Book Club: Between the Lines

4+tips+to+help+you+start+a+book+club+that+actually+meets.

Clare Schneider/NPR

4 tips to help you start a book club that actually meets.

The Book Club has finally made a staggering reappearance after a long hiatus. Although having just been back after a break of a few years, the Book Club hits the ground running and has already had its first informational meeting. The plan is to individually read a new book every month and discuss opinions and understandings in a low-pressure environment with your peers. They plan to watch the movie adaptations as well to bring something new to the table. The books will be voted on by the members and the list will be based on a specific genre that differs with each month. For example, in the month of October the book has a spookier feel than normal, so if you are planning to attend and read this month’s book choice, beware of the fright and mystery that is sure to be included in the October book choice, The Diviners by Libba Bray.

The two teachers overseeing the Book Club, Jamie Reger, and Jamie Davies, have been an integral part of this after-school activity because they both happen to be English teachers, and this gives the opportunity for them to provide their well-versed interpretations of literature. “I hope the Book Club encourages students to read different books than they normally read and to foster new friendships with club members” comments Davies. Davies decided to be a part of the Book Club because “the co-presidents of the club presented an impressive proposal…their enthusiasm is contagious.” This just shows the strong leadership and teamwork the co-presidents have and will surely show during the meetings.

The club co-presidents, Caroline Bentley and Lauren Broderson, have done an excellent job and Bentley says they “are working hard to make this club a success.” The two girls both enjoy reading in their free time and thought to bring their love of literature to Blessed Trinity. The two girls wish to “emphasize the importance of conversation among peers,” comments Broderson. Their members should “expect to have a space to read and discuss books with other people who share similar interests,” comments Bentley. “[We want] people coming together…[that] might not have met otherwise.” It shows that the club presidents are really following what Blessed Trinity is all about in how they are bringing people together to make their high school experience the best it can be. 

Olivia Smith, a current senior and member of the Book Club, got involved through her friendship with Bentley. Smith recalls that “[Bentley] asked me to check the club out and I really loved the idea.” Smith primarily reads Young Adult books but is open to reading anything, so this club is a perfect fit for someone like her as the club will make sure “all tastes in literature [are] accounted for,”  says Broderson. 

The Book Club has proven to be a lovely addition to Blessed Trinity. The leaders, members, and teachers will no doubt create a safe space for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of books. Broderson reveals that “oftentimes hearing what others have to say can really open your mind up to new interpretations of literature.”