August 9th is National Book Lovers Day; in other words, we finally have an official reason to ignore our responsibilities and spend the day reading. There are so many wonderful ways to celebrate, but sometimes the best plan is also the simplest: spend as much of the day as possible reading.

As you know, we love attention to detail, so of course, a full day of reading requires a little prep. You need just the right books, plenty of snacks, a comfortable spot, and a few cute bookish extras that will make this a day to remember!

So, clear your calendar, put your phone on silent, and get ready to spend National Book Lovers Day doing what you love most!

 

8:00 AM: Begin with Books and Breakfast

Start the day slowly; it is a Sunday after all, and for us that definitely means a lazy lie-in. You definitely don’t need to leap out of bed when you can remain exactly where you are with a great book.

It’s time to make your favorite breakfast (we highly recommend going continental—all you need to do is pick up some croissants, bacon, soft cheese, cut-up fruit, or whatever grabs your fancy the day before). Make a gorgeous cup of coffee or tea, and head back to bed for your first reading session of the day. 

If you’re looking to bookify your breakfast, then swap out your everyday mug for a “What The Actual Plot Twist” mug or our “Little Women” teapot with that wonderful quote, "Life and love are very precious when both are in full bloom." Serve your continental breakfast on either The Great Gatsby or Little Women book plate set!

Book Breakfast Recommendations

We are thinking about cozy romances or a collection of short stories. It’s a lazy morning, and we’re looking for something light and easy!

Spoil yourself with one of our ready-to-ship mini boxes, like the Bodice Ripper, featuring Highland Destiny by Hannah Howell, plus TWO adorably wrapped gifts to open as you read! 

Or try our new OUABC Lite, a book-only option but with a twist. We think you will love The Undergrads: Student Union by Julie Murphy, which includes those famous five envelopes crafted to incorporate the five senses at key moments in the story!

 

10:00 AM: Visit Your Bookshelf

Now that you are awake, it’s time to enjoy the books you already own!

Look through your shelves, rearrange a small section if necessary, or finally organize that TBR pile. If you’re anything like us, you will probably find a book you bought months ago and somehow never read.

This is also a lovely time to update your reading journal. Record the books you have recently finished, add a few favorite quotes, or make a list of the titles you hope to read before the end of the year. If you’re looking for a beautiful reading journal designed with you in mind, we think you will love our collection available in periwinkle prose, classic coral, and seafoam stories. 

Choose your main book for the day and one or two backup options. I can always be found reading at least 3 or 4 books at the same time; somehow, choosing only one book feels unnecessarily restrictive! 

 

11:00 AM: Create Your Perfect Reading Spot

Now it is time to get comfortable and settle in for a long reading session!

Choose the coziest place in your home, and for some of us that may mean heading back to bed. Whether it's a spot on your couch or the daybed on the porch, all you need is a soft blanket, a comfortable pillow, and enough light to read comfortably. And don’t forget the snacks!

If you’re looking to create a bit of an atmosphere, you could light a candle, play quiet music in the background, or add a fragrance inspired by your favorite genre. The aim is to make your reading space feel inviting without spending so much time decorating that you never actually open the book.

 

1:00 PM: Take a Bookish Lunch Break

Eventually, even the most dedicated bookworm needs food. Considering today is all about the book, we’re making a simple charcuterie board and heading outside. 

We love the charcuterie board option as most of the items can be bought and prepared the day before. Creating a board for one is so much fun!  Add a few slices of turkey breast and salami, some cheddar or brie, a few cherry tomatoes, some cucumber slices, and a whole-wheat pita cut into triangles. Add fresh fruit, hummus, or another delicious dip, and you're ready to go.

Don’t forget to spoil yourself with your favorite drink—a glass of chardonnay, anyone?

 

2:00 PM: Afternoon Bookish Moments

The afternoon is the perfect time to add a little excitement to National Book Lovers Day. 

Set yourself a simple challenge. Read uninterrupted for one hour. Complete a certain number of chapters or finally finish that book that has been waiting for you to come back to it!

If you’re feeling a bit housebound and need to get out, it may just be time to visit your local bookstore, choose a book by its cover, pick a genre or author you’ve never read. Or buy a book in the 2nd aisle, top shelf, 5 across. 

By late afternoon, you will probably be ready for a little break, and it's time to indulge in literary self-care. Put on a face mask (our book pun face masks are just what you need, Great Exfoliations or To Peel a Mockingbird, take your pick), snuggle up under that cozy blanket, and I think coffee and cake are calling!

 

6:00 PM: Literary Dinner

A literary dinner definitely involves reading; well, for me, it’s a takeout or delivery menu, and I am thinking pizza. Yes, me, my book, and a pizza box = happiness and no dishes! But if you’re feeling main character energy, grab your apron and whip up something exotic in the kitchen. We have plenty of literary-inspired items perfect for every kitchen!

Remember to include dessert. We are fairly certain calories consumed while doing anything remotely bookish don’t count!

 

7:00 PM: Finish with One More Chapter (or two)

It’s time to wind down, so dim the lights, get comfortable, and settle in for the final reading session of the day. We love that we’re ending National Book Lovers Day exactly how you should: with just one more chapter. 

I am really going to get into the spirit and wear the perfect sweatshirt for this moment! Our “Just One More Chapter” embroidered sweatshirt is flying off the shelves, and I love how extra soft and cozy it is!

You may finish the book. You may begin another. You may wake up later with the light still on and the book resting somewhere beside you. All three are perfectly acceptable ways to celebrate.

So, spend August 9th reading in style; your TBR pile has been waiting for this moment. Happy National Book Lovers Day from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!

Keep reading

Looking for more bookish inspiration? Discover our favorite picks in 10 Bookish Products to Celebrate National Book Lovers Day, then explore Why Romance Novels Are the Genre Every Reader Should Explore This August for even more reasons to fill your TBR pile this month.