It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

No, it’s not Christmas. Today is UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Book and Copyright Day! Today, the world recognizes what we book lovers already knew…the great effect that books have on our lives and the continued support we can give them. UNESCO couldn’t even say it better myself:

Books are invaluable platforms for freedom of expression and the free flow of information – these are essential for all societies today. The future of the book as a cultural object is inseparable from the role of culture in promoting more inclusive and sustainable pathways to development.”

Now don’t confuse this with the UK’s and Ireland’s World Book Day that occurred in March. The sentiments are the same and March’s book day is geared more towards kids, this day has a particular literary reference. On this day in 1616, Cervantes, Shakespeare, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died while prominent authors Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo were all born on April 23. Continue reading “World Book Night” →