Book clubs are becoming popular among various public figures, including musicians like Dua Lipa, influencers like Morgann Book, actors like Reese Witherspoon, and broadcasters like Oprah. Surprisingly, professional athletes are also jumping on the book club trend, with NBA and NHL players organizing book clubs for their teams.
For instance, NBA players Victor Wembanyama and Harrison Barnes of the San Antonio Spurs are encouraging more teammates to join their book club, as seen on the league’s YouTube channel. The San Jose Sharks in the NHL have a book club as well, with players like Will Smith, Macklin Celebrini, Tyler Toffoli, and Ty Dellandrea participating, keeping their book choices under wraps as a running joke.
Athletes from the PWHL and the WNBA, such as the Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Toronto Tempo, and New York Liberty, are also bonding over book clubs. Toronto Sceptres forward Claire Dalton, who initiated the book club with goalie Raygan Kirk, shared that reading has been a beloved activity among the team members.
The Toronto Sceptres’ book club meetings over coffee have been engaging, with discussions revolving around books like “Gone Before Goodbye” by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben, “The Heir Apparent” by Rebecca Armitage, and “Palm Villa” by Ashley Hartley. During the regular season, around 15 players were actively participating in the club.
Building Team Chemistry
The Toronto Tempo’s book club, inspired by another team, was initiated by guard Kia Nurse. The team’s activities, including the book club, are crucial for the expansion team to strengthen their off-court relationships and chemistry.
Kia Nurse emphasized the significance of friendship in sports, particularly basketball, highlighting the importance of team camaraderie in achieving success. The book club discussions have provided insights into the way her teammates think and perceive different aspects of the books they read.
The first book chosen by the Toronto Tempo for their book club was the thriller “It Should Have Been You” by Andrea Mara. Their busy travel schedule made it convenient to schedule book discussions during trips to games, enhancing team bonding on and off the court.
Reading as a Refuge
Reading serves as a perfect escape for athletes like Kia Nurse, offering a way to detach from the pressures of sports and explore different identities beyond athletics. It allows athletes to immerse themselves in different worlds and characters, providing a refreshing break from their rigorous routines.
Sharing their book club activities on social media has garnered significant interest from fans, with the Toronto Sceptres even disclosing their current reads to engage with their supporters. This transparency has led to fan involvement in reading along with the team.
Engaging the Community
The Toronto Sceptres’ book club initiative prompted a collaboration with The Children’s Book Bank, a nonprofit organization promoting literacy across Toronto. The team’s involvement in events like Sceptres Storytime, where players read to children, aims to inspire a love for reading among young audiences.
By showcasing athletes as reading role models, The Children’s Book Bank aims to break stereotypes and encourage children to embrace reading as a rewarding and enjoyable activity. The positive response from children attending events like Sceptres Storytime highlights the impact of community engagement in promoting literacy.
Tag: rewrite-pending</
