World Book night is tonight!!

As well as today being St Georges day, it is finally the launch of this year's World Book night!!

Why April 23rd?April 23 is a symbolic date for world literature. It is both the birth and death day of Shakespeare, as well as the death day of Cervantes, the great Spanish novelist. It is in their honour that UNESCO appointed it the international day of the book and that was a reason it was chosen it to celebrate World Book Night. April 23rd also marks the city of Barcelona's celebration of St George's Day. St George is the patron saint of Catalonia as well as England and traditionally, to celebrate this day, Spanish gentlemen gave their ladies roses and the ladies returned the favour with a book. Considering the rich literary history of this day, it seemed more than fitting that April 23rd should be chosen as the day of celebrating reading and the giving of books!

What is happening?
There are all sorts of events taking place across the country this evening but the biggest of all is that hundreds of 'givers' will be giving away 24 copies each of one of their favourite titles from a list of 25.  I had 24 copies of 'Room' to give away and have started giving these away to club members in Essex and Kent.  I love this book, its such a compelling read that the first time I read it I did so in 2 days and so I am really excited to give this away and share my love of reading. 
As well as the book giveaway, there are loads of other WBN events taking place today including the 'flagsip' event in London at the Southbank Centre.  Authors and celebrities will be reading from their own or favourite books and much more.  This will be followed by the After Party with comedy, spoken word and music in a cabaret setting and finally 'Readings by Candlelight' where Shakespeare's sonnets will be read to celebrate the birthday of the bard.  If you can't make it to London you can still join in the celebration by watching it live on the WBN website from 7.15pm this evening.  You can find the website here

I really hope you find the time today to grab a book and make a little quiet time for yourself to just read and if you received one of my copies of 'Room' then let me know what you think of it!

Happy World Book Night everyone!!