While currently the leader of Park’s Book Club, senior Arielle (Ari) Vlodaver said she actually didn’t start to appreciate reading until middle school.

“I actually hated reading until seventh grade, (until) I got a nook, and started reading every night. As I started to read more, I was able to read faster,” Vlodaver said.

Now an avid reader and member of Park’s Book Club since her sophomore year, Vlodaver said she enjoys leading the club in her senior year. According to Vlodaver, the club meets every couple weeks to discuss an assigned book.

“It’s a lot of fun hanging out with everyone, talking about the books we read,” Vlodaver said. “You get free pizza and often times free books as well, and it’s really fun to explore new genres and new books.”

Club adviser Ellen George said she appreciates Ari’s help with the club and said she makes a good leader.

“She had offered to be a student leader for (the Book Club) at the beginning of the year and I thought that was a great idea,” George said. “Ari knows a lot of kids, she’s willing to help when I ask, and she loves reading, so it’s the perfect fit.”

Senior club member Chava Buchbinder said she also thinks Ari makes a great Book Club president.

“When we’re (talking) about the books, Ari keeps us focused on the conversation and helps us coordinate (our discussion) to make sure everyone gets a chance to talk,” Buchbinder said.

According to George, the club is currently reading “Shadow and Bone,” a fantasy/futuristic book by Leigh Bardugo.

“I’ve had really good reports from the students; the kids who have read it love it,” said George.

Vlodaver said all students are welcome to attend meetings and encouraged students to check out the club’s latest book assignment.

According to George, the next Book Club meeting, when the club will discuss “Shadow and Bone,” will take place at 3:15 p.m., April 25 in the Media Center (LMC).