The Healthy Osprey Book Club gathered at the University of North Florida on Jan. 27 to discuss “Howl’s Moving Castle,” using the novel to spark conversation about emotional growth and mental well-being.
According to the Recreation and Wellness Healthy Osprey Index, the Healthy Osprey mission is to support the health and well-being of the UNF community. Through various programs, the initiative supports physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Originally published in 1987, “Howl’s Moving Castle” is a fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones. Hayao Miyazaki directed the film adaptation, which was released in 2004 in Japan.
Ashley Muench-Epstein, the event organizer, provided hot chocolate, snacks, a tea kettle, and coffee to students.
“The book club is aiming to connect with the campus through the library and empower students towards physical and emotional health,” said Muench-Epstein.
Muench-Epstein reviewed the main parts of the book, avoiding any spoilers. The summary centers on Sophie, the main character, who makes hats and is quite shy. She meets a wizard named Howl, who has a reputation with women. A witch discovers Sophie talking to him and curses her, turning her into a 90-year-old woman. Throughout the book, Sophie shows determination and speaks her mind. She eventually finds a moving castle, which belongs to Howl, and takes on the role of a cleaning lady.
Muench-Epstein said, “Even if you haven’t read the book, you can participate in the discussion.”
There are several topics discussed, including appearance, affirmation, helplessness, emotional maturity, and identity. Students can share their thoughts and stories with their peers by asking questions about mental health, emotional wellness, and past experiences, according to Muench-Epstein.
Ashley Muench-Epstein, the event organizer, provided hot chocolate, snacks, a tea kettle, and coffee to students.
The student engagement librarian, Maria Atilano, said, “The Carpenter Library is proud to collaborate with and provide a meeting space for the Healthy Osprey Book Club. In today’s day and age, libraries are more than just books, but we’re still bastions for literacy, critical thought, and connection, all things that the Book Club supports”.
The partnership with the book club works well with other programs that center on reading, such as the blind date with a book in February or Eisner Week in March.
Healthy Osprey Book Club members can borrow the book for seven days using their Osprey One cards through a partnership with Thomas G. Carpenter Library. All books are held at the front desk, so members can access them if they are available.
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