Book Club: For the Love of Reading

BY JENNIFER IRWIN, English Teacher

Reading has always been my passion, but early in my career at LCC, I realized not all my students enjoyed it as much as I did. Some students (gasp!) actually hated it!

Around 2006, I decided to create a club for my grade 9 students who were less enthusiastic readers, with the sole purpose of sharing with them the joy of getting lost in a good book. The plan was to introduce them to some fun, non-curriculum-based novels, from authors like Stephen King and Dan Brown, and I lured them with the promise of homemade chocolate cupcakes and juice boxes. They came for the treats, but, miraculously, stayed for the books. Just like that, Mrs. Irwin’s book club was born.

Sixteen years later, and we’re still going strong. The club now spans three grade levels and is a place where both weaker and advanced readers can come together to share great books (and, admittedly, a few duds), to consume endless amounts of twobite brownies and Doritos, and, most importantly, to foster a love of reading.

A few students weigh in:

Book club is one of my favourite clubs and I recommend it to everyone who loves to read or who is developing a passion for reading. It has allowed me to read things that I wouldn’t necessarily read but that I learned to love. The club is the perfect combination of laughter, fun and discussion.

— Victoria Wutherich ’23

Book club has been a great place to talk about books, get great book recommendations and socialize.

— Sherry Xu ’22

I am an enthusiastic member of book club because it’s a great opportunity for students to expand their literary horizons. Moreover, having a deadline encourages us to read and, of course, the snacks are ideal to attract an audience of students.

— Victoria Opolot ’22