It's National Read a Book Day 2024: Unwind and escape into a good story

Hey book lovers! Are you ready?

It's time to grab a drink and a snack, find a cozy spot in the house and get comfortable. Toss the throw blanket over you and open that book.

Today is 'National Read A Book Day'. The day to unwind and escape into the pages of a good book.

According to the National Day Calendar , Sept. 6 is booked for books and encourages everyone to spend the day reading.

Books are an inexpensive way to educate the mind and also act as an entertainment tool. This does not include scrolling on your electronic device.

What is National Read A Book Day?

National Read a Book Day is observed annually on Sept. 6 and while the history of the day is unclear, it's believed to have originated in the U.S.

Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime, according to the National Day Calendar.

How to participate

Whether your in the mood for swoony romance novel or an epic fantasy, the idea is to do indulge in reading for the day.

• Join a book club or start a reading challenge.
• Visit the library or a local book store to grab a new book or read an old favorite.
• Share the love of reading with a child or the elderly.
• Share the stories you're reading using #ReadABookDay on social media.

Book recommendations

There are a host of book clubs and bestsellers list to find book recs in every genre. Here are some to dive into:

Amazon : Lovely One: A Memoir by Ketanji Brown Jackson — In her inspiring, intimate memoir, the first Black woman to ever be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States chronicles her extraordinary life story.

Barnes and Noble : Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé — From the bestselling author of Ace of Spades comes a rip-roaring mystery that delves into the world of dark academia when a girl, new to boarding school, discovers dark secrets and coverups after her roommate disappears.

Goodreads : The Women by Kristin Hannah — Set in 1965, this is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way, and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten.

National Day Calendar : As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds — Set during a summer visit with grandparents, a young boy learns from his mistakes and about the imperfections of the people he loves.

USA TODAY’s Best-selling Booklist : Daydream by Hannah Grace — Third on the New York Times bestsellers list, the Maple Hills series follows fan-favorite Henry and a bookish fellow student who come up with a plan to help them both overcome their respective challenges in a difficult year.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: It's National Read a Book Day 2024: Unwind and escape into a good story