Book Club got together on Oct. 22 for the first time since virtual learning, and according to Media Specialist Bob Ott, “We learned a lot about different books, plots, scenarios, and subsequently, life.”

     This meeting took place during the fourth lunch period on Oct. 22 and lasted 30 minutes. Ott explains that it added a bit of a challenge to complete everything in such a short amount of time, but he also adds, “all in all, I like the way club activities are scheduled on Fridays…” 

     Junior Samina Dhani states that she does not believe 30 minutes is enough time for book club meetings because she felt “rushed”. Senior Clare Cummings agrees with Dhani, “When Book Club would meet over Covid we had about an hour for our meetings. I liked this much better because it allowed each member to explain their books further and more in depth.”

     The theme for the month of Oct. was “spooky” according to members  Dhani and Cummings. Dhani chose Bird Box and Cummings chose The Collective Works of Edgar Allan Poe. “I’ve always enjoyed Poe’s work, and I thought that it was definitely fitting of the spooky theme,” says Cummings. 

     “We talked a little bit about our books, and it was very interesting to see what everyone’s book was about. We also talked about Nov.’s theme,” says Dhani. Ott confirms that Nov.’s theme will be banned books., “I know this will bring some awareness to the freedom to read campaign that the American Library Assoc. is trying to create via their sponsorship of Banned Books Week. We will discuss the implications of censorship in our November meeting.” 

     According to Cummings, she has been reading for such a long time already that book club just seemed like the right decision. “I already spent so much time reading, I figured it would be good to join a club for something I was already doing.” Dhani says that she joined book club because, “over the last few years I really got into reading.” Both Dhani and Cummings say that they enjoy participating in the group.. 

     “I was impressed with the student-led discussions.  They were proactive, silly, serious, informative, etc.; just like life is. I also want to give a shout out to our local HCPL YA librarian, Suzy Vogtman.  She is always very eager to join our NHHS book clubs and we appreciate having her,” says Ott. Ott continues to encourage more students to join and Cummings agrees. “I’d encourage anyone who likes reading to join book club. Whether you’re an avid reader or just enjoy picking up a book every once in a while, Book Club provides a super laid-back environment for every type of reader.”