After skipping the second and third F2Fs last February and March for lack of lukewarm interest in the books that were discussed, the month of April provided a good reason for me to show up: Charlotte Bront ë's classic work, Jane Eyre, was chosen as book for the month. I've been wanting to read this novel for the looooongest time, but I don't seem to have the proper motivation. Thankfully, our book club provided the inspiration I needed.
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No, nobody and nothing got burned. :D |
The discussion was held at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch at Emerald Ave., Ortigas from 3pm to 7pm. As with all TFG meet-ups, the party did not end when the discussion folded up, but instead continued on to dinner and broke up late. (And as per usual, I had to go home early because of my motherly and wifely duties.) There were almost 30 attendees,
including 3-4 newbies (Jamiracu, LS, Aprilyn, and Noelle, as far as I remember), and DC even arrived in a Victorian costume, complete with a braided updo, a hat and gloves! I loved the get-up, and DC for her effort because it was just.so.hot. To arrive in costume, well. That's simply dedication, for me. :)
Because of the sheer number of attendees, our dear moderator Tina deemed it best to break up the group into 3
smaller groups for mini-discussions, with the help of the other
moderators K.D., Jzhun and Angus. She allocated a specific time for
those mini-discussions, and then everyone gathered again for a recap of
what had been discussed in each group.
The questions posed a challenge for everyone, most especially the ones about Jane's childhood. Personally, the one that I found to be exacting was the question about Mrs. Reeds' authority, and whether Jane was justified in her treatment of her aunt. It also has a lot to do with the lesson Jane's friend in Lowood, Helen Burns, taught her, as well, which I could admittedly appreciate but do not exactly advocate. No, I am not the type who would offer the other cheek for a second slap. :P
The inevitable Rochester-vs-St.-John questions were a hot topic for debate, of course, but the expected basagan-cum-sunugan did not materialize. That would have been a spectacle to behold. :))
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Jane Eyre F2F attendees! |
In between small conversations with individual members, fruit shakes from CBTL, and Tina's delectable revel bars, I found that I enjoyed the discussion to the hilt. There were no passionate arguments nor heavy exchanges on any one topic (which I sort of missed), but it was a stimulating discourse nonetheless. :)
Oh, and lookie! Beautiful Jane Eyre bookmarks! :) I got all designs but for one - because I grew a conscience, hahaha. :P
Oh, and lookie! Beautiful Jane Eyre bookmarks! :) I got all designs but for one - because I grew a conscience, hahaha. :P
Photos, except for the bookmarks, are courtesy of Ella. Until next time! :)
2 comments:
I think there's a general fondness for the book, which is why the basagan moments did not occur. And there were too many of us; it would have been a Royal Rumble!
BUDDY: It's also because there were very few people per group to actually have basagan moments. Haha. I had been hoping for a discussion like the one we had with 1984, but I guess that can't be done, considering our number.
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