At Spartanburg High School (SHS), the “Somewhat Virtual Book Club” is an activity that allows students to connect with other schools across the country to discuss books and get the occasional chance to meet various authors.
With the book club, students are able to broaden their typical reading genres, as the selected books can cover a broad range of historical fiction all the way to crime and romantasy. Some of the books students have read this month include “The Counselors” by Jessica Goodman, “Rez Ball” by Byron Graves and “Better than the Movies” by Lynn Painter. Books are selected for each month, and for February, the group completed Tiffany D. Jackson’s “Monday’s Not Coming.”
Hensley Brown (9) is an avid reader and enjoys having people to discuss books with.
“I haven’t been a part of the book club for long, but I really enjoy it. My favorite book we’ve read so far is ‘Better Than the Movies’ by Lynn Painter. I love this book because it captures that angsty high school feeling. And of course, Wes Bennett,” Brown said.
Roughly 30 schools nationwide and one school in Japan participate in the virtual meetings, which are when students get together at the end of the month to discuss their favorite and least favorite characters, character development, plot points and ask different questions. While there may be different opinions, the sharing of views with not just peers in the same school but around the nation builds a sense of connection and community among students.
Ashley Layne is a librarian at SHS and expresses her joy at seeing students across the globe connect over a good book.
“I love talking about literature and stories. It’s so rewarding to reach beyond our Spartanburg bubble to share different perspectives. Our communities across the country are so different, and yet we can share in the shared story that we discuss,” Layne said. “This discussion is not for a grade or to impress. It’s simply an act of understanding a story and each other. Reading for pleasure and to better understand our world is such a life-affirming gift. I’m glad that we are able to experience that collectively.”
The “Somewhat Virtual Book Club” also allows students to learn more about peers at their own high school. Discovering and reviewing a new book can influence friendship and encourage students to engage in further conversations outside of school, whether it is regarding the book club book or not. Along with a sense of community and the opportunity for an amazing read, there are additional bonuses to the book club. As meetings last from 1:20 – 2:30 p.m., food is provided for anyone who participates. Additionally, one of the most unique things about the “Somewhat Virtual Book Club” is the opportunity for students to meet the author. They get the chance to ask questions about the book, about the author’s writing process and even receive tips for future writers.
The club is hosted by SHS senior and club president, Ameerah Abouelenein, who encourages students to join and have a meaningful experience.
“I really love gaining a new outlook on the books we read, having fun conversations with others and sometimes getting to meet the author of the books we read,” Abouelenein said.
