Having noticed the lack of a fun, inviting book club at UCA, senior Emily Reed spent her final semester reestablishing the Bear Book Club, an organization created for every kind of reader.

“It’s really meant to be maybe a little chaotic, but a very fun, inclusive environment to

all types of readers,” Reed said.

With many book clubs on campus focusing on academic studies or classic literature, Reed felt that UCA needed one that was simply entertaining.

Reed said, “I wanted something to join the fun, to help me really get back into reading because I got into a rut.”

“I’m hoping to see a community of avid readers who have a love for books. I want it to be very diverse. I don’t want to be sat on one type of book,” she said.

The book club offers several titles a month, giving its members several options to choose from, whether that be a horror novel or a historical fiction piece.

During each meeting — which the club titles “Chapters and Chat” — readers are invited to a group discussion where the president proposes a variety of interactive, engaging questions for each novel, focusing on the book’s themes, its relatability or even who everyone’s favorite character is.

Although the club only had two meetings this semester, the first on March 6 and the second on April 10, it has more than built a solid foundation under president Reed, bookkeeper sophomore Anneliese Peiserich and communication coordinator sophomore Jessica Brantly.

Peiserich and Brantly joined Bears Book Club after trying to create a book club of their own, where they were quickly referred to Reed’s plans for the club.

Brantly said that reading in college can be a wonderful pastime because it gives students time to dream.

Especially being older, a lot of people don’t dream and I think that’s important, even for your goals in life. You need to be able to dream and take that far, because if you only do what people say you can do, then you can’t [grow],” Brantly said.

Reed pointed out that reading also challenges your viewpoints, opening up your mind for interesting discussions.

“Reading is important because it’s going to help unlock this other part of you,” Reed said. “Yes you’re reading — you’re going to be reading a lot for academic reasons as well. This is going to give you a moment to really unleash, relax, have fun and it’s good for the mind.”

Reed said that the club’s biggest goal right now is growing a loyal, consistent following.

Peiserich said, “We love people, we just want to talk about books. It could be the weirdest book ever, and we will love to talk to you about it.”

Brantly believes that the club can connect people from a variety of different majors.

“I feel like I’ve met a lot of people that I would have never met if I wasn’t participating in the club, or if I wasn’t coming to the meetings and everything; People so far outside of my major, or people in my major that I didn’t know,” she said.

Although Reed is graduating this semester, she believes that Peiserich — who will be president of the club in the fall — and Brantly will do a great job leading the club to a bright future.

“Because we’re trying to go for such a diverse, inclusive environment, I would say to not be afraid and to push yourself into things you’re uncomfortable with, even if you lack the knowledge. There’s plenty of resources, and I believe that you guys will take over the organization and do wonderful things.”