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Mimi Geller

Senior Mary Grant participates in the Book Fest marathon reading on Nov. 17 in the Summit Center. “It was great. I was really happy because this book is hilarious to me,” Grant said.

Book Fest, St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s annual celebration of literature, featured on Nov. 17 a marathon book reading in the Summit Center that enticed anyone who happened to hear the echo of the readings fill the halls. Students, faculty, parent volunteers and the neatly compiled books littered the Summit Center as the reading took place.

The second annual Book Fest Marathon this year featured Douglas Adams’ book, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The incentive of the reading marathon is to provide students with an interactive and engaging celebration of literature through spoken storytelling. Students and faculty could schedule fifteen-minute slots any time during the day and read the book in whatever way they choose.

For ninth grader Eric Bottern, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading out loud with friends near.

“Once my friends came the reading was better and easier because I was more serious while reading. I really enjoyed it,” Bottern said.

For the students lingering on the couches and chairs surrounding the Summit Center, they could easily hear and feel the fruitful styles students approached their readings. After seeing students read, many other students felt encouraged and inspired to sign up.

“I thought it was really nice to hear many students speak. Some students did multiple voices which were great to hear for this book,” junior J.J. Wertkin said.

The visual rituals of the Book Fest have been apparent with book displays and posters, however, the reading marathon gave this year’s celebration an added layer with the gift of audible appreciation of literature. Senior Mary Grant who read for fifteen minutes cherished the time she had to read this year’s book.

“It was great. I was really happy because this book is hilarious to me,” Grant said.