Day: Tuesdays     Time: 4:00-5:00pm     Age: Middle and High School

“What is the purpose of reading?” I have heard some students ask. While the question may seem strange to many adults, it’s not a bad one, especially when asked in the context of a generation that grew up with smart phones, Netflix, and various forms of multimedia that provide information instantaneously.

It’s more than understandable that young people may be hesitant to read, given that reading takes time. However, as I teach in “book club,” the importance of reading is even more relevant today than it was in the time of our parents and grandparents.

Not only is reading important for literacy, but it also has other benefits: In a world where everything seems to happen quickly, reading allows us to slow down time, allows us to withdraw from daily life, and has benefits to our mental well-being in a world that expects everything instantly and on demand.

Furthermore, reading books enables us to discover characters, events, and stories from our favorite films such as “The Lord of The Rings” and “Harry Potter,” that we would have missed had we only watched the films alone. For example, one of the most entertaining characters in Harry Potter, Peeves the Poltergeist, who has many comedic interactions with the students of Hogwarts, and even helps save their lives on one occasion, is never featured in any of the

films.  Lastly, in book club, we will discuss what makes a book great, and will read everything from fiction to non-fiction, exploring various subjects, themes, and time periods. 

Reading great literature is the key to speaking well and being articulate, so that when a student enters university, they will know how to make a reasoned argument to their professor about why they should have a better grade, or to articulate to their boss in the future why they deserve a raise.

I encourage all students to read what they enjoy, as this will inspire them to learn more about their own unique talents and interests, whether they’re reading about cars, airplanes, or even historical events they find interesting.”  By reading together, and by understanding the importance of literature, the goal of the club is to turn even the most reluctant readers into people who can enjoy reading.