From Nancy Drew Mysteries to all things written by Judy Blume, I became an avid reader as soon as I learned how to read. A few years ago, my oldest grand was sad that her family would no longer be traveling as much since she and her brother would be going back to regular school from homeschooling. I told her that by reading books, she can go anywhere she wants to at any time. She is now a very avid reader and is even writing her own book.

That’s the magic of books! They don’t just tell stories; they transport us. With nothing more than a few pages and a good imagination, you can sip tea with the Queen of England, sail across a stormy sea, solve a mystery in a quiet English village, or stroll through the cobblestone streets of Paris at night.

Today, August 9th, is National Book Lovers Day! It’s a day dedicated to people like us who can’t imagine life without books. It’s for the ones who dog-ear pages (or refuse to), who get lost in libraries, who can’t resist “just one more chapter” at midnight, and who feel a little rush of excitement when they walk into a bookstore.

Whether your passion is fiction or nonfiction, romance or thriller, memoir or fantasy, the act of reading is a kind of time travel and teleportation rolled into one. It expands our minds, sparks creativity, and connects us to people, places, and ideas we might never otherwise encounter.

Books are also one of the most beautiful ways to connect with others. Think about the conversations you’ve had over a favorite novel, the book recommendations you’ve given (and received), or the joy of passing down a beloved story to a child or grandchild. In those moments, reading becomes more than a solitary act; it becomes a shared experience.

So, how can you celebrate National Book Lovers Day? Here are a few ideas:

• Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to start (or finish).
• Revisit an old favorite and relive the magic.
• Visit your local library or independent bookstore.
• Gift a book to a friend, family member, or young reader in your life.
• Share your favorite read on social media and invite others to do the same.

For me, books are not just a part of my life; they are woven into it. They’ve shaped who I am, inspired my writing, and connected me to readers and fellow writers around the world. And I’ll always be grateful for that.

So, here’s to the worlds we explore, the characters we meet, and the stories we carry with us long after we turn the last page. Happy National Book Lovers Day—now, go get lost in a good book!