Happy World Book Day!
What is World Book Day you may ask?
It’s a registered charity on a mission to give every child and young person a book of their own. Itโs also a celebration of authors, illustrators, books, and (most importantly) itโs a celebration of reading. In fact, itโs the biggest celebration of its kind, designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and marked in over 100 countries all over the world.
Check out the World Book Day website. They feature all kinds of activities, reading programs, recommendations, games, videos, contests, book news, and so much more!
Why April 23?
23 April is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors, William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. This date was a natural choice for UNESCOโs General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone to access books โ most beautiful invention for sharing ideas beyond the boundaries of humanity space and time as well as the most powerful forces of poverty eradication and peace building.
Did you know today is also Copyright Day?
It sure is! So we have a double celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Both help to bring recognition to the magical power of books โ a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.
How else can I participate in the celebration of bringing the joy of reading to people all around the world?
Today, Penguin Random House is making a pledge where for every book purchased on their site, Penguin Random House will donate $1 to Worldreader โ a non-profit organization that champions digital reading in underserved communities.
And did you say free books?
It’s true! Amazon is celebrating by offering nine Kindle books from around the world for FREE. Check them out on their celebration page called Read the World
Any other book news?
I would also like to let you know about some additional news in the book sector.
Penguin’s First to Read digital galley of not-yet-published books for members is sadly coming to a sunset.
However they have introduced a new reading offering called Penguin Random House Reader Rewards Program. This program allows readers to earn one free book for every 12 PRH titles purchased. Once you join, just enter in the ISBN, date of purchase, retailer, and the order number and you’ll be on your way to earning free books (up to $30 in value)!
It’s currently open to U.S. residents at this time and books need to be entered within 30 days of purchase in order to be qualified. Any format is acceptable whether physical, digital, or audio and must be purchased at a qualifying retailer which includes Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Hudson Booksellers, IndieBound, Penguin Random House, Target, Walmart, or choose the option of other retailer.
With PRH being the international home to nearly 275 editorially and creatively independent publishing imprints/subsidiaries including Vintage Books, Dutton, Crowne Publishing Group, Bantam, Ballantine, Berkley Publishing Group, Putnam, this is a great opportunity for you to read and earn. If you have ever read Little Golden Books such as The Poky Little Puppy, you have read a book under the PRH imprint.
Are looking for a book to read?
Check out a few that I have read. I enjoy all kinds of books, my choices are pretty eclectic. You can see them on my website or by visiting:
A list of books I’ve read over the past year
View all my reviews on Goodreads
What are YOU currently reading?
What books are you most looking forward to reading in the upcoming months? Let me know in the comments below, I’d also love to hear your book recommendations!
As summer approaches I’m also looking for any suggestions on books with an adventurous maritime theme and cozy mysteries taking place at beach settings. And of course any historical nonfiction, satire, or classic sci-fi because those are my most favorite genres.
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