World Book Day again? Confusing? Well;
April 23 is World Book Day. It’s a UNESCO event to help promoting reading (and also publishing and copyright; therefore also called World Book and Copyright Day).
World Book Day is a global event, however in the UK and Ireland World Book Day is celebrated on March 7.
On the other hand, April 23 is World Book Night in the UK, Ireland and the US.
In Sweden we call it Världsbokdagen.
Now that we’ve got that sorted;
Do we need to promote reading? I think so. There are many distractions today, especially for kids; activities that per se might not be that bad but steal time away from disappearing into the magic world of the written word. Many of us find reading to be enriching, educating and relaxing. Being swept away, and array of emotions from fear and tension to joy and laughing out loud is what I remember from books when I grew up. It doesn’t happen as often today, but I have to admit I cried my heart out as I tried to read Astrid Lindgren’s “Brothers Lionheart” to my daughter.
Books are food for soul and mind.
Yet I find myself spending less time on reading fiction these days. There are always books scattered around my house though (mostly on the floor, even though I preach to my children never to put books in such vulnerable positions); books waiting for the next few minutes of attention that can be found during the week. These books are either related to my business or to writing, gardening or craft and art. We have a fantastic local library providing almost whatever I wish for to temporarily add to my own selection of books. I always have at least one fictional read waiting on the nightstand though (ok; on the floor). Tomorrow I’ll present a list of the books I’m currently reading/enjoying. I’m writing enjoying since not all books need to be “read” (hints: photo books, art journaling). Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration!
In honor of World Book Day and reading I have compiled a few quotes about books and reading. Which one is your favorite? Feel free to add quotes in the comments.
