NUMEROUS special events have been planned to mark World Book Night in Bromsgrove and Droitwich this year.
More than 150 passionate readers have successfully applied to be World Book Night volunteers and chosen to receive a bundle of the top 20 specially-selected titles.
The big event, on Thursday (April 23), will see 2,800 specially-printed books given away thanks to a unique collaboration between publishers, booksellers, librarians, writers and individual members of the public who all share a love of reading.
The aim is to get people who do not normally read for pleasure or own books to give it a try.
This year’s top 20 list sees a sensational and diverse line-up of a variety of genres including crime, poetry, quick reads, fantasy and sci-fi.
Appearing on the list are bestselling favourites including MC Beaton’s Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, Lynda La Plante’s Prime Suspect, David Almond’s Skellig and The Moaning of Life by Karl Pilkington.
Bromsgrove-born murder mystery author Rebecca Tope will be talking about her books and writing at Bromsgrove Library at 7.30pm on April 29.
Tickets will be £2.50 and include refreshments while copies of her books will also be available to buy.
Droitwich Library will also play host to local pathologist Mr G Hill who will be giving a talk about pathologist fiction writers Bernard Knight and Keith McCarthy.
Tickets are £1 and those wanting to find out more should call 01905 822722.
Lottie Newberry, a World Book Night volunteer who works in Bromsgrove, said she loved to read and with two small children and working part-time she found a good book a great escape at the end of a busy day.
She added she chose the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce because she had never read it before but had really enjoyed another of the author’s books.
“I would like to give the books to NHS staff at the hospital where I work as a physiotherapist.
“I think in the current climate of NHS cuts and difficulties, receiving a book, as a reminder of the importance of ‘time-out’ from our jobs, would help boost morale and encourage staff to take up, or return to, reading for pleasure.
“We don’t get many gifts, or bonuses, in our jobs nor do we expect them and I think a book would be a lovely treat.”
Visit www.worldbooknight.org for more.
