1 March 2013 – New Zealand Book Month starts. But what is this Book Month, I hear you ask? If you are like me, and addicted to grammar, there are a number of possibilities. Month celebrating New Zealand books? Month celebrating books in (but not necessarily of) New Zealand? Or if you’re really lateral-thinking, a new Month celebrating books in/of Zealand, largest island in Denmark.

Less likely, that last one, I admit. So let’s have a look at what the official website says:

The clear goal of New Zealand Book Month is to form a North to South community of readers. Kiwis passionate about books, determined to share them with each other and spread the word. Telling and retelling stories, and recommending new books to read.  From friend to neighbour, school bus to sporting field, workplace to playground.

This sounds pretty good to me, whether I am thinking about New Zealand books, books in New Zealand (or even Denmark, really). As someone who can frequently be found reading, on buses, in the workplace, in playgrounds, even on a sporting field (although only by mistake, this last one), I think the idea of passionately and determinedly sharing my love of books and reading has to be a good thing.

And even though a small part of me wants to shout, but EVERY month should be Book Month, I reckon we can put some extra effort in for a few weeks. Let’s challenge ourselves to READ more, SHARE more, and spread the booky love in March.

While there’s still a few days left before celebrations officially kick off, why not think about something YOU can do in March? A bit like New Year’s resolutions, but without all the sweaty exercising and guilt-trips.  Here’s some ideas (or feel free to add some of your own below):

CoverKaren HealeyCoverRachael King

  • Attend an official Book Month event (find library events here, or scan the NZ Book Month website for more local happenings).
  • Find and enjoy a great Kiwi read – Christchurch-based, or further afield.
  • Be like the old shampoo ad – pick your favourite book, then go tell two friends, and then they can tell two friends, and so on and so on …
  • Visit your local library and check out the staff picks and hot picks (or even better, ask your friendly librarian for their favourite reads)
  • And as an extra for experts kind of challenge, find and read a book about or from Zealand, Denmark.