THINK book club, and think literary discovery, conversation, friendship and the odd glass of wine.
But why should the adults have all the fun, says a new generation of avid readers and critical thinkers.
Mornington mum Danielle Binks is facilitator to a different kind of book club, where a group of grade five students – including her daughter Liliana – get together on the weekend to read books. For fun.
There’s no wine, but there’s always snacks, toasted sangers and plenty of in-depth analysis.
Binks says she has been impressed by the level of intellectual discourse, where the St Macartans Primary School students listen empathetically to each other and feel empowered to pick apart characters, plots and language.
“My daughter had the idea and so we started it at the beginning of the year and put together of program of books that everyone contributed to,” she said.
“I wasn’t really sure how far it would go, but the girls have so much fun, and their language and literary skills have grown so much. We’ve read some great books, and as they girls go on their tastes have broadened.
“They’re actually revisiting their selections all the time and occasionally change the program because their analytical skills have become more sophisticated as they go.”
Binks said she agreed to facilitate the sessions to guide the club but has found the girls get so involved in their discussions that she really just has to be there and enjoy it.
“I’m having as much fun as the girls, and hopefully this gives other young people the idea that a book club can be a whole lot of fun and friendship.”
First published in the Mornington News – 15 November 2022
