The 6^th of September is National Read a Book Day! National Read a Book Day began in the United States in the late 2000s to encourage everyone, especially children, to read more. It has since gained global popularity. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the joys of reading, encouraging people everywhere to pick up a book and immerse themselves in a good story.

Reading offers numerous benefits, including reducing stress and enhancing concentration and memory. Research shows that adults who regularly read tend to engage in more mentally stimulating activities throughout their lives, leading to slower cognitive decline compared to non-readers. Additionally, books provide an affordable way to learn about the world while enjoying a great source of entertainment.

Books allow us to escape from reality into new worlds and live some of our greatest fantasy through the characters in our stories. Everyone finds their own unique escape in the pages of a book.

 If you want to escape and go on an adventure we recommend: Game Breaker by David Young, Eternal Fire by Katie Whitlock and Jo, Unbound: A Siren's Quest for Freedom by Zoe D Targett, and the Whale Ted Filston.

How about going off on a quest in a fantasy land filled with magic and intrigue we recommend: Empress of Kings by Elle Caldwell, Soul Fire by Penelope Alice, Zeeglit’s Quest by Susan Wilsher, and Dragon Wing by Revecca K. Busch.

Give in to your darkest desires with these recommendations: House of Wings and Shadows by Jelene Wood and The Endless Autumn by Annabelle Knight.

If you are a hopeless romantic, we recommend: Smooth Like Whiskey by Olivia Daisy Pillips, Catch Me When I Fall by Charlotte Davison, Song of Love by Pat Abercromby, and The Norland Inheritance by Christina Brett.

Some people prefer the darker side of things, solving crimes and discovering mysteries. For these readers, we recommend: Dead Goes the Neighbourhood by Portia Stanton-Noble, Three Grifters by Ryan Sutcliffe, and Forbidden to Remember by Nina Ali

If you prefer to be scared by the book you read, we recommend: The Evil Inside 1 & 2 by Lee Maroney, Murder Can Kill by Douglas Hall, and The Milk Boys by Scott Rule.

Then there are books you read together. The books that you sit down with your children and read to them so that they can start to understand their emotions and always have a good moral ending. Books about emotions: The Caterpillar and the Butterfly by Micheal Rosenblum, Bye Bye Doggie by Nacia Jardine, and Hazel and Her Sun by Farnaz Calafi.

Books about friendship: The Heavenly Papa Giraffe by Dr Maysoon Salama, A Garden of Flowers by Micheal Rosenblum, The Adventure of Rupert and The Red Spectacles by Kerry Dinte and Goose, and Bear by Rhian Lynett. 

However, not everyone reads to escape into other worlds. Some people read to learn more about history or philosophy. If this is you, we recommend: A History of London Through Beer Gogg by Cyril O’Brien, Munich Why? By Oliver Popplewell and How the Universe Operates by M.J. Baker.

 Some read to learn new things about themselves and how to improve their lives. If you are someone looking to find the best version of yourself, we recommend: Balance by Lianne Murphy, Shine by Tiffany Kelly, Everything I need to Know About Life I Learned From My Houseplants by Becca Powell, and Conversations with Myself by Nazlina Mirsultan.

Some are drawn to explore the experiences of others, eager to learn about different cultures and uncover the true stories that shape the lives of people around the world. If you are looking for a look Biography or Autobiography we recommend: David Hamilton’s Long and Winding Road by David Hamilton, Josephine Butler’s Great Crusade by Mark Batey, Nobody Does It Better Than Me: The Story of Alma by Dr Lin Berwick (MBE), and You Don’t Have to Be a Champion… to Be a Wimmer! By Brian Sims.

National Read a Book Day is the perfect opportunity to find a cozy chair, sip on your favourite hot drink, and unwind with a captivating book. It's not just a day to enjoy reading on your own, but also a chance to share the joy of books with those around you. Take the time to recommend your favourite reads to friends and family—whether it's an unforgettable novel, an insightful nonfiction book, or a hidden gem from a genre you love. By sharing your literary treasures, you might help someone discover a new favourite author, explore a genre they've never tried, or rekindle their passion for reading. After all, the magic of reading is best enjoyed when it’s passed on, opening new worlds and experiences for others to enjoy.

Join in our Book Challenge before the next National Read a Book Day:

• Read 1 Book from every genre
• Blind Date with a Book: Pick up a book without reading the summary or knowing much about it and see where the story takes you.
• Books to be read (TBR) Challenge: Challenge yourself to read all the unread books on your bookshelf before buying any new ones.
• Read a Classic: Read classic literature or iconic books you’ve always wanted to read but never got around to e.g. Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice and Withering Heights
• Author Alphabets Challenge: Read a book by an author’s last name that begins with each letter of the alphabet and see how far you get.
• Book-to-Movie Adaption Comparison: Read a book and then watch its movie adaptation. Write or reflect on the differences, which one you liked better, and why.
• Revisit a Childhood Favourite: Reread a book you loved as a child or teenager and reflect on how your perspective has changed and what still resonates with you. 
• Book Swap Challenge: Each reader selects a favourite book and swaps it with someone else. After reading, discuss what you enjoyed or learned from the other's recommendation.
• Reading Time Travel: Read one book from each of the following time periods: ancient history, medieval era, Renaissance, the 19th century, early 20th century, and modern day.
• Themed Book Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt where each reader finds and reads books with certain elements, like “a book with a one-word title” or “a book set in a foreign country.” Compare what you found and read.

Reading: It's a novel idea!

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