The hit new movie “Project Hail Mary” originated as a book by Andy Weir. In response to excitement surrounding the school-wide reading of George Orwell’s “1984,” history teacher Varsha Venkatasubramanian was inspired to start another student book club, reading the novel-turned-blockbuster film.
The club isn’t just a forum to discuss a good book, but also an opportunity for students to make a habit of reading books that weren’t assigned for a class, according to Venkatasubramanian. She had already read the book, and the new movie gave it even more momentum in the school community.
On the other hand, sophomore Abigail Tilton’s curiosity began with the movie, which prompted her to read the book.
“I saw the movie … and loved it a lot. And I just thought it was insane, and I loved the science aspect of it. When I started reading the book, it went into more depth with the science. I thought that was great,” she said.
Ninth-grader Henry Stenzel had already planned to read the book, but being a part of the book club made it even more appealing.
“I decided to join Dr. Venkat’s book club because I have heard many positive things about the book and I was planning to read it … I am excited for the sci-fi aspect of the book, a genre that I love, and for the suspense,” he said.
Venkatasubramanian said that one of the main goals for the club was to help students form stronger reading habits outside of school.
“I noticed this past year that not a lot of students have time to read for fun … and the main thing that I learned when I was in high school was, if you don’t make time for it, it’s not gonna become a daily thing,” she said.
This objective of learning to appreciate reading beyond assigned books for a class has resonated with Tilton.
“I think [the book club] increases reading habits because it’s just such a fun book, and not a lot of people who don’t read want to start reading. There’s got to be a little motivation there,” she said.
Another reason Venkatasubramanian was invested in starting a student book club was because of what reading has done for people around the world. She believes reading a book is a way to connect with other people and build empathetic skills.
“A reason to read a book, especially if it’s a novel, is to really escape into another world and to think about yourself as another person,” she said.
Tilton agrees with this perspective on the power of reading.
“I feel like the more you read and the more you put yourselves in other people’s shoes, the more you’re prone to do that in real life, I think it’s just important to … develop that skill set of being like an empathetic person as best as you can,” Tilton said.
The new student book club isn’t just intended to be a place where students can read a book and discuss it, but also a place for students to build habits and learn about important social skills.
The first book club meeting will take place on April 24, and any students who have read the book are encouraged to come. The club is expected to meet monthly with the next meeting in May.
Venkatasubramanian sent an email with information regarding this month’s meeting and a few details about the club’s future, including a form for future book club reads. Students are encouraged to vote on next month’s book using the form.
