HAPPY WORLD BOOK DAY, BIBLIOPHILES!
Twenty-six years ago today, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established World Book and Copyright Day, or International Day of the Book, to celebrate and promote reading, publishing, and copyright.
*Fun fact: the date was chosen in part because so many renowned authors have died on this day.
Reading is important for reducing stress, connecting with ideas and stories, and boosting creativity. If we had our way, everyone would be staying home today and reading whatever they wanted or doing fun bookish activities.
Here are some fun ways to celebrate!
Read a book simply for enjoyment. It doesn't matter the genre, subject, or target audience, or if you buy, borrow from a friend, checkout from the library, or find an eBook—as long as you're reaching for it because you genuinely WANT to explore the pages. Guilty pleasures, comics, and cover buys encouraged.
Book exchange. One of the best things about books is sharing them. Whether you're lending or gifting a book to someone, it feels good, especially when you get to talk about it afterwards!
Book club. Another great way to share books is to be in the moment with other readers, experiencing the story together. Whether you're part of a book club, looking to start one up, or seeking something to do with friends, gathering together to share a book is a great way to celebrate.
Donate/Take action. Donating your books to thrift stores, libraries, schools, or individuals is a great way to help others that costs nothing and makes room for new books in your house. If you're able, there are also bookish charities and initiatives like library associations, literacy organizations, and anti book ban organizations that you can volunteer action and/or donate to.
Dress up as your favorite character. This can be so much fun, especially in a group setting like school, a book club, or a bookish get-together.
Cook or bake. There's no shortage of bookish recipes between fandom cookbooks and sites like Pinterest. No matter your skill level, you're bound to find something you can successfully pull off.
Blind date with a book. This adorable trend has been around for a while now, so you can find blind date books on Etsy, personal websites, and even some bookstores! Otherwise, you can go with a friend or group to the bookstore and pick out random books for each other!
Bonfire stories. Before we had the printing press, oral storytelling was tradition. Get back to our roots by building a fire, gathering around with loved ones, and letting the magic of storytelling take you away.
Book party. It doesn't have to be a major event—gather your friends (virtually or physically) and have fun being book nerds together. Try a couple of activities from this list or make up your own fun!
BOOKISH Q&A
How will you celebrate today?
Kori: I'm splitting my day between watching Shadow and Bone, cracking open Unbirthday by Liz Braswell, and spending a little time with one of my WIPs.
Jordan: Coincidentally, I already planned to visit my family and binge Netflix's Shadow and Bone with celebratory Six of Crows-themed waffles! I'd call that bookish. 😉
Where do you like to read? What are your ideal reading conditions?
Kori: I usually read at my desk, in bed, or at the table in my back yard, always with tea and a snack on hand. One day I will have the ultimate comfy chair!
Jordan: At home, in my bed, under a heat blanket, with a hot reading drink and snack. 😂
What are your favorite drink + snack combos for reading?
Kori: Depending on the weather, I'm drinking a nice milk tea or an unsweetened peppermint green tea. Snack options vary. I like anything sweet and carb-y! Jordan: Home-brewed coffee with whipped cream and a baked sweet. Muffins and scones are fantastic portable treats.
What was the last book you finished?
Kori: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Jordan: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan!
What was your last cover-buy?
Kori: I'm usually not a cover-buy person, but I am REALLY tempted to purchase The Last Apothecary because the cover is so pretty and vivid. Jordan: I'm not sure I've ever bought a book without researching it first. But my favorite owned book for its cover is probably Kingdom of the Wicked, and you can find that review here.
Who is your most-read author?
Kori: P.C. + Kristen Cast, simply because the House of Night series is massive. Otherwise, Sarah J. Maas.
Jordan: At this point, it's looking like Rick Riordan since I have the Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, Magnus Chase, and Trials of Apollo series.
Do you listen to music while reading? If so, what kind?
Kori: I've always got some sort of instrumental playing, whether it's Kingdom Hearts soundtracks or Peter Gundry's compositions.
Jordan: I keep rain or coffee shop ambience on my TV, so there's sometimes soothing piano or jazz in the background—all the comfort of a coffee shop, but in my pajamas. 😌
What bookish character(s) does your blog partner remind you of?
Kori: I think Jordan is a good mix of Luna Lovegood and Haven Turner for being the intelligent, fairy-like goth. Just please don't go Dark Side when you come into your powers!
Jordan: Kori could totally be Jane Bennett or Tara from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Creative, insightful, caring to everyone around her, and the voice of calm reason.
Enjoy this post? Don't let the bookish fun stop here. Answer the questions down in the comments section below, and/or join our conversations on bookstagram!
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