Oak Hills High School offers dozens of student organizations. From academic societies to competitive teams, every student can find somewhere to fit in. Although, not every club gets the spotlight it deserves. Tucked away in the quiet corners of the Media Center, one group is bringing students together who share a love for stories and conversation. The Oak Hills Book Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every third Thursday of the month. Led by librarian Alison Cucchetti, the club provides a laid-back space where readers can unwind, exchange thoughts, and enjoy literature at their own pace.
The club offers students an engaging way to become more involved with the school community without having to sacrifice other clubs or sports in their schedules. The club prides itself on being flexible, allowing students to participate at their own pace. Some months, members read the same book, sparking discussions and giving a space for students to share their thoughts on the current read, while other months, each student brings a personal selection to share thoughts and recommendations. Advisor Cucchetti said the group usually chooses a single title to read together, depending on what the majority prefers. She sends out five to 10 book options for each month, and which every title receives the most votes becomes the club’s official read for the month.
The first read for the book club in 2026 is Aces Wild by Amanda DeWitt, a lively story centered on a Las Vegas gambling club heist.
Not into that type of story? No problem. Students are not locked to a single choice each month. If a student isn’t connecting with the current book, they’re welcome to return it and rejoin when the next title is announced. The club encourages everyone to read at their own pace and find stories that truly catch their interest. Hanna Robbins, a Book Club member from the class of 2026, explains that Cucchetti makes it clear that everyone is welcome no matter how much of the book they’ve read. Robbins says that this practice is “reassuring that I don’t have to cram a book for [the club].”
Cucchetti said that the purpose of the club is to help students realize that “they are readers.” The group’s mission is to encourage those who might not consider themselves “book people” or think that they’re not smart enough to read for fun. By exploring different genres and titles, Cucchetti hopes that students will discover that reading can be enjoyable when they find a story that sparks their interest.
“Book Club offers me the chance to get out of my comfort zone and read different genres that I wouldn’t have read before,” Evelyn Riley, class of 2029, shares that reading has been a big part of her life. “It lets me nerd out about my favorite books to people who understand my love for reading.”
The Oak Hills Book Club continues to prove that reading doesn’t have to be a solitary act; it can be a shared experience that connects students through curiosity and conversation. Cucchetti and the club remind everyone that there’s no “right way” to be a reader. In the words of class of 2029 student Pia Tripathy, “The book club is a place where book lovers can discuss their favorite reads, and learn about some new ones.”
Permission slips are located on the doors outside the Media Center, available for anyone who’s interested. Whether a member is a life-long book reader or just beginning to explore new genres, the Oak Hills Book Club offers a space to belong, learn, and fall in love with stories one page at a time.
