You might think that sitting at one place and reading a book is perhaps a common and maybe even a boring thing to do. But what if you read a book with your friends and have fun at the same time? This is exactly what we did with Bookworm over the summer holidays this year. Hearing the word, bookworm what comes to your mind? A boy or girl with glasses sitting in a corner of the room, engrossed in reading a book? Well, this is completely the opposite of what Bookworm actually had us do. Bookworm is Goa based library and their vision is simple: ‘To inspire and develop a love for reading as a way of life, nurturing humane engagement in every girl and boy. [1]’
This thought process was surely reflected in our sessions with the Bookworm team.
How it all began
We started off by describing what we felt at that time, along side our name (on Zoom). We were introduced to the energetic and excited Bookworm team- Sujata, Anandita and Nayan. We were curious to meet them. We were really fortunate to spend our vacation with them for straight 8 sessions. The night before, our curiosity got the better of us. We were so excited for the next day, that we could not sleep peacefully. We had many doubts, especially if we would be able to wake up on time for the sessions.
The sessions were twice a week- on Tuesdays and Fridays. Finally, our wait had ended. It was 11th May! Our first session!
The trio was very friendly with us, and made us feel like we were sitting in the same room, enjoying each other’s company. There was only one condition – everyone should call the team by their names, and not ma’am. We enjoyed each and every nano-second of the session to our heart’s content.
We were introduced to the book that we were going to read – The Book thief. We were shown profiles of the main characters from the beautifully written book by Markus Zusak.
The Book Thief is a story narrated by a compassionate narrator, Death who tells us about Liesel, a girl growing up in Germany during World War II. She steals books, learns to read, and finds comfort in words. The story revolves around Liesel, her family and Max, the Jew her family protects from the Nazis and how they survive the war.
The book had several German words which helped us learn German in bits and pieces.
And the sessions flew by
We often went into 2 separate breakout rooms and read books relevant to the time period and place settings. Though the books were short (Lily Cupboard, Butterfly, Rose Blanche) these books sent out powerful messages about hope, friendship and survival.
The sessions that we attended were intriguing and interactive. We had a lot of fun.
Various activities were given to us, which included drawing and painting, making our own journal (and its cover from waste paper), and even puzzles like the crossword and Das bingo (German Bingo). We were told beforehand that this was a book in a book story, giving an insight to the books which Liesel was reading.
Even though the participants were from different classes and ages, everyone got along really well. The team had created an environment where everyone was open to thoughts and suggestions from all.
As we kept reading further, there were many unthinkable twists in the story which led us to question not only the freedom of the characters in the story but also our own freedom. The harsh reality of life! Are we actually free to do what we want?
We even learnt a new literary device – Foreshadowing! Any guesses? It means, giving warning of something that will happen in the future. And we can guarantee you, the author uses this in abundance.
READ MORE STORIES FROM SCHOOL
Our closing session was an unforgettable day for us. We had been told to invite one person to the session, and we shared our experiences with all of them, including our artworks, journals, and a little bit about the character we liked the most.
Reflections
Rajshree said, “I was fortunate to have a vacation with a wonderful team of ‘Bookworm’ and some of my classmates. All Fridays and Tuesdays were excitedly awaited by me. We not only read and discussed the engrossing book but the sessions were like vouchers to games and activities like crosswords, quizzes, creating a timeline, painting book covers and much more…each session was like a shot of adrenaline that lasted me for the whole day. In just a month I feel like I went to Germany, during 1933, the time of Hitler’s dominance. The novel selected by the team is so wonderful that it made me sentimental. Each event, each character in the book felt so heartwarming. A message I learnt during Reading with Bookworm these sessions that I would love to share is ‘If your heart feels something is wrong, oppose it!’ A warm ‘thank you!’ to the Bookworm team. Their efforts have somewhere broadened our thoughts.”
“The summer vacation was spent with the fabulous team of Bookworm. The novel we read consisted of events from World War2 & the time during Hitler’s rule. The novel was impactful, it gave thoughtful messages – losing hope would wreak-havoc in your life, so deal with situations thoughtfully and though there are problems going on GOOD is still possible. Thank you Bookworm team for the informative and wonderful sessions,” said Anuradha.
Riya said, “This has been the best way to spend my summer vacation. I love reading books and this has been the best book I have read so far.”
“ Guided reading may sound weird but we should remember that all new inventions in the world seemed weird until they were discovered. And thanks to the Bookworm team, that changed my perspective to look at things in a different way” quoted Janeel.
It seemed that the days have passed away so quickly, yet it left us with memories that we will cherish forever.
What do you think? Would you read this book if given the chance to? Tell us in the comments!
Written by Riya Gala and Janeel Joshi
[1] www.bookwormgoa.in
Dear Riya and Janeel,
What a wonderful post this is to read and to remember because we had a shared experience together. Sessions are always as good or as enriching as the people in them – know that and remember that you made it happen to it’s fullness. We are blessed in this opportunity your wonderful teachers Judith and Jennifer gave us and we are thankful too to have had an enriching summer experience when the world around us was tense and troubled. Be well , dear ones and do stay in touch with reading and Bookworm
Sujata
It was brilliant class had lots of fun and enjoyed want to attend again