A couple of weeks ago (I know, I’m behind schedule here, story of my life), the nominations committee for World Book Night announced the titles for 2013. I just learned about this exciting event last year, and in case you don’t know what it is, here are the details: On this night, April 23, book lovers give print books for free to total strangers in an attempt to kindle a love of reading in the public.

Why this night? According to the folks at World Book Night, several traditions coalesce on this one day. They are:

* UNESCO International Day of the Book

* Cervantes and Shakespeare both died on this day in 1616. Weird, yes?

* It’s a Spanish tradition to give a book and a flower to a loved one on this day. If I am lucky enough to be selected, I plan to present a flower with each book. Are you taking this down, selection committee?

Without further ado, here is  2013 list:

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

City of Thieves by David Benioff

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

My Antonia by Willa Cather

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Looking for Alaska by John Green

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Moneyball by Michael Lewis

The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer

Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Population: 485 by Michael Perry

Montana Sky by Nora Roberts

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain

Salvage the Bones by Jessmyn Ward

Favorite American Poems edited by Paul Siegel

Phew, thirty books. Of these, I have read 36%; 40% if you count the one I put down after reading two thirds (Look Again). Although none of my nominees made the list, I have learned of some intriguing new titles, particularly Glaciers about a thrift store shopper and remnant collector. So fun to read about someone like yourself, wouldn’t you agree? I’m putting that one on my list.

I was in the library today and came across City of Thieves. After reading the blurb, I put it back as I am often leery of war-time books. (Weird since I wrote one of those myself. Ha ha!) But I checked out the reviews–both positive and negative–on Goodreads, and so I think I will add this one to my list as well. I should also dip into Good Omens since I’m something of a Neil Gaiman groupie.

So, now I need to work on the application. I know my first choice will be The Language of Flowers and third choice will probably be The House on Mango Street. Second choice, who knows? Maybe Devil in a Blue Dress, but I need to revisit that one.

Looking at the list, what three books would you choose and why? I’d love to hear! Would also love to hear if you read City of Thieves. Thanks as always!

And if you are interested in becoming a giver, click here for the information link. Good luck!

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