World Book Night 2023 is an annual event that celebrates reading and books. It takes place on April 23, which is the birthday of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. World Book Night was founded in the UK in 2011, and it has since expanded to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. It takes place at 7pm BST, which is the official reading hour.

On World Book Night 2023, volunteers give away free books to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to read. These people can include hospital patients, prisoners, homeless people, and people in other disadvantaged groups. Volunteers are also encouraged to host events and activities to promote reading.

World Book Night is a great way to encourage people to read and to share the joy of reading with others. It is a reminder that books can have a positive impact on people’s lives, and that reading can be a great way to relax and escape from the everyday world. For World Book Night 2023, the organisation have chosen books through careful discussions with publishers to establish which titles are best suited to reach key audiences.

World Book Night 2023 recommendations

• Lift Your Vibe by Richie Norton. The book is a practical guide to raising your energy and vibration, so you can create a more positive and fulfilling life.
• The Trust by M.H. Eccleston. This cosy mystery about an art restorer who inherits a leaky boat and a job at a National Trust stately home, where she soon finds herself investigating a murder.
• Maybe I Don’t Belong Here by David Harewood, David Olusoga. This is a powerful and moving memoir about a Black British actor’s journey through psychosis, recovery, and activism.
• This Book Kills by Ravena Guron. This Book Kills is a darkly funny and suspenseful thriller about a young woman who discovers a book that can kill anyone she writes about.
• You Think You Know Me by Ayaan Mohamud. This is a powerful and inspiring memoir about a Somali-American woman who overcomes adversity to become a successful lawyer and activist.
• Nightingale Point by Luan Goldie. This is great for readers looking for a moving story of community.
• Pulling Through by Catherine Jessop. This memoir is about families of those experiencing long-term illness.
• Passing by Nella Larsen. A 1929 novel about two light-skinned Black women who reunite and explore the complexities of race, identity, and passing.
• Aftershocks by Anne Fine. A young boy deals with the death of his brother while exploring a mysterious community in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
• The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns, Laurence Bouvard. Though separated by time, Ana Johns masterfully weaves the lives of her two main characters together in this eye-opening historical tale.
• Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength by Sophia Thakur. This is a book filled with inspiring journeys. It will encourage and empower you to harness your power, and become your own superhero.
• Paris for One by Jojo Moyes. Perfect for any romance fan, this quick read is a fun, light-hearted tale of finding love when you least expect it.
• The Songs You’ve Never Heard by Becky Jerams, Ellie Wyatt. With its themes of friendship, self-confidence, and the power of music, this novel is a wholesome and relatable read for young adults.
• One False Move by Dreda Say Mitchell. The invigorating plot, unique cast of characters, and vibrant writing style will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
• The Double Clue: And Other Hercule Poirot Stories by Agatha Christie. This collection of stories from all-time best selling novelist Agatha Christie is a page-turning read for fans of mystery.
• Wish You Were Dead by Peter James. This chilling thriller by award-winning crime author Peter James is a much-loved quick read.
• Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. Ann Napolitano explores important themes of acceptance and community in the aftermath of disaster in this captivating novel.
• One Body: A Retrospective by Catherine Simpson. A moving memoir about a personal experience of breast cancer that will resonate with many.
• This Monk Wears Heels: Be Who You Are by Kodo Nishimura. Nishimura weaves in his own experiences of gender, sexuality, and self-acceptance with a number of Buddhist perspectives on life in this uplifting memoir and self-help guide.
• Making It by Jay Blades. Blades’ inspiring memoir shows his ability to overcome the greatest of life’s challenges with hope and optimism.
• The Patient: A DS Cross Thriller by Tim Sullivan. This third novel in screenwriter Tim Sullivan’s DS Cross mystery series is loved for its shocking twists.
• Dead Man Talking by Roddy Doyle. A light-hearted, funny and spooky story from the Booker Prize-winning author.
• This Way Out by Tufayel Ahmed. Ahmed takes readers on a journey navigating religion, love, and family in his heartfelt debut novel.
• The Natural Health Service: What the Great Outdoors Can Do For Your Mind by Isabel Hardman. The Natural Health Service is a well-researched and compassionate book that explores the benefits of spending time in nature for mental health.
• Hello Mum by Bernardine Evaristo. Hello Mum is a moving and powerful novella about a 14-year-old boy who gets caught up in gang violence and writes a letter to his mother to explain why.
• Game Over: Rise of the Raid Mob by M. J. Sullivan. This thrilling sci-fi adventure is about four teenage gamers. They are transported into their favourite video game and must save the world.
• Feel Good Food by Joe Wicks. This cookbook with over 100 quick and easy recipes for healthy meals that the whole family will love.

In conclusion, even if you are not a regular reader, World Book Night might be a great chance to pick up a book. Overall you might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it. And if you liked this remember to check out the reads for World Book Day.