll be doing November's books!

 

Here's the original list that we will always revert back to no matter if someone can't do their turn one round (unless they want to just not be on the list anymore):

September- amari and Moon Wolf
October- Pangolin and me (CelineBurning Bright)
November- Hawkstar and Wafflecat
December- Endless Parodies and Hex
January- BookGirl and Lupine
Feburary- Sylver and Tsuki the Skywolf
Also, Nyxie joined between Sylver and Tsuki and can suggest books if suggestions are needed

And here's what actually happened after some people couldn't do it (the list we're gonna be using until it cycles back again/goes back to amari, in which case, we'll use the above list):
September- amari (Julieta and the Romeos) and Moon Wolf (Warriors: Into the Wild)
October- Hawkstar (The Unwanteds, Book 1) and me (CelineBurning Bright!, Orange for the Sunsets)
November- Endless Parodies (The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy) and Wafflecat (Breadcrumbs)
December- Hex and BookGirl
January- Lupine and Sylver
Feburary- Tsuki the Skywolf
Also, Nyxie joined between Sylver and Tsuki and can suggest books if suggestions are needed.
submitted by Celine NEW BOOKS!!!, age Storymoth, The Library for Hours
(November 7, 2023 - 6:36 pm)
Hope that makes at least some sense! Thanks for suggesting! And AHH I LOVE DRAGOMIR I'M HALFWAY THROUGH RN I STOPPED READING FOR A FEW WEEKS BC I THOUGHT I LOST IT AND STARTED SOME NEW BOOKS BUT I HAVE TO FINISH IT AND NOW I CAN THANK YOUUU!!! :DD and thanks Lupine who introduced it to me also! :)
Books for November: Breadcrumbs, The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy 
submitted by Celine NEW BOOKS!!, age storymoth, The Library for Hours
(November 7, 2023 - 6:38 pm)

Yes! Finally I can read a book for this that I have and actually do something! Sorry I was not active on here for so long! :( I'm back!

submitted by Nyxie, age ACK!, So sorry!
(November 12, 2023 - 11:56 am)

I'm reading Breadcrumbs rn... It's really good so far! I will fill out the form when I am finished with it.

<cavef> Cave ffff? idk... 

submitted by Hawkstar, age Stars , My thoughts in Korea
(November 24, 2023 - 10:50 am)

Hehee... I literally just ordered Breadcrumbs yesterday and The Unwanteds is still on the table where it's been for a month along with The Troubled Girls as I try to feverishly finish all my other books I'm deep in first... wow I'm great at keeping up with my own Book Club XD

submitted by CelineBurning Bright, Thanks all! :)
(November 24, 2023 - 3:02 pm)

I CAN RELATE I...umm...am like halfway through Orange for the Sunsets and haven't started The Unwanteds (I've read it before though)...oops. It's great so far, though! I also read The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy over the summer and can testify that it's AMAZING.

submitted by Wafflecat
(November 25, 2023 - 2:02 pm)

YAY!!!!! I get to fill in a form!!

Favorite character(s)? Probably the Ben (the birdkeeper) and his sister. :)

Least favorite character(s)? The woman who owned the swan skin.

Character(s)/Situation(s) you can most relate to? When Hazel goes to Adelaide's house. She liked it but at the same time, felt super awkward.

Favorite thing(s) about the book? The ice flow where Jack was being held. 

Least favorite thing(s) about the book? Maybe the title. It was sorta confuing when 'breadcrumbs' was only mentioned once, and had no real significance.

What did you think the book did well? The part Hazel tried to wear the swan skin, and when Jack went to the Snow Queen, and the couple with the flowers. *shivers*

What did you think the book could have done better on? The title.

First impression on the book? Yeah, I was a little confused, but I loved the story.

On a scale of 1-10, 1 being HORRIBLE I ABSOLUTELY LOATHE THIS BOOK (loathing, truly, deeply, loathing...) and 10 being THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD ACKKKKKK!!!!, what would you rate this book? 8

Other: I would like to read the Cronus Chronicles by the same author, if that's okay :)

submitted by Nyxie, age eons, smwhr
(November 29, 2023 - 1:10 pm)

This book is breadcrumbs. :)

submitted by Nyxie
(December 1, 2023 - 11:29 am)

Favorite character(s)? Marya and Elina (or Elena, I'm not good with names...)

Least favorite character(s)? Probably the young sorcerer, what's-his-name.

Character(s)/Situation(s) you can most relate to? Feeling out of place in a setting where I'd usually not belong, but being forced to fit in. Sometimes I struggle with this.

Favorite thing(s) about the book? I loved how Marya and Luka became friends towards the end of the book. It made me very happy, because I have a wonderful relationship with my twin brother, Shep (his online persona).

Least favorite thing(s) about the book? I have to admit, I didn't like how Marya never became a sorcerer. I would have enjoyed it if, instead of her brother becoming a sorcerer, Marya became a famous sorceress and had her brother work for her (in a good way, of course, not a vengeful way).

What did you think the book did well? I think they portrayed the magical...magicality? of the book well. I also loved the descriptions and the character development, for instance; the character development of Luka and Marya. Both grew significantly from the beginning of the book all the way to the end of the book.

What did you think the book could have done better on? I think they could have dived deeper into the backstory of Illyria.

First impression on the book? I thought that Dragomir Academy would be a school for magic--not a school for troubled girls.

On a scale of 1-10, 1 being HORRIBLE I ABSOLUTELY LOATHE THIS BOOK (loathing, truly, deeply, loathing...) and 10 being THIS IS THE BEST BOOK EVER IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD ACKKKKKK!!!!, what would you rate this book? Solid 8/10! I loved this book and would gladly reread it.

Other: The book is called The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy.

submitted by Endless_Parodies, age 8th grade, She/Glitch
(November 30, 2023 - 8:42 pm)

Hello everyone!! So sorry, I'm 200 pages away from finishing Priory and then I can read all the other books and your forms too!! So it's a very uneventful Book Club rn Ik but hey, book recs, I'm still up for it if you are! :) Anyways, it's Dec 1 and time for a new set of books!

 

Here's the original list that we will always revert back to no matter if someone can't do their turn one round (unless they want to just not be on the list anymore):

September- amari and Moon Wolf
October- pangolin and me (CelineBurning Bright)
November- Hawkstar and Wafflecat
December- Endless Parodies and Hex
January- BookGirl and Lupine
Feburary- Sylver and Tsuki the Skywolf
Also, Nyxie joined between Sylver and Tsuki and can suggest books if suggestions are needed

And here's what actually happened after some people couldn't do it (the list we're gonna be using until it cycles back again/goes back to amari, in which case, we'll use the above list):
September- amari (Julieta and the Romeos) and Moon Wolf (Warriors: Into the Wild)
October- Hawkstar (The Unwanteds, Book 1) and me (CelineBurning Bright, Orange for the Sunsets)
November- Endless Parodies (The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy) and Wafflecat (Breadcrumbs)
December- Hex and BookGirl
January- Lupine and Sylver
Feburary- Tsuki the Skywolf
Also, Nyxie joined between Sylver and Tsuki and can suggest books if suggestions are needed.
Remember, you have 1 week to submit a book. If not, we'll have to skip you till your next turn (on the guest list). Nothing against you if you have to skip, this is purely for fun only! Thank you!! :)
submitted by @Hex&BookGirl, age Bookwyrm:), Your turn! :)
(December 2, 2023 - 12:50 am)

I'm so sorry, I don't think I can do it this time—I've literally been busy since 7 am today and I thought this was going to be a relaxing day...

I might pipe in sometimes but I don't think I can recommend a book or participate that much right now... sorryyyyy

(also gl finishing priory!! we need to talk once you're done :D) 

submitted by Hex
(December 3, 2023 - 1:00 am)

Sorry took so long to respond :/

 

quick updates:

- finished Priory and yess @Hex we have to talk about it!! Do you want to make the thread or should I? We can also wait to do it when you're not so busy if you want :) 

- halfway through Troubled Girls

- a few chapters into The Unwanteds 

- Breadcrumbs just arrived yesterday (I ordered it cuz Black Friday sale why not), it seems pretty short so I think I should have it finished at the extreme very least by next week, except-

- I'm also sorta banned from reading until I'm finished with studying for midterms bc my priorities aren't straight (but I mean, seriously, it was either books or studying for midterms. Can you blame me?)

 

also sry gtg now! :) 

submitted by CelineReadingRampage, age TPotOG!!<3, The Library for Hours
(December 10, 2023 - 4:09 pm)

you can make a thread! I'm only going to get busier from here on out, so now's fine

submitted by Hex
(December 12, 2023 - 10:51 pm)

Ok, I made it! It's ridiculous and unnecessarily long though... :/

submitted by CelineReadingRampage, age Storymoth, The Library for Hours
(December 14, 2023 - 2:21 am)