This semester, our Book Club took an unconventional turn. We ended up staging a performance of La Casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca. Although theater demands a lot of preparation, we didn’t have to memorize our lines. After reading the play and watching several performances, we acted it out ourselves, transforming the GRIIS office into Lorca’s dramatic stage. Hiding our scripts was a challenge, and we couldn’t get through a scene without laughing. But despite the makeshift wigs and mourning clothes, it was a surprisingly powerful way to engage with literature. The atmosphere was always relaxed and fun, and it gave us a chance to learn by doing.
(Amanda Blair and Audrey DeLorenzo, Stonehill College and Boston College)
For me, the Book Club became an escape from routine, a moment to disconnect from daily life and connect with others through literature. We met every few weeks, gathering with students from different universities to discuss thought-provoking readings. There were always pastries and good conversation. We explored both classic and contemporary works, and each session was a window into a different world. What I’ll miss most is that blend of cultural exploration and friendship. I hope Amalia will keep sending us book recommendations to continue the journey.
(Taylor Campbell, Stonehill College)
The original text of Taylor Campbell’s article was written in Spanish as part of this student’s experience with us. You can read it below:
El Club de Lectura de GRIIS ha sido un escape de la rutina y la vida cotidiana, y una manera para mejorar mi habilidad de hablar y leer en español y compartir vivencias con otros estudiantes del grupo de otras universidades. Nos reunimos dos o tres veces cada mes, y pasamos tiempo con amigos, charlando sobre un tema o una lectura interesante. Siempre comemos algo delicioso y dulces de una panadería del barrio, al mismo tiempo que hablamos de la lectura. Es relajado y divertido – hemos tenido la oportunidad de leer las obras clásicas y contemporáneas, de autores del pasado y de hoy en día. Voy a echar mucho de menos el Club, pero espero que Amalia nos procure unas recomendaciones para continuar leyendo.
