Wednesday, April 23 is World Book Night USA. World Book Night is one of my favorite days of the year. For the past three years, I have been a World Book Night book giver. I love books and reading. World Book Night gives me an opportunity to spread my love of reading to other people.
Here’s how World Book Night works. Each year, 30- 35 books are chosen by an independent panel of librarians and booksellers. The authors of the books waive their royalties, and the publishers agree to pay the costs of producing the specially-printed World Book Night U.S. editions. Bookstores and libraries sign up to be community host locations for the volunteer book givers.
After the book titles are announced, members of the public apply to personally hand out 20 copies of a particular title in their community. World Book Night U.S. vets the applications, and the givers are chosen based on their ability to reach light and non-readers. The selected givers choose a local participating bookstore or library from which to pick up the 20 copies of their book, and World Book Night U.S. delivers the books to these host locations.
Givers pick up their books in the week before World Book Night. On April 23rd, they give their books to those who don’t regularly read and/or people who don’t normally have access to printed books, for reasons of means or geography.
This year I will be giving away copies of 12 Years a Slave. Last year, I gave copies of The Handmaid’s Tale. The year before, I gave copies of The Book Thief. I love all three of these books. World Book Night gives me an opportunity to share them with 20 other people.
I’m a World Book Night book giver because I believe in the power of reading. Reading for pleasure improves literacy, actively engaging emerging readers in their desire to read. Reading changes lives, improves employability, social interaction, enfranchisement, and can have a positive effect on mental health and happiness. Book readers are more likely to participate in positive activities such as volunteering, attending cultural events, and even physical exercise. And, as a career mentor, I know that reading helps people become well-rounded and informed citizens – qualities that pay off big time in the career success sweepstakes. Besides that, books are fun—and they can be life-changing.
Members of the MyCareerMentor.net site know that I believe that lifelong learning is an important key to life and career success. Reading widely is the best way to become a lifelong learner. I read fiction – mysteries mostly, history, biographies, business books, political books. Reading has not only entertained me, it has educated me. Much of what I know about the world has come from the books I’ve read. I am a better person, better businessman, better citizen and better human being because I read.
I am a World Book Night book giver because I want to encourage other people to read. Read for the sheer pleasure it brings you. Read to become more informed. Read to boost your life and career success.
Look for me on Wednesday. I’ll be roving the streets of Denver, giving away free copies of 12 Years a Slave. I’d love to give you a copy.
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