Happy National Book Lover’s Day! Celebrate with 15 incredible books about books, perfect for readers who adore libraries, bookstores, and stories.
If the scent of a bookstore feels better than fresh-baked cookies, and you have unreasonably strong opinions about bookshelf organization (color-coded vs. genre, anyone?), then National Book Lovers Day is the day for you. Whether you’re a page sniffer, a margin scribbler, or someone who insists on carrying a paperback in every bag “just in case,” you’ve earned the right to celebrate this August 9th.
And what better way to do just that than by diving into a book (or 15) about books and book lovers? Or, if you’ve got a book on the go, add to that never-ending TBR!
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This absolute wonder of a book follows a bookstore owner whose life is completely turned upside down by a mysterious package. The tale is funny, warm, emotional, and absolutely the right pick to start off your National Book Lovers Day!
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
This charming collection features heartwarming real-life letters between a New York writer and a London bookseller. It’s short, sweet, and is a real love letter to literature, but also to friendship and connection. Plus, you could easily finish it in the afternoon!
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Narrated by Death himself, this novel tells the truly unforgettable story of Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany who steals books. Liesel finds comfort, like many of us do, in the words that lie on the pages. The Book Thief, at its core, is a story about how stories can save us, even at the darkest of times.
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
This novel is a combination of things. It is part true crime, part history, while also being an undeniable love letter to libraries. It’s non-fiction and investigates the 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Set in post-war Barcelona, this novel is a literary thriller. It features a mysterious “Cemetery of Forgotten Books,” and is entirely gothic, whimsical, romantic, and full of twists! It’s an absolute must-read for anyone who believes that a book can change your life.
The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
Ever wanted to read someone else’s TBR? Or wondered which books strangers might love? Well, in The Reading List, a list of books found in a random London suburb brings together a diverse group of people across generations. The story is tender and sweet, and reminds us all how stories connect us.
Mr Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
This quirky little novel is full to the brim of puzzles, secret societies, and a bookstore that never sleeps. It’s modern classic, and perfect for those who love all things reading, but also like a bit of tech.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Inspired by the true story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, People of the Book traces the journey of a super-rare manuscript across centuries and continents. It is one of the best examples of historical fiction out there, and definitely one for the list.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
When an unknown and unexpected family crashes into happy, introverted Nina’s life, she’s faced with lots of change. What follows is a delightful romcom that is designed for anyone who has ever chosen a quiet night with a book over a party.
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
If you’re a lover of essays and debates, then this one is for you. Perfect for lovers of the minutiae of book-loving, for people who will sit and debate whether scrawling in the margins is okay, Anne Fadiman’s writing is witty, fun, and a great celebration of all things book-loving.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A trigger warning for those who struggle with their mental health is necessary for this book, but it handles those topics beautifully. The story asks the question: What if you could live all the lives you could have lived?
Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley
Travelling bookstore. That’s it. That’s the pitch. That’s all you need to know about this one.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
This is a classic. Set in a dystopian world where books are banned and burned, one man dares to remember. This book was relevant when it was written, and it’s still important today.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Jean Perdu runs what he calls a “literary apothecary.” He prescribes books like medicine, only for the soul. The story is a whimsical tale of healing and literature, and it’s a truly delightful read.
How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry
Tucked away in a cozy English village, this novel is centered around a lovable local bookshop and the people who frequent it. Romance, community, and plenty of books — the perfect read.
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Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
