September is Read a New Book Month. A time to celebrate reading, literacy and books of all kind. Whether you enjoy fantasy, adventure, romance, science fiction, or history, there’s a new book out there for you. The goal of Read a New Book Month is to encourage others to take part in reading and learning new things. Your local library may be holding events all month long to help get books into the hands of readers. If not, take a trip to your local or school library just the same. Your friendly librarian will be able to match you with that new perfect book. Below are five ways to make the most out of Read a New Book Month. Enjoy!
1. Exchange your favorite book with a friend. Get together with a friend or group of friends. Each come with your favorite book. Bring a few that you like in case there’s duplicates. Now, exchange your book with a partner that neither have read. At the end, come together and discuss each others’ books. Are there things you liked about it? Are there things you didn’t like about it? Why is your chosen book your favorite? Did you like your partner’s favorite book? Are there any recommendations you can share to each other based on your discussion?
2. Start a book club for the month. Get together with a friend or group of friends. Pick a book that everyone can agree on and that can be finished in a month. Make a plan to get together periodically throughout the month to discuss the book. Set goals to have specific chapters read for each meeting. Discuss what you think about the book so far at each meeting. Discuss the themes, characters, plot, and where you think the story is going. See if your predictions are correct.
3. Set up a mini library in your neighborhood. Take a book, leave a book. That’s the idea. You may have seen little boxes on peoples’ lawns with a glass door to see through. Inside are books. The idea is for strangers to share their love of reading, but putting a book inside the box to share with others. Readers passing by can then take books from the library, and return them when done. Or pass it along to someone you think will like it. You will start this tradition in your own neighborhood. Get an adult to help you get started.
4. Read the novel that inspired your favorite show or movie. Most shows and movies are adaptations of a popular book. Find an example of this from a show or movie you really liked. Read the related book. Does it compare to the show or movie? How are they different? What did you like about the book that the show or movie missed? What did you like in the show or movie that you were disappointed with in the book?
5. Read a new book. Back to basics. Simply celebrate this month by reading a new book. It can be something you’ve been meaning to read for a while but never got the chance. It can be the sequel of a series you’re interested in. It could be a best seller or recently published title from your favorite genre. You could also try a new genre that you’ve never been interested in before. You never know, you may be surprised and find a new love of reading.