At Pasco High School, every Friday morning, in Ms. Mathews’ class are people who share a love or interest in reading. Ms. Mathews’ book club, now in its fifth year, has become a sanctuary for students seeking a safe and stimulating environment to enjoy and be themselves. The club’s appeal lies in its ability to grasp a sense of belonging and curiosity.
Elise, a four-year member of the book club, remembers joining during her freshman year. “It’s really special to have such a full group of people who care about reading, and we always have great discussions about the books, whether we like them or not,” she says. This statement shows the comfortable and understanding atmosphere of the club.
Mathews’ book club isn’t just for members who have been in it for years; it’s also a welcoming point for those who are new to reading. The discussions at meetings serve as motivation to keep up with the book, and even if a person doesn’t finish, all thoughts are welcome. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone feels okay with participating, regardless of their reading experience.
The club’s success can be seen in many different ways. Members like Elise have built amazing friendships over the years. Finding the club a safe place to express their thoughts and opinions without feeling embarrassed. “Book club has always been super special to me. It’s a place where I don’t have to be shy and I can just nerd out about books that are interesting to me,” she explains. Another thing is that the club is fun. Mathews and other members often bring sweet treats to share at meetings, making the class and discussions even better. This atmosphere encourages members to relax and engage with the material more enjoyably. The choice of books also plays a crucial role in the club’s appeal. Book clubs offer more than just social benefits. It also serves as a powerful catalyst for intellectual exploration and personal growth. “Being actively engaged is so important.”
Anika explains, “It’s not enough to just passively read the book. You must be willing to dive deeper, to question assumptions, and to challenge your own perspectives.” This active engagement creates crucial thinking skills and encourages members to be more open with their thinking. Through exposure to many different genres and authors, the book club challenges members to step outside their comfort zones and explore new ideas.
For Anika, the book club has had an impact on her personal development. “It’s helped me become more open-minded, more empathetic, and more confident in expressing my opinions,” she says. “I’ve learned so much from other members, not just about literature, but about life.” This personal growth shows that shared learning can help a person grow in their own way. The book club provides a platform for individuals to learn from one another’s experiences, perspectives, and insights. When asked about her favorite book, she mentions “Chlorine” by Jade Song. “It’s the author’s debut novel about a competitive swimmer in high school who dreams of becoming a mermaid.” She explains. “It has coming-of-age themes, queer romance, sports, and body horror.” This choice reflects the creativity and unexpectedness of books that are not only engaging but also intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping.
In a generation that often prioritizes efficiency and productivity, the book club offers a refreshing reminder of the value of slowing down, connecting with others, and engaging with ideas. It’s a great environment that brings people together, sparks meaningful conversations, and creates personal growth for the old and new members of the book club.
