What’s The Point of a Book Club?

What’s the point of a book club? A question that many kids have asked me recently. Remember when you finally finished THAT book? Remember all of the thoughts and feelings that were running through your head. They had to get out! Didn’t you want to run out on to your street and yell “Did anybody read this??”  

That is the point of a book club. An opportunity to share what you’ve read. If you want to put one together, read this and follow @selteacher, @tutoringtoronto, and @debrogers37.

Reading a book for school VS reading a book on your own.

If you are a student in middle school or high school, like every year, you get assigned a book (or maybe two) to read. This book will be reviewed in class and you will get to share your interpretations of the novel. You probably will need to write a book report, too.

“Where’s the foreshadowing?” “Who is the antagonist?” and “do you think his will be on the test?” Questions like these may circulate during English class when studying a book. For some, it is an exciting challenge, but for others, shoulders may start to rise and may cause a sense of negativity to reading, even for enjoyment. 

Alas, books must be read in school, book reports must get written and foreshadowing must be discussed. It’s a part of your education.

But what is a book club? (Taken outside of school)

You and your friends all read the same book and then there is a facilitator who raises important parts of the book for discussion. Themes, characters, and situations that are worth talking about. Kind of sounds like what I just described in the last 3 paragraphs right? 

Wrong.

Outside school book clubs are different.

• There are not tests.
• No papers to write.
• All you do is read and talk.
• And talk and read.
• And maybe talk some more.

You have so much to say. On topics that affect your life, that you may not want to say in school, but in a safe place with your friends.

“It was so fun!” 

“It was so helpful because it taught me what to expect when I get older.”

“I loved it.”

Sounds like a good time. Don’t just take my word for it. Join Our Book Club and find out for yourself.