Teens 'Speak Out' About Books in Library Discussion Group

With books in their laps and snacks in hand, a group of about 10 to 12 teens gathered in a circle eager to interact and discuss the first selection in the “Speak Out” book discussion group which is part of the summer reading program.

The Tuesday evening group is for students in grades 10 to 12. The “Talk It Up” group for students grades 7 to 9 meets on Thursday afternoons.

Catherine Dodwell, head of teen programs at the library, led the discussion along with guest reader Lisa Traina, president of the library board of trustees and an educator by profession. The group will read 12 books this summer and will also get to meet two authors in the coming weeks.

Some of the teens in the group already knew each other from previous summer book discussion groups. Dodwell pointed out one member of the group has been involved since he was a youngster and now he is on his way to college.

The kids shared a lot of giggles and laughs as they participated in the group ice breaker activity. Dodwell asked the students to name 10 songs they would use on a mixed CD or iPod playlist to describe themselves.

The first book they all read for this discussion was “Gold Strike” by Matt Whyman. Most agreed that the book started out with a lot of excitement but then it began to drag on but overall it was considered entertaining enough.  They discussed the relationship among the two main characters and some felt that there should have been much more character development written in.

Students took home the next book on the list “Matched” by Ally Condie. In two weeks they will get to meet Margie Gelbwasser, author of “Inconvenient” and the week after author of “Venomous” Christopher Krovatin will come in to meet the group.