National Book Month

Although many people disregard the importance of literature, one would still imagine that a large group of people would understand how beautiful literature can be. However, there is a devastatingly low number of students who seem to enjoy reading these days. For the purpose of encouraging reading and honoring authors, the month of October was designated as National Book Month; a time for people of all ages to come together and appreciate literature for everything that it is. 

National Book Month was established in 2003 by the National Book Association, according to National Today. However, it is not advertised effectively. Senior Georgia Dant and Junior Izzy Hobbs, both avid readers, stated that they had never heard of National Book Month previously. Even the school librarian, Mrs. Butler, had never heard of this month of appreciation. One could argue that National Book Month has no real significance; it is simply a made-up celebration that is solely for fun. However, National Book Month gives literature a chance to be recognised for its full potential. 

One of the most obvious reasons for a decline in literature appreciation is the rise of technology and its everyday use. 

Mrs. Butler states, “At the end of the day, I think people are just tired, and phones don’t require brainpower.”

 Mrs. Butler also expressed how she believes that students are so busy that they are given less time to choose reading, which could contribute to the lack of enjoyment. 

Georgia Dant says, “Oftentimes, no one talks about reading beyond elementary or middle school.” She discusses how the majority of high school students did not experience mandatory library visits after middle school, meaning that there was less chance that students could find books that they actually enjoyed. 

Finding a book that a student can actually enjoy is essential for promoting an interest in reading. Many people are only exposed to books they read in their English classes, “which –truthfully– are not always the most enjoyable,” Mrs. Butler claims. Izzy Hobbs mentions that a large majority of subgenres go without advertisement, and it can be damaging to students who are not very invested in the reading world. 

There also seems to be a misconception that physical books are the true form of reading, and that other forms, such as audio or digital books, are inferior. However, audio and digital books are also valid forms of reading. Audiobooks are helpful for multitasking, Mrs. Butler adds, because you can listen to them while doing anything. Audiobooks can help those with disabilities as well.

 “We want people to engage in stories however it works for them,” Mrs Butler says. 

“Literature is a gateway to new worlds, and can be a safe haven of sorts”, according to Izzy. 

Georgia expands on the application of literature; “Reading in general can be so enlightening-even if you're reading something that doesn't seem very thoughtful, there are lessons and things you can learn from it.” 

Ultimately, literature goes unappreciated by many people in modern society. This October, make it a challenge to simply pick up a book, or listen to one. Allow yourself to fall into the story, and maybe, you’ll discover a new passion.

- Emily Yeomans

News Writer