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The Blake Beat
December 16, 2011
Attention all witch, wizard, goblin and ghoul lovers...
Fantasy book club welcomes readers of the magical sort to share their literary experiences Blake Reads Fantasy Book Club displays some of their favorite imaginative books. Top row: media specialist Susie Treat, sophomore Kirsten Hines, seniors Emily Dollemore and Kealea Foy and junior Ryan Reynolds; middle row: juniors Catherine
by Emily Eaglin x & Johnelle Revelle
Intimate discussions about the latest books and authors, a get-together with friends, a catered and delicious lunch and, best of all, media specialist Susie Treat; if this sounds like some good times, then check out one of the Blake Reads book clubs. Blake has two different book clubs: Blake Reads and Blake Reads Fantasy Book Club. Because of the high demand for fantasy book discussion from Bengal bookworms, our school has added a new fantasy branch. All fairy, witch, warlock, vampire and troll lovers are welcome to join. Many students see the library’s club
as a relaxing break in their school day. “It’s the best way to unwind during school,” says sophomore Kirsten Hines. In a time where books and stories have been replaced by a virtual world of entertainment, many believe that joining a book club is just what some students need to not only improve their learning experience, but also to enhance their knowledge. “It’s better to cuddle up with a book than to be cuddled with a game controller and blow up zombies,” says junior Yadira Aguilar. Some students feel limited by their English class where they are assigned books so they join book clubs that allow them to choose their next read. Mrs. Treat created these book clubs to unite Bengal readers three years ago. “We
Wingate and Cecilia Kwakye and sophomore Riley Cruickshank; bottom row: sophomore Catherine Wingate and junior Michael Cheang. -- photos by media assistant Janet Smith. enjoy reading a variety of books in different genres,” says Mrs. Treat, “… rather than discussing one particular book in depth… we read thematically.” Mrs. Treat explains that the book club reads books by themes to focus on what students liked or disliked about the book as well as to compare how the book goes under the genre that it is placed in. Even though the book club is organized in this way, “there is lots of room within those parameters for students to select something they will enjoy.” If a student does not want to read the same book as the book club, he or she is free to choose their own and suggest it to the rest of the club. “Reading is the portal that opens up new worlds,” says sophomore Riley Cruickshank. Recently, the book club
has read best sellers such as Wicked Lovely in 2009, The Hunger Games series in 2010 and the Heir trilogy this year. Students of all ages are united through the book club and find it a great way to make new friends. What is one thing, aside from books, that all the book club members enjoy? “The good food,” as junior member Ryan Reynolds puts it. Make no mistake, though - all of the members are there for the books. “Everything here is a joy to be a part of,” says senior Emily Dollemore. The members of the book club encourage all readers to come into the library’s office every other Tuesday, grab some sweets, brace themselves for some fun conversation, open a book and READ.