The Smart Set Read discussion

Hey everybody!

Use this space to introduce yourself to your fellow book clubbers! Looking forward to meeting you all and discussing How Fast Can You Run!

Hi there! My name is Emily and I'm your classic introvert. I need my time alone to recharge after being around people for a long period of time and reading helps me with that. However, once I'm comfortable in the environment I'm in I could possibly be the most outgoing and outspoken person in the room. Despite my introverted tendencies, I never let that stop me from speaking my mind and saying what I believe in whether that be about social issues or simply everyday activities. I dream of creating a life that will encourage not only myself but the people in my life to dig deeper into themselves and do something they never thought they would. I will fight for what I believe in and I will do it completely unapologetically.

I tried to be part of a book club in middle school, but it didn't really work out that well because I didn't feel like putting in all the effort of being actively engaged in reading and discussing the book. I usually read a book I know I will enjoy and then think about it in my own time, but sometimes there are books where I need to talk because I have no idea what's going on or there's just so much happening that I need to talk about it to get my head around the situation. I decided to do some research about book clubs and what I found surprised me. It turns out book clubs had started out as a campaign and movement for women to become more actively engaged in reading and educating themselves as well as make new friendships and bonds with others. I think being a part of this Smart Set Book Club will help me interact with different people and hopefully create new friendships.

Nice to meet you, Emily! Looking forward to hearing your comments about this book!

Welcome Emily. Looking forward to the book myself as well as the community of people doing the reading. Yrs., Richard

Hello everyone, my name is Kian and I am studying music production at a college in Philadelphia. Like many college freshman, I have found myself in a city far away from my home without my usual friend group and familial support. I've been forced to take a closer look at myself and what kind of person I want to be when I'm older. That question is still very much up in the air, but I do know for a fact that I want to be an educated, open-minded adult–this starts with reading.

A big problem of mine is finding books that interest me. I like learning about philosophy, behavioral psychology-anything that helps me understand how humans interact with each other and the world around them. I'm very excited to be a part of this book club and start learning about books that would suit me well.

Hi Kian! Excited to meet you digitally and talk more about language!

Hey folks - I'm Amndeep, an almost senior CS major. I'm interested in learning what you guys think about Prof. Millan's book.

Just to make sure, we're starting the book on the 8th, right?

Hi everyone, I'm Amanda and I'm currently undeclared. English and writing are both enjoyable subjects for me, I also like to draw and recently I've gotten into drawing webtoons/comic strips. I'm excited to start reading the book and participating in future discussions.

Hi I am Chris Dobbins, and I am a big fan of video games, so I'm majoring in college to make them. I commute to college everyday via trains from my home town. I have not personally participated in a book club before because there were never any around my area. I have alway been a fan of reading and try to do it when I can. As a member of the Smart Set Group I think I will give my insights on the books. I will also try and lead the group into many conversaions.

Hey, everyone, My name is Ololade and I love to make create new things and I hope to be a chemical engineer one day. I haven't read How Fast Can You Run yet, but I look forward to hearing/seeing what everyone has to say as we read this book together. In the past, I never participated in a book club but there's a first time for everything. I will try to add new ideas to the conversations we hold. I love to read when I have free time. I am willing to read anything as long as it keeps me occupied/interested.

Hello, I'm Jacob. I like to read about politics and history. I am also a musician and songwriter. For books, I am a fan of Charles Bukowski and Ayn Rand. I haven't been in a book club yet but am excited to read new and interesting books.

Greetings, My name is Thomas and it is my ambition in the coming years to read a variety of books that will offer me a in depth perspective on vital issues in the world today. I am have been hesitant in the past joining a book club due to a different life style than most students but am looking forward to this one and expand my perspectives as well as those around me.

Hi my name is Maddie. I like science and maybe I'll be a doctor someday. I love small children, nature, eating healthy, and hot yoga. I used to really like reading when I was younger and would read books often. I don't read as much anymore because there isn't as much time for it, so I'm excited to be reading again. I haven't read How Fast Can You Run, but it seems like it will be very interesting.

Hi, I'm Kevin, but I've been going by Kev lately. I love to write, specifically screenplays. I enjoy creating worlds and telling stories. I used to read a lot. I would read at least 1 book a week. Since high school I've kept mostly to school books and comics, just because of lack of time. I like to be passionate about whatever I do. Even if I don't enjoy it a great deal, I like to do things right and well. I try to apply this in school because if it doesn't particularly interest me, I tend to read slow. I'm trying to push my self to read books faster.
I've never participated in a book club. I knew they existed, though I'd never heard of one near me. I usually only heard about them in books or on television. My greatest experience with them was when my sister wanted to start one but that never wound up happening. I'm looking forward to reading and discussing all types of stories.

Hello! My name is Sean, and I have a variety of interests including, most prominently, computers and music. I also really love Japanese culture and hope to visit and be an exchange student thereat some point. I used to read in the past, but more recently I felt that I have been more out of touch with books. I'd like to start reading again. I haven't been a part of any serious book clubs in the past, so that's why I am looking forward to get to read through new books alongside everyone.

Hello All! I'm Kyle, as the account states. Some information to know me better would be that I love playing all sorts of games that get the imagination train rolling, and I enjoy reading and writing on the weekends. My favorite type of novels are mystery novels or fantasy novels. I have never been a part of a book club before since during my education they were never available to me. It is nice to have a place to meet fellow bookworms.

Hi all, I am Matthew and I am currently a freshman in college. I love to figure out how things work, kind of like everything is a puzzle. I really enjoy reading but I have not gotten to do as much as I may like because I am normally very busy. I do not like writing so much because I am not good at expressing myself or displaying my emotions. I always overthink whatever it is I am writing. As a person I try to always see the best in people and I would never disrespect anyone without proper cause to do so. I do not understand why anyone would do something like that. The best way for me to get anything done is to treat it as a competition, I am very competitive and this is just the best way for me to get something done as fast and as proficient as possible. I have never been in a book club before because I have never really been exposed to them. The only time I have ever really seen them is on TV. They are usually not very complex on TV, its just some people that all read the same book and talk about it together, which seems sort of boring. I am looking forward to seeing what I can learn from this experience and to see whether or not I can get back into reading books regularly.

Hi all, my name is Julia but I usually go by Juls. I'm really excited to be a part of this book club and hear everyone's ideas about this book. I have not been in a book club before; this type of thing is new to me. I love traveling and hope to bring that into my career one day. I hope to be a Project Manager one day, so I love being involved in groups, but I have not necessarily been in groups such as this one. I find myself to be very analytical, so sharing thoughts about this book will definitely be interesting. With that said, I cannot wait to dive into this book and learn about everyone's opinions on it!

Hey guys, I'm Richard Kang. I am a Computer science major in college. While my main hobby would be video games. I even plan on making a video game aswell. However reading a good book is not that far off. I've never actually been part of a book club, as I thought of reading as a more solitary activity. But recently I have found out that book clubs are rather social activities. Where, at times, is less about the books themselves, but to unite people together.

Hi it’s Dennis. I’m from China and I'm in America for college. I'm interested in Econ. I like video games and anime. Although I read some book in Chinese, it’s still a very new experience for me to read a book which is written by English. I think that would be a very good way to learn language use. Certainly I can improve myself during this experience.
It's also the first time for me to join a book club. I’m excited and a little bit confused. In China book club is not a popurlar thing and I want to know more about it. Hopefully I can share my thought and understanding about this book and learn from each other. I can’t wait to read the book.

My name is Jake, I enjoy getting into a good story, but dislike many of the stories that were forced upon us throughout school. I listen to a lot of music, travel east coast to snowboard, and like being part of the culture. I do not think there were any book clubs that were offered at my high school, because of this I never have been involved with one or knew the effect they've had in history. I think being part of a book club can make reading seem more positive and interesting and also help improve my vocabulary and writing skills. I enjoy discussing and hearing others opinions about things.

Hi, my name is Mark. I like to play video games and am currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science because I want to make video games one day. I like reading works of fiction, my favorite series being the Inheritance Cycle. I have never been in a book club before but I hope to meet new people in this one and learn about more books I might like to read.

I came to Drexel University because of the co-op program to get me a better chance in getting a job after college. Interior Design it is a fun, interesting and a lot of work. Also, on my free-time I hangout with friends so I don't get overwhelmed with stress of all my classes. Being me can trying and overwhelming because I try to give my all even if the outcome is not positive. I do like reading and the book I can never get bored from is the war of the worlds by H.G.Wells. It is a science fiction book about aliens taking over the world. I would recommend it all readers wanting something different to read and you will not be disappointed.

Hi, my name is Yun. I am majoring Computer Science in U.S. I like reading, but I am struggling with English since it is not my first language. I usually read reference books more than literatures, but it does not mean that I do not like it. I speaks Korean, and Japanese. I usually do not read literatures in English, since I am slower reader in English compare to other languages.

Hey all, my name is Jacob, and I am just your typical nineteen-year-old business student. I really enjoy reading about current events and trending topics. I find I enjoy reading news clippings because I love finding out what's going on in other countries. I am big into sports, food, and traveling. I have been foruntiate enough to go and visit 2 of the 7 wonders of the world (Machu Pichu and Roman Coliseum). I hope to continue to travel and see the world wether that's through literature or travel!

Hello, i'm Daniella! I'm a film maker; as a matter of fact I bleed, breathe and live film, I also love animation and visual effects. Reading has been a part of my life and will be for the longest- Reading gives me so much knowledge which explains why I can never stop reading. I have a younger siblings and cousins and often times they ask me questions that I don't have answers; but I want to always have something to say to them-At least to keep their research going! reading has helped me get out of so much trouble; troubles like when people try to brainwash you or be fraudulent- because books are reflections of life, the more you read the less mistakes you make. As a film maker I'm going to be telling stories for the rest of my life, so I'll never stop reading.