The Bookclub of the Woodland Grove Chapter 2

“Nora! I have so many notes on this week's reading, may I start?” Violet the Skunk all but yelled as soon as Nora the Owl called the book club to order. 

“How can I deny such enthusiasm? Take it away, Violet.” 

Violet smiled widely as she opened her notebook. “He Swore He Wouldn't" was such a wonderful story. Watching this man continually give in to love. Oh, I just loved it. And I loved how the author didn’t use names. She let us place ourselves in the story! It was such a unique idea.”

“I have to say. It did remind me a little of Braiden and I’s story,” Abigail the Squirrel blushed as she joined the conversation, “He was too shy to ask me out until his friends dared him to. And now look at us, married with 4 littles. It was a little walk down memory lane.”

“I personally liked how the author broke it up into three different sections, like little chapters. And how each chapter had some repetition, besides the main idea of him doing something he said he wouldn't, the same flowers from the same shop, the phrase only the best for my girl. I really enjoyed the writing technique in this story,” Jenna the Rabbit added.

“Yes, those little callbacks were used very well. I found The Author’s Thoughts at the end of the story were so helpful! Telling you where each story comes from.” Nora flipped to the end of the story quickly, reading the line.

“It’s quite fascinating how quickly the line he swore he wouldn’t lead her to think of a romance story.” Abigail said, “I would have thought a villain’s pov with that line.” 

“As soon as I read the title, I knew it would be a great love story!” Violet beamed, pressing a hand over her heart.

“Of course you did. You think every story is a love story, or should be a love story,” Jenna teased. “But I would have thought it was a betrayal love story.”

“I found that this story was more realistic than a fairytale, which was surprising. I assumed all her romance stories would be more fairytale-like based on the idea this was a book about being whimsical and ‘puddle jumping’” Abigail added air quotes as she spoke.

“I don’t think the author's intent was for every story to be whimsical. I think it was just short stories that connected her to a childhood hobby. I like that she had a more realistic story.” Jenna explained.

“Bernard, you’ve been awfully quiet. Any thoughts to add?” Nora looked over at the senior raccoon. He muttered something, but none of them could hear him. “I’m sorry, Bernard, could you speak up?

“I enjoyed it.” 

Violet felt like her jaw dropped to the floor, “You did? I thought you hated romance stories?”

“I do. But this one reminded me of Beatrice and I. Always thought she was too good for me. But I got the courage one day, and the rest is history. And that's all I'm going to say. Don't need you ladies thinking I'm a softie.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, Bernard.” Nora offered Bernard a small smile before addressing the rest of the group. “It’s so wonderful to see how we all could find ourselves in this story somewhere. I think the author really tried to connect with her readers. Does anyone else have thoughts to add before we move on to ‘Unwanted Invite?” Nora allowed a few moments of silence to pass before moving on. “Alright then. Who would like to start?”

“This one is my favourite out of the two! The forbidden love, the danger of running away, a tea party, it has the makings of a great love story!” Violet placed a hand over her chest and let out a dreamy sigh. 

“I liked it up until the end,” Jenna stated. “It felt like a cliff hanger, and I personally like my short stories as one and done, not drawn out. But that’s just my opinion.”

“I think I’ll have to disagree with you.”

“And why is that, Abigail?" Nora guided the discussion, pleased with how well it was going.

“While on its own, it is a complete short story, it leaves space for the author or us as readers to continue building the story. Whereas the first one we read had a defined end, this one had an end, but also a beginning in the end, if that makes sense?”

“It does. What a wonderful way to put that, Abby. I believe it shows the author’s range, that not all the stories have to be wrapped up with a bow. Some can be left open for further exploration.” Nora looked around the room, “Violet? You look upset? What’s the matter?”

“What if she never goes back? What if the author wrote this amazing story, but never goes back to this world?”

“Maybe she doesn’t want to go back. I wouldn’t. This story was not very good.” Bernard cut in.

“Any what was it not good Bernard,” Nora sighed as all eyes turned to Bernard.

“It was a fairytale. Nothing realistic or thought-provoking about it.”

“Here we go again,” Jenn whispered to Abby. Abby covered her mouth to hide the giggle that bubbled up.

“So? Why does a good story need to be realistic or thought-provoking?” Violet countered Bernard’s previous statement.

“Fairytales teach nothing. They're for children and offer nothing for adults. And this particular story? What was the point? To set up for a story that we’ll never read? It felt more like a prologue than a short story.”

“On the contrary! They offer adults a means of escape. A short moment where we can simply exist in a story. And this was a good story! It had a solid plot line, it offered backstory, and it used a cliffhanger, which, if I remember from the last book we read, you liked cliffhangers.” Violet put her hands on her hips and glared at Bernard.

Nora let out a small laugh to ease the tension, “Alright, you two. You are both entitled to your opinions. I do agree with Bernard on the point that it did feel like the setup to a much larger story, a story that we very well may never read. But Violet had a good point as well, fairy tales have often been used by adults as a means of escaping from the worries and anxieties that come with being an adult. Now, we have about 10 minutes left. Does anyone have anything else to add?”

“Do you think we’ll get a sequel? Or perhaps a full story?” Abby wondered, “I think I’d love a full story.”

“I think I’ll side with you on that, Abby. I think I’d read a full story set in this world.”

“Neither,” Bernard grumbled.

“A second short story, I think. I’m not sure I’d enjoy a full story. I’m afraid it would lose its charm as a full novel.” Violet added with a sideways glance at Bernard.

“Hmmm, I think I agree with Violet. The charm is in the short story, I believe. Now, for next week, please have ‘A Love Lost in Time’ and ‘Fictional Love’ read.” Nora waved goodbye to her patrons and sighed a contented sigh as she shut down the little room for another week.

Whose the writer? My sister Emily Morris! On top of being my little sister, she is also a mama to two very adorable tiny tornadoes. She loves reading and writing in her spare time.