New book club for teachers established; Members share love for reading

    As many North Harford High School students know, there is a book club here at North Harford that students can join, but special education teacher Monica Nolan and English teacher Meagan Neyens have just started a book club exclusively for teachers. 

    The club had its first official meeting on March 31 of this year and there are meetings held on the last Thursday of each month. Neyens says, “we [her and Nolan] begin each class with SSR, and we often share our thoughts on the novels we are reading. Ms. Nolan thought it would be really fun to invite others into our conversation. The idea to start a book club was hers.” Nolan says, “Mrs. Neyens and I both have a love for reading. We are always discussing our books that we are reading and thought other people who love reading might also want to discuss!” 

    Nolan mentions, “I love the community and I love talking about books. I have always had a love for reading.” The first book that they chose to read was The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley. Nolan says that this book is for those who enjoy reading murder mysteries, she herself loves mysteries and autobiographies.

    Neyens mentions, “[in the meeting] we talked about everything from [the] author’s craft to character development to what we liked and disliked about the novel.” English teacher Joanna Dallum, member of the club says, “We found each other in the halls and tested our theories about who murdered whom. Such fun! In the end, we were wrong and we were right.” They are currently reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Neyens explains, “book club is a gathering that includes interesting conversation and delicious snacks! We sit in a circle and talk about the novel we read that month.”  

    Nolan adds, “We plan for every month to have members choose a book. Then, we all read the book and later come together and discuss our thoughts.” English teacher Kathleen Lemke, member of the club say’s “it is fun to talk with other people who have read the same book as you.” She adds, “it is also a relaxed way to get to know each other better.” Her favorite genres are family drama and historical fiction.  

     Dallum says, “The members of the book circle are the best part! We see things differently, but we find common ground in the motifs of the text. We find ourselves.” 

    Neyens is looking to recruit more members for the club as well, “we strongly encourage others to join and attend! We are super fun!”