For senior pupils the Psychotronic Book Club headed into the summer with a fascinating discussion about Toby Luff’s ‘Ration’. Although this book is far from a cheery read, set in the distant future, where the world is starving and functions via a peculiar set of rules which everybody follows, or is punished savagely if they break them. The members of the group had a very thorough discussion, and are always incredibly observant, taking much from the book.
Although this year the club has struggled to attract new members, regulars Harry, Jake, and Constantine have attended every discussion and all love horror, science fiction and dark fiction. All in Year 11, none of the three boys will be studying A-Level English when they enter Sixth Form, but are excellent examples of pupils who enjoy reading for pleasure, find it relaxing and a break from the rigors of studying.
As a special treat, I gifted the boys with copies of Philip Fracassi’s fantastic ‘Boys in the Valley’ which we will chat about in the autumn. This novel, set in a remote American monastery for trainee monks around 1900, has a fascinating history and a terrific Emanuel School connection. The UK publishing rights were acquired by OE Nadia Saward who works for the publishing house Orbit. Nadia is an acquisitions manager, and it is fantastic that she is investing in horror and as a teenager I remember her as a fantastic reader and also a great lover of poetry.
The Psychotronic Book Club is for pupils in Year 10 and above. Please see me if you want to find out more about the club or are interested in reading ‘Boys in the Valley’.
Mr Jones, Senior Librarian