The fourth word I ever said was “book.” I would ask to look at a book for bedtime (and then sleep with that book) long before I could read the words. Books are comfort in times of stress, knowledge in times of uncertainty, adventure when travel isn’t possible, friends in loneliness, treasured decor throughout houses, conversation impetus between strangers and so, so much more. I love how a book feels in my hand, the smell of the pages, the possibilities within the words. I know many of you feel the same way. So today, National Book Lovers Day, join me in a celebration of books.
Let’s start with the outside of a book. I have always appreciated the appeal and power of great cover art. It’s one of those things readers don’t always actively think about, but I bet you have picked up a book, and possibly even read that book, solely based on how much you liked the cover art. Want to explore some of the most well-known book covers throughout modern history? Try “The Look of the Book: Jackets, Covers, & Art at the Edges of Literature” or “Front Cover: Great Book Jacket and Cover Design.” Want a deep dive into the creative process and artistry behind book covers? I recommend Peter Mendelsund’s “Cover” or Steven Heller’s celebration of Edward Gorey. You’ll hear first hand about the designers’ creative process, rejections, and hear from writers whose books feature their art. Are comics and graphic novels more your love? Try “Cover Run” which features award winning book jacket designer Adam Hughes’s amazing DC comic covers. Or, delve into the distinctive art of pulp magazines through “The Art of the Pulps: An Illustrated History.” Want more? Try “Paperbacks from Hell.” Re-live the amazing, distinct cover art of ’70s and ’80s horror novels while also learning more about this unique era of literary history.
Moving on to the inside — the words. Books have held a powerful place in human history. They incite revolutions and riots, communicate our shared history, hold the knowledge and dreams of humanity, and connect us to peoples and worlds far away through both time and space. Want to explore the power of books? Check out “The Book: a Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time” and “Books: A Living History.” Are you more interested in the evolution of books through time? Give “The Oxford Illustrated History of the Book” a go. Maybe the more lurid life of books is to your liking. Examine books bound in human skin with “Dark Archives” or feel your ire rise with “A Universal History of the Destruction of Books.” For a fascinating look at how American culture has been shaped by books, check out “Americanon” by Jess McHugh. And for a great view into the future of books and reading, you can’t go wrong with “What We Talk About When We Talk About Books” by Leah Price or “The Case for Books: Past, Present, and Future” by Robert Darnton.
So take some time today, fellow book lover, to sit down with, hug, or just lovingly remember your favorite books. I promise it’ll lift your spirits.
