This February, Be a Matchmaker

February is the longest shortest month, and half way through it's all about Love.  Until Feb.6th, you can sign up to be a cupid of a different caliber by applying to be a literary angel.  Launched last year in the UK, World Book Night crossed the pond this year to help Americans share the love of reading.  On April 23rd thousands of Americans will deliver popular books to non and low readers across the US.  Applicants receive 20 copies of a novel to deliver.  Choose from a list of 30 titles,  including Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings, Stephen King's The Stand, Barbara Kingsolver's Poisonwood Bible and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner.  I'll be delivering Sherman Alexie's latest:  The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

The requirements:  Know the book you are giving, and have outlets for getting it to non or low readers (check with your local youth clubs, schools  and shelters-- they'd likely be very welcoming!).

What a great way to spread the love of reading to your community.  The NEA found in a mega-study that reading, especially reading for pleasure, is down significantly in the first decade of the millenium.  The year of the study less than half of all 18-24 year olds had read a single book for pleasure.  Reading has many benefits.  It stimulates your imagination, opens up new worlds otherwise inaccessible, improves vocabulary and builds compassion.  Spread the love.

Remember, there's just three days left to register.  Go to the World Book Night website for details.