It’s time for Friday Fictioneers. As always, thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for leading this group.
I just love bookstores. I hope they don’t all go away.
Click here for more stories from the Fictioneers.
Genre: Humor (100 words)
Copyright – Claire Fuller
Book Club Stalker
The book club gathered weekly, an exclusive female unit, outfitted with painted lips and stiletto heels. They didn’t gather to talk about the latest, popularized drivel. Their eyes darted from their books to scout the room, ready to pounce on the last available intelligent males on the planet.
Simon peeked through a column of books and watched in horror as they laughed boisterously, obviously disturbing the other patrons. He plopped into a cushy chair near their table, and glared.
Ian, the store owner, tapped him on the shoulder.
“Simon, man. These are paying customers. You’re scaring them.”
“Me?” Simon gasped.
Hmm, that doesn’t sound like my book club. I think I missed out here…
Fun read!
LikeLike
Thanks, Carrie! I actually haven’t been in a book club in a long time. Of course, this is Simon’s perspective of the book club. Hey, you changed your picture. I like it!!
LikeLike
Thanks!
And I made myself join a book club. It assures that I get out at least once a month…
LikeLike
That’s an excellent idea. I was supposed to join one, but I forgot all about it! Maybe I will see about doing that again.
LikeLike
I’m with Simon. They’re the scary ones.
janet
LikeLike
Yes, I agree completely, Janet. If I were Simon, I would run.
LikeLike
Exclusive female unit – stalkers in stockings! An intelligent man would make tracks out there. Funny flash, Amy.
LikeLike
Thanks, Honie. I would, too, if I were him!
LikeLike
I just got goosebumps, Amy! You’ve done a wonderful job of describing what seems to be a very intense atmosphere!
I don’t get nearly as much reading done as I would like, but I really like bookstores… particularly the art section! And (while I know it’s usually not wise to judge a book by its cover) I just like looking at cover design in general… I always thought it would be fun to design them!
🙂
LikeLike
Robert, I don’t get nearly as much read as I’d like either!! I’m thrilled I gave you goosebumps. Thank you. If I ever have a book, you can be my designer….I mean if you’d like! 🙂
LikeLike
What a kind thing to say, Amy, thank you!
Now I have goosebumps AND I’m blushing! That would be quite an honor!
🙂
LikeLike
The honor would be all mine, Robert. I love your work!! 🙂
LikeLike
Book stores attract all types, if you know what I mean? Sometimes I go in to observe. I’m sure Im being observed, too. I would be sad to see book stores fade away.
Loved this, Amy. No book club would be complete without a stalker. You really captured the right feeling. That atmosphere can be intense.
Just as a side bar – In one of my screen plays I have a book club and it was really fun to write. It’s a challenge to have characters respond to (made-up) books — the differing opinions and arguments that ensue. ha! Good times. 🙂
LikeLike
Lisa, I hardly ever go to bookstores anymore. The Borders closed here about a year ago, and the nearest bookstore is a bit of a drive. I’m sad about that. It was a nice place to go, hang out. It was the last place open out here in the suburbs.
That would be tough to talk about made-up books. I applaud you for that! I bet it’s funny! Wasn’t there a movie about a book club? Can’t think of the name….
Thanks! As always, thanks for reading, Lisa.
LikeLike
Really cool story. I love that the book club members (and the book shop owner) viewed him as a stalker! Perspective is everything.
LikeLike
Thank you, Jan. Thanks for your lovely comments. It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it? I almost called this Stalker Book Club to imply that the book club members were
LikeLike
Sorry, Jan. I’ve lost my mouse today and it’s really throwing me…what was I saying…I almost called this Stalker Book Club to imply that the book club were the real stalkers, but went this way instead.
LikeLike
Cute twist on the story.
What day of the month do they meet? I’ll come out of my man cave, and even clean up, to let them check me out. Maybe even bring a few available friends with me. I’ll be the one with Starbucks in on hand and a copy of MAD magazine in the other.
LikeLike
Thanks. Well, they meet on Tuesday afternoons. Can you swing it? I advise a shave and shower before appearing in front of this group! The more, the merrier. I don’t think they’ll approve of MAD, but if you find that special someone who does, you know you’ve found your girl! I, of course, adore MAD!
LikeLike
Somehow it’s not a stretch to see you with MAD magazine in two, Randy. What, me worry?
LikeLike
Very clever twist, Amy. Loved it!
LikeLike
Thank you kindly, Cathy! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
I echo what others have already said–a very clever arrangement of details. Though I find the women of the book club more fascinating than the stalker. It sounds like they are a bunch of desperate cougars!
LikeLike
Thanks, Anka. Thanks for the read. Yes, desperate…they think they’re being clever, but Simon sees right through them. I didn’t spend too much time on the women. Perhaps, it could be a good premise for a longer story. Maybe he meets someone he likes…or they have a big brawl! 🙂
LikeLike
You definitely have enough material for a longer story. I could see several scenarios playing out. The one about Simon meeting someone he likes would peek my interest! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for the feedback, Anka. 🙂
LikeLike
I could just imagine the scene. And a nice twist on this.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sandra. That’s a nice compliment that you can imagine it! Thank you.
LikeLike
Hi Amy
What a great story – I think I’m with Simon though, those women sound pretty scary!
LikeLike
Hi El,
Indeed, they are scary, especially as a pack! Thanks.
LikeLike
That sounds like a fun book club! Such a fun read. Thanks, Amy. I can see you taking this in a fun direction.
LikeLike
Thanks, Debra. That’s why I love doing this prompt…you just never know what you’ll come up with. I can see extending this one. Thanks for reading!
LikeLike
Hey Simon … get your butt out of that chair and run!
LikeLike
Exactly, Frank. Simon could be in trouble if he doesn’t watch it!
LikeLike
Wonderful post, but I just need to know – how is it that you chose not only one, but both of my sons names for this prompt? That, and both their characters fit the personality of each. Eerie!
LikeLike
T,
I am absolutely spellbound by this!!! You must think I’m stalking you…I swear the only think I know about you is that you go by the name “T,” so….What are the chances? What an incredible coincidence!! And, you say my characters even fit their personalities. Eerie, indeed. Have we met in a former life?! I’m blown away.
LikeLike
I swear if you met them, you would be even further creeped to see the similarities! W
Hey, we may very well have met in a former life – if so, I would have been the pasty white bald one with a slight slouch. Remember me now? =)
LikeLike
Ha ha!! I’m still quick mystified by this!
LikeLike
Most of the small, family owned, bookstores have their own regulars just like a coffee shop or a bar. These folks have a tendency to stare at you when you come in if you’re not part of the group. I love the stalker uniform–painted lips and stiletto heels.
LikeLike
Those are my favorite kind of bookstores…the ones with regulars. Thanks, Russell. I appreciate it!
LikeLike
Book stores rock!
Thanks for the run read!
LikeLike
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I miss roaming around bookstores. I hardly do it anymore.
LikeLike
This is great, Amy. Poor Simon! – LOL 😀
LikeLike
Thanks, Dianne! Yes, poor poor Simon. 🙂
LikeLike
Hmm, there is a slight story idea coming to me.
I really liked this one!
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/friday-fictioneers-4262013-genre-fiction-rated-g/
LikeLike
Thank you, Scott. I appreciate that!
LikeLike
This is scary… I clearly sympathise with poor Simon… Thank god for e-books.
LikeLike
Thanks, Bjorn. Simon is in pretty deep here! I don’t mind e-books so long as there are the real ones!
LikeLike
Dear Amy,
I’d say this is a club for the books. I agree with the others, Simon should run. Unique take. I enjoyed it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
Thanks for your kind words. I always appreciate your comments. You’re right. Simon should run and get the heck out of there!
Shalom,
Amy
LikeLike
It’s interesting how little details like referring to them as “a unit” and having them “scout” the room makes them sound more militant. Sounds pretty intimidating to me too. 🙂 As always, your telling of this is beautiful.
LikeLike
Thank you, David. Thanks for the kind words!
LikeLike
Loved your story.
Like everyone else AnElephant frets about the decline of book stores but was recently in Powell’s in Portland, Oregon.
Might be the best bookshop in the world!
http://anelephantcant.me/2013/02/13/anelephant-stay-or-he-gone/
LikeLike
Thank you, Elephant! I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
hahaha this was awesome ^^ never occurred to me that the library’s where one could get the ‘last available intelligent males on the planet.’ i could almost see the scene. it was so funny ^^
LikeLike
Thanks, kz! I think a bookstore wouldn’t be a bad place to check. Ha ha!
LikeLike
‘painted lips and stiletto heels’… Love that description!
LikeLike
Ironically, these women aren’t so much intelligent as vampirish! Funny yet serious yet sad story, that raises questions. Enjoyed it. Ann
LikeLike
Thanks, Ann! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I think I have some more material here for a longer story.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
I hope to read it when written. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Ann. 🙂
LikeLike
Boy, using books for another purpose other than reading them — Why, that’s never been done before! Perceptive and cute take on the prompt.
LikeLike
Books can get you places, right? Like a hot date? Thanks, Perry!
LikeLike
I wonder if all this is in Simon’s head! If so, he’s got a high opinion of his own intelligence and a low opinion of everyone else.
LikeLike
It very well could be in his head. He could be a little delusional, too! Thanks for reading mine.
LikeLike
So this is what it might look like if all the guys were ejected from the book club in the Book Club TV show (yes there was a show, Canadian or British or something).
LikeLike
Really? I’d like to see this show, Adam. Did they just sit around and talk books? Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
Correction (my bad): The Book Group, it aired in the U.K., bet. 2002-03, and reran/reruns on Ovation TV (available in the U.S.). And, of course, some didn’t get into the group to read… there’s adult content.
LikeLike
Thanks, Adam. I’ll see if I can find it.
LikeLike
Sacring or being scared, it all depends on your perspective!
LikeLike
Exactly, Joe. Things are not always as they seem. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
I’m with Simon. I’m more scared of book club members like these.
LikeLike
Oh hi, Weebs! Yes, me too! You should be very afraid.
LikeLike
Very funny – you painted those scary women really well.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sarah!
LikeLike
Hilarious! Scared me too, by the way.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike