World Book Night

World Book Night a million books to be given away on 23 April 2012, the same happened this year, to mark World Book Day and Shakespeare’s birthday.

Last night the 25 titles to be given away were announced. These include: A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak.

Some booksellers do not like as it will steal sales, or so they say, others that it will encourage more people to read.

For independent booksellers their main problem is the absence of fair competition with others being offered massive discounts with which they cannot compete.

Next year the scheme will operate in the US as well as UK.

Members of the public are now able to apply to be one of the 20,000 World Book Night givers, who will receive 24 copies of their chosen title to give away to anyone they choose. Further copies will be distributed through prisons, libraries and hospitals. The US is set to host its first World Book Night the same day, replicating the UK format with one million yet-to-be-selected books given away.

– World Book Night titles unveiled
– World Book Night giveaway: a night of Good Omens or Misery?
– World Book Night: the great giveaway

Tags: books, Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, World Book Night