While reading can become monotonous for some students in college, for others, it brings enjoyment and the desire to discuss.
Mallory Winkler, a freshman in the College of Communication, has searched for a book club since she came to Marquette.
“I love reading and any chance I get to pick up a book that isn’t a textbook, I go for it,” she said.
Winkler is a part of a few online book clubs and hasn’t been able to find a group that meets in person until now. She recently joined Eat Read Love, Marquette’s only book club that launched this semester. By attending, Winkler ensures she has the time for fun reads despite her class schedule.
Co-presidents Lauren Flatley, a junior in the College of Business Administration, and Siena Giacomantonio, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, founded the book club this semester when they noticed Marquette didn’t have one. Avid readers themselves, they wanted to form a relaxing space where they could take a pause from their school life for an hour or so to talk about good books.
“I think (the schedule) is great because it allows me to be involved with other clubs on campus too,” Winkler said.
The club currently meets biweekly Thursdays at 8 p.m. in Cudahy 126.
Another club member, Breanna West, a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences, said she heard about the club through the Marquette website on the clubs and involvement page.
“I think the name of the club is great because it references the book ‘Eat, Pray, Love,'” she said.
West said she is excited to read with others who love books as much as she does.
Members can join friends or make new ones as they discuss books decided upon by the group. Each month, the co-presidents pare down from suggestions and club members’ preferences to four books, and then the club takes a poll.
So far, the preference seems to be young adult books due to their shorter length and lighter content. For February, the club will read “Everything, Everything” by Nicola Yoon.
“We choose books that we feel the students will enjoy and will serve as an escape from the hectic academic atmosphere,” Giacomantonio said.
Giacomantonio said the club was not aimed to emulate a typical classroom setting.
“The meetings focus on opinions, thoughts and questions about characters, themes and plot, but in a comfortable and friendly environment,” Giacomantonio said.
On the weeks where the club isn’t discussing books, members can still come together for crafts, movie nights or other fun activities.
“A good way to bond with friends is over books and a cup of coffee,” West said.
There is a Goodreads page to make comments about the book to enable people to say more outside of the designated discussion time. More updates and information can be found on their Facebook page.
