Reading

The "classical" bookswap is simple: * We meet in a café and put the book(s) we brought down on the tables. * We browse and discuss the books with one another while sipping coffee or hot chocolate, or eating cake. * We write our names down on any books we’d like to take home (post-its and pens provided). * At the end of the evening, negotiate any books that are contended and take a new-to-you book home! Books/happiness shared are books/happiness multiplied! A Bookswap is 10 times better than a Book Club because you can talk about ALL the books instead of just one! This is a great way to give your books a new home and make room for new books: that book you feel guilty for not having read even though it's been sitting on your bedside table for the last 5 years, the book you liked but didn't love, the book you loved so much you want everyone to read it, the book you somehow own three copies of, that book you absolutely hated even though everyone else loves it, and so on. Moreover, you will meet fellow readers, get a new book or two, and several book recommendations. We’ve often had readers experience books they wouldn't normally buy and enjoy it. GROUP EXPECTATIONS for PLEASANT SWAPPING * Please bring a book! It's not that you bring one you take one, but do try your best to bring something. * Books stay on the tables, open for sharing, until you are ready to leave so that everyone can have a look. We are notably not first come first serve. Please wait until you are leaving to bag the book. * If two or more people want the only copy of a book, negotiate. Maybe one of you reads it first and then gives it to the others. Or perhaps they have found another book instead. Or leave it to fate and toss a coin. The best part: now you have found somebody whose taste you can really admire. In any case, please don't walk away with a book with several names on it without letting the others know. These negotiations are fun and easy, so don't shy away from a book because there's already a name on it, and feel free to put your name on as many books as you find interesting. It's not that you bring one you take one; you may take as many as you can negotiate. * Political discussions with consent: make sure the people you are talking to would like to have a political discussion with you. * Please respect this space as first and foremost a community for connecting readers over their love of books and reading, stories, and narratives of all sorts. Please be respectful of tastes and opinions. * If something is bothering you, please reach out to the organizers, and we'll do our best to resolve it. * Lastly, don't expect your book back. It will find a new home. If you love it, let it go. Major LANGUAGES (and genres) of this meetup: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian; Fiction, Non-Fiction, Serious Reading, Light Fun, “classics", Krimis, Booker winners, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Self-Help and more. You never know who can read what languages, and there's no accounting for taste. We are a delightful and international group of readers. We look forward to swapping with you!

We are going to be seated together at **the big table on the 1st floor** of the cafe. As always, we will do **two sessions of each 45 minutes** of writing with **one break of 15 minutes** in-between. We are making reservation and counting on you to show up, so please register only when you are going to be there, don't forget to update your RSVP if you can't come. Unfortunately cafes in Berlin are getting less and less laptop-friendly, please don't forget to order your drink or snack to support the cafe which will have us. If you are new to the meetup, don't worry, just come and say hi to the organizer. We also have many long-term regulars who will be happy to help you out and feel welcomed. We also have a **Telegram chat**: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit: https://shutupwrite.com Looking forward to see you! 😊

Shut-Up & Write Zehlendorf meets Fridays, except during school holidays, following the standard format of 15 minutes to say hello, followed by two 45 minute writing sessions and a break in between. The location is a cozy coworking space, which means it's quite peaceful, with no music playing or customers chatting around us. Coffee and tea are available in the kitchen, so there's no pressure to purchase anything (though donations are welcome!). So come and join us for some quiet work in a quiet space. When you arrive, if the door is closed, just text or ring The Space Coworking: 0178 869 0222.

What happens when incense and wine share the same air? In this intimate session, we pair natural incense with selected wines to explore how scent shapes taste, memory, and mood. As incense burns gently in the background, each sip unfolds differently — softer, rounder, more present. This is not a typical tasting, but a ritual of attention, guided slowly and intentionally. **Les Amis** is a women-only community of friendly souls. We provide access to hundreds of experiences that explore your passions and connect you with other event participants. **Check our website to learn more, and apply to join our community and events**: [lesamis.cc/apply](https://www.lesamis.cc/apply)

**Cuddling as Collective Care – all genders** for **LGBTQIA+** **[Book a Ticket](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/regenerative-touch/w11-2026)** **Member: 15 €** **Regular: 30 €** This Cuddle Puddle offers a safe, consent-based space for people of all genders within the LGBTQIA+ community to experience non-sexual touch, communal connection and rest. Guided exercises support emotional wellbeing, boundaries, and self-awareness. **Cuddle Puddles** are structured, guided spaces where people can experience the benefits of non-sexual touch — such as reduced stress, nervous system regulation, and a deeper sense of belonging. Touch, when consensual and caring, can support emotional resilience and mental health. This **Cuddle Puddle** is open to all genders within the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a space where diverse identities can meet beyond gendered expectations. A non-gender-restricted setting allows for broader empathy, mutual understanding, and connection, while honoring individual boundaries, choice, and safety at all times. **General Information** • This format is for all queer people (LGBTQIA+) interested in experiencing touch in a safe(r) setting. • This is a clothes-on format. • Bring a sheet and towel to cover cushions, mats, or massage tables. • This event will be in English • This event is also available at a reduced member price – but not part of the three-free-monthly-events benefit. • Concession tickets upon written request to **[events@wearevillage.org](mailto:events@wearevillage.org)** **Kuscheln als kollektive Fürsorge – Alle Geschlechter** für **LGBTQIA+** **[Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/regenerative-touch/w11-2026)** **Mitglied: 15 €** **Regulärer Preis: 30 €** Dieser Cuddle Puddle bietet einen sicheren, einvernehmlichen Raum für Menschen aller Geschlechter aus der LGBTQIA+ Community, um nicht-sexuelle Nähe, gemeinschaftliche Verbindung und Entspannung zu erleben. Die angeleitete Erfahrung stärkt emotionales Wohlbefinden, Körperwahrnehmung und klare Grenzen. **Cuddle Puddles** sind angeleitete Räume für bewusste, nicht-sexuelle Berührung, die Stress reduzieren, das Nervensystem regulieren und das Gefühl von Zugehörigkeit stärken können. Konsensuelle Nähe unterstützt emotionale Stabilität und psychische Gesundheit. Diese Cuddle Puddle ist für alle Geschlechter innerhalb der LGBTQIA+ Community geöffnet. Ein nicht-geschlechtergetrennter Raum ermöglicht vielfältige Begegnungen jenseits von Rollenbildern und Erwartungen. So entsteht ein Feld für mehr Empathie, gegenseitiges Verständnis und authentische Verbindung, immer auf Basis von Wahlfreiheit, klaren Grenzen und gegenseitigem Respekt **Was ist Regenerative Berührung?** Regenerative Touch ist ein monatlicher Workshop für Queer People, bei dem wir uns gegenseitig helfen, langsamer zu werden, in unseren Körper zu kommen und in einer unterstützenden und nährenden Umgebung die wohltuende Wirkung von regenerativer Berührung erkunden. Berührung, die im täglichen Leben oft übersehen wird, ist ein grundlegendes menschliches Bedürfnis. In diesen Workshops schaffen wir einen Raum, der ausschließlich ihrer regenerativen und heilenden Kraft gewidmet ist, frei von romantischen oder sexuellen Konnotationen. Berührung kommuniziert direkt und erreicht Orte, die Worte nicht erreichen können. Hast du jemals die beruhigende Wirkung einer warmen Umarmung oder einer tröstenden Hand auf deiner Schulter erlebt? Selbst ein kurzes 15-minütiges Handhalten kann zu einer signifikanten Senkung der Herzfrequenz und des Blutdrucks führen und eine starke Entspannungsreaktion signalisieren. Eine einfache 20-sekündige Umarmung kann zu höheren Oxytocinspiegeln führen, dem Hormon, das mit Bindung und Vertrauen verbunden ist. Jeden Monat wird unser trauma-sensitiver Moderator den Abend um Themen wie Präsenz, Regulierung des Nervensystems und emotionale Sicherheit gestalten und sich auf praktisches Erleben anstatt auf zu viele Worte oder Techniken konzentrieren. Es sind keine Vorkenntnisse in Körperarbeit erforderlich – bring einfach deine Neugier mit. **Vorteile** – Erfahre eine Verringerung von Angstzuständen und Depressionen sowie eine erhöhte emotionale Widerstandsfähigkeit durch beruhigende, achtsame Berührung. – Kultiviere wertschätzende Anwesenheit und tiefere Verbindungen zu dir selbst und anderen. – Unterstütze die Heilung von Traumata und setze in einer sicheren, nährenden Umgebung Emotionen frei. – Verbessere deine Stimmung und deine Immunfunktion, indem du Stress reduzierst und Endorphine freisetzt. – Fördere ein Gefühl von Gemeinschaft und Zugehörigkeit durch gemeinsame, nonverbale Erfahrungen. – Ermutige tieferes Mitgefühl und Akzeptanz durch sanften, unterstützenden Kontakt.

Liebe Deutschlernende, Das nächste Sprachcafé findet am **24.04.** von **15:30 bis 17 Uhr statt.** Das Thema: Wird vor Ort bekannt gegeben. Wir freuen uns auf euch!

A small NEXUS gathering built around movement and natural conversation. **Important!** We’re moving our full event schedule to our website. 👉 For all upcoming events and details, visit: [https://nexuswerkstatt.com](https://nexuswerkstatt.com)

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 13:00 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

RSVP on Luma: [https://luma.com/ou3ks02q?utm_source=Meetup](https://luma.com/ymc3ttfx?utm_source=Meetup) Silent Reading / Creating Club is a gathering for people who enjoy focusing together in public. Bring a book, a notebook, a sketchpad, knitting needles, whatever you’d like to spend a quiet hour doing. All projects and all participants are welcome. We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The reading and creating isn't the real highlight, though, it’s in the people who return and make it feel like a familiar room. (Please RSVP “yes” only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and others on the waitlist.) Our Meeting Point is the **W66 Café**. There’s no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the café and don’t bring outside food or drinks 🙂 No assignments, expectations, or pressure. Just a shared hour of intentional silence, followed by the opportunity for good conversation. 🕰 Our Agenda **10:30 – 11:00** Arrivals, ordering drinks/food, light social time **11:00 – 12:00** The Great Quiet Hour (Read. Write. Sketch. Code. Think. Sit.) **12:00 – 12:30** Optional socializing: share what you were reading or creating, or simply continue in quiet focus. ## 🏡 House Guidelines To keep this space calm and welcoming for everyone: • Silence during the focus hour (no calls or conversations) • Put cellphones on silent mode • If using technology, please avoid meetings or audio (headphones please!) • Arrive before 11:00 if possible to minimize disruptions

Hi, dieses Mal besprechen wir „Schande“ von J.M. Coetzee (1999). Hier der Link zum Inhalt und Buch : https://www.fischerverlage.de/buch/j-m-coetzee-schande-9783596150984 Wir treffen uns diesmal im Café Nest im Wrangelkiez. :)

Merhabalar, **26 Nisan Pazar 15:00**'da buluşuyoruz. Mekan [März Bar](https://www.maerzberlin.de/). İçeride rahat berjer koltukların olduğu bir oda var, girince solda. **[Schönhauser Allee ringbahn](https://maps.app.goo.gl/oWVqcXtfZM5q69yN9)** durağına yakın, Stargarder üzerinde. Ulaşımın Ring Bahn (S41 ya da S42) ile kolay olacağını düşünüyorum. Her zamanki etkinlik formatı ve tanıtımı aşağıda: **Önemli Not**: Mekanda sınırlı sayıda koltuk olduğu için genelde 8-9 kişi ile sınırlıyoruz etkinliği. **Eğer gelemeyeceksiniz en azından bir gün önceden meetup'taki etkinlik sayfasında etkinlikten kendinizi çıkartmayı unutmayın**. Böylece Pazar günü gelebilecek kişiler kendilerini ekleyebilirler Açık kitap kulubü formatında buluşacağız, detaylar aşağıda, görüşmek üzere! * **Kitap kulübü "açık" formatta. Yani** **belirli bir kitap üzerinden değil**, katılımcıların o sıralarda okudukları ya da bitirdiği bir kitap üzerine paylaşımda bulundukları daha geniş katılımı mümkün kılan bir format. * Kulübü **kurmaca kitaplar kategorisi ile sınırlı tutuyoruz**. **Kurmaca kitaplar kategorisi şunlardan ibarettir: roman, öykü ve şiir. Yani edebi eserler**. Otobiyografi, kişisel gelişim kitapları ya da sosyoloji, psikoloji vs. kitapları kurmaca değildir. * **Kulüpteki Türkçe vurgusu konuşma dili için**. Kitaplar elbette herhangi bir dünya edebiyatına ait olabilir. Herhangi bir dilde de okunabilir. Yine de misafirlerin ana dili ya da ona yakın seviyede Türkçe bildiğini, ortak paydasının Türkçe edebiyat okuru olmak olduğunu varsayıyorum. Herhangi bir ulusa ya da etnisiteye ait olmak değil.

**Bitte mitbringen: 💶 3 Euro Gebühr (in bar oder Paypal), um die Meetup-Gebühren zu decken und als kleinen Ausgleich für die Orga. Danke! 🙏** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **Come together. Read. Talk about it.** Vielleicht liest du viel und vermisst Gespräche darüber. Vielleicht hast du Lust, neue Menschen kennenzulernen – in einem entspannten, ungezwungenen Rahmen. Lesen verbindet, und genau dafür ist dieser Club gedacht. Dieser *Social Reading Club* ist für Menschen, die gern lesen und sich genau das wünschen: mehr Zeit dafür – und Raum für Austausch mit anderen, die das genauso fühlen. Wir treffen uns in einem Café am **Platz der Luftbrücke in Kreuzberg**. Nicht als klassischer Buchclub mit Vorgaben oder Pflichtlektüre, sondern als gemeinsames Innehalten: jede\*r liest für sich, egal ob Zeitung, dicker Roman oder Sachbuch. Im eigenen Tempo. Danach kommen wir ins Gespräch – ganz natürlich, ohne Erwartung. Dein Handy kannst du dabei weglegen – ich behalte die Zeit für dich im Blick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **So sieht ein Treffen aus** Der Vormittag besteht aus **einer Leseeinheit**. Wir kommen an, bestellen etwas und richten uns ein. Dann lesen wir, zusammen, in Stille – konzentriert, jede\*r für sich. Zum Abschluss gibt es ein lockeres Kennenlernen und Austauschen – über das, was wir gerade lesen, und das, was es bei uns auslöst: Gedanken, Eindrücke, Stellen, die hängen geblieben sind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **ℹ️ Hinweise** * Wir treffen uns in einem Café und sind dort normale Gäste. Also plane bitte ein, dort etwas zu bestellen. * Eine Vorbereitung ist nicht erforderlich. Alles, was du tun musst, ist, etwas zum Lesen mitzubringen. * Das Treffen findet auf Deutsch statt. 🇩🇪 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . **🗓️ Agenda** **11:00 Uhr** Ankommen, Einrichten & etwas bestellen **11:15 – 12:30 Uhr** Stille Leseeinheit (konzentriertes Lesen, jede\*r für sich – gerne Kopfhörer mitbringen, falls es im Café etwas voller wird) **12:30 – 13:30 Uhr** Austausch, Kennenlernen & Ausklang

**Вопрос (про)чтения** — это берлинский дискуссионный клуб для тех, кто интересуется наукой, философией и научпоп-литературой. Мы встречаемся примерно раз в месяц, каждый раз — с новой темой. Тема заранее объявляется в Telegram-канале: [https://t.me/+1RVY0Ld5ny8zYmZi](https://t.me/+1RVY0Ld5ny8zYmZi) К каждой встрече мы собираем подборку материалов (книги, статьи, лекции), чтобы можно было посмотреть на тему с разных сторон. Можно выбрать один материал из списка или принести свой — и обсудить его вместе с другими участниками. Формат встречи — живая дискуссия: участники делятся идеями, задают вопросы и вместе разбираются в теме. *** 📚 **Вопрос (про)чтения #11: Любовь сегодня: почему так сложно?** Одиннадцатый «Вопрос (про)чтения» по теме любви и романтических отношений. Обудим почему сегодня это так сложно? Что изменилось? Что говорит наука? ​После двух более теоретических и научных встреч мы решили обратиться к теме, с которой в той или иной форме сталкивался каждый. При этом нам важно обсудить её не в формате советов и популярных объяснений, а с опорой на философию, социологию и современные исследования. Нас интересует не то, как строить отношения, а то, что с ними происходит сегодня и почему. ​Современные данные показывают не самую простую картину: растёт количество одиночных домохозяйств, в том числе в крупных городах вроде Берлина; меняются ожидания от партнёров; появляются новые формы близости; усиливаются идеологические разрывы между людьми. Кто-то говорит о кризисе романтической любви, кто-то — о её трансформации. Вопрос в том, действительно ли мы стали меньше любить или просто иначе понимаем, что такое любовь и отношения. ​Предлагаем посмотреть что говорят данные, какие социальные и культурные изменения влияют на отношения и почему сегодня так сложно выстраивать устойчивую связь с другим человеком. Большинство материалов в подборке скорее описывают проблему и её причины, а возможные ответы мы будем искать уже в обсуждении. *** # ​**Материалы и направления подготовки** ​[Подборка материалов](https://docs.google.com/document/d/19sLJIzosmZs9xxP2lZsP321_ZYhhy638ubYuYLXbYPM/edit?usp=sharing&utm_source=luma) построена так, чтобы можно было рассмотреть тему с разных уровней — от философии до эмпирических исследований. **Можно выбрать один материал — читать всё не нужно.** ​Философская часть включает тексты о природе любви и отношений: * ​Эрих Фромм «Искусство любить» — о любви как навыке и форме зрелости; * ​Хан Бён-Чхоль «Агония Эроса» — о том, как современная культура подрывает возможность глубокой близости; * ​Мартин Бубер «Я и Ты» — о различии между подлинной встречей и отношением к другому как к объекту. ​Научные и научно-популярные материалы помогают понять, что именно происходит с отношениями сегодня: * ​Modern Relationships (ред. Mahzad Hojjat, Anne Moyer) — обзор современных форм отношений и выбора партнёров; * ​Ева Иллуз «Почему любовь ранит?» — социологический анализ трансформации романтической сферы; * ​Christian Rudder Dataclysm — о том, что данные дейтинг-платформ говорят о реальном поведении людей. ​Также в подборке есть научные статьи: * ​Elyakim Kislev — о жизни в одиночку и уровне удовлетворённости; * ​Wahring, Simpson, Van Lange — о различиях в значении отношений для мужчин и женщин; * ​Sharabi и др. — о влиянии дейтинг-приложений на психологическое состояние. ​Для входа в тему можно начать с лекции Максимилиана Неаполитанского, а в дополнительных материалах есть видео, подкасты и более лёгкие форматы. ​Ссылка полностью [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19sLJIzosmZs9xxP2lZsP321_ZYhhy638ubYuYLXbYPM/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.ob84xc2myy58](https://docs.google.com/document/d/19sLJIzosmZs9xxP2lZsP321_ZYhhy638ubYuYLXbYPM/edit?tab=t.0&utm_source=luma#heading=h.ob84xc2myy58) *** # ​**Формат встречи** ​Встреча предполагает предварительную подготовку. Пожалуйста, учитывайте это при регистрации. Каждому участнику будет отведено около 5 минут, чтобы рассказать: * ​что именно вы выбрали для чтения или просмотра, * ​какие идеи показались важными или спорными, * ​с чем вам хочется разобраться в обсуждении. *** # ​**Важно** * ​Мероприятие 16+ * ​Вход только по предварительной регистрации. * ​Встреча предполагает уважительное и внимательное общение: мы обсуждаем идеи, а не личности, даём друг другу договорить и сохраняем безопасную атмосферу для обмена мнениями.

Let's read together on another Sunday morning. Agenda: 10:30-11:00 Arrival, ordering drinks, getting to know each other 11:00-12:00 Reading together 12:00-13:00 Share reading experience There is no books assigned. Just bring whatever you are reading for now. Please sign up only when you can join the event. Hope you will enjoy it there!

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.

Join us for lunch/tea at Asterisk Supper Club to discuss our May book "Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her family’s sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, Maxi doesn’t dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their vows are exchanged. Now, three years after their disastrous wedding night, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxi’s surprise, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and renowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his longing becomes a desire that bewilders Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftan’s presence ignites within her. As she learns to navigate the intricacies of her new life, Maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless.