By Amy Oates
We are a little more prepared for lockdown this time but there is no denying that we are slowly running out of things to do. There are only so many times you can clean out the cupboards and have another FaceTime with Aunty Bev and Uncle Baz (yes, we are sick of looking at their roof!).
Here’s a couple of things you can do to celebrate Book Lovers Day.
- Clean out your book collection
Fill a box ready to take to the op shop or local library when they are open again. It is amazing how many books you collect and never plan to read again. The money raised from your books will go to worthy projects and the new book will brighten someone’s day.
Go one better and write a nice note to the next book owner to brighten their day even more.
- Write a review
Whether you have a book that you really love and think others should too or you love your local book store, a great review goes a long way. It only takes a few minutes (unless you are reviewing every book in your collection) and you will feel good for showing your support.
- Learn a new skill
Nonfiction books are so underrated but have so much value. Take that value and learn a new skill. It could be a new recipe that you are dying to try, grafting a fruit tree or creating a 114 step origami craft. There is a book for all of these things. And it is the perfect time to keep trying new skills.
- Try your hand at writing a book
It doesn’t have to be a hand written book. I think we can all agree that writing with pen and paper doesn’t come as naturally as it used to! But let the words flow and note them down. You never know what talent you might uncover.
- Send a book as a gift
Now is a great time to support local businesses. There are plenty that are still trading with click and collect and postage options. Why not surprise a friend with a mystery book that arrives at their doorstep. Support for your local bookshop and putting a smile on a friends face.
- Watch a film adaptation of a great book
When you can’t get your grove with an actual book, watch it on the screen. Hello movie marathon with our friend Harry Potter (and a few bowls of popcorn for good measure).
- Upcycle a book into art
Google ‘book art’ and you will get weeks full of ideas to turn that old and tatty book into something you are proud to display.
- Take a quiz
A visit to Buzzfeed will result in endless “which book character are you?” quizzes. We may or may not be Belle of the ball. Reliving some childhood dreams right there.
- Make a book themed dish
We have all wanted to try butter beer from Harry Potter! Or strawberry tarts from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. How about a blueberry thyme pie from Charlotte’s Web, peach cobbler from James and the Giant Peach, chocolate mayonnaise cake from Matilda or lane cake from To Kill a Mockingbird. Have I made you hungry yet?! The point is there are so many fun dishes to make that are inspired by your favourite book.
- Read something, of course!
It is the perfect weekend to snuggle up in your favourite chair or beanbag with a cuppa (and a few bickies) and spend a few solid hours getting lost in a book. If you haven’t pick up a book in a while then let this be the time to rekindle your love for them. Or if you have kids let this be the chance to take time to journey to another world, far far away.