Postcards: Shakespeare 400 and more
Today is one of the busiest days in the Book world.
Shakespeare’s Day
First of all it’s Shakespeare’s Day – Shakespeare 400 if you’re tweeting – the anniversary of his death 400 years ago today. I have memories of growing up on Shakespeare and reading him at school as everyone had to. Some of it was hard and some of the language even more so, but it’s the stories that stood out for me and Measure for Measure for me remains one of my favourites for the themes of jealousy and hidden secrets. This was the play that stood out for me the most and made me want to immediately go to Venice and see the wonderful buildings and Moorish architecture for myself.
A lot of people think that Shakespeare is inaccessible because of the language but there are so many ways to enjoy his work and appreciate the man himself. Even just going to his birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon or visiting the Globe theatre in London is a fascinating insight into his world. I even saw the film Shakespeare in Love with Joe Fiennes and bought a copy of Usborne’s Illustrated Stories from Shakespeare, written for children but which makes Shakespeare more accessible and another way to appreciate him! You also need to buy something like this today to get yourself a bard a bag.
That’s why I love the campaign that Books are My Bag are hosting to appreciate the language of the great bard himself. All those phrases he created or influenced into the English Language. Who knew! – Mum’s The Word, Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo, All’s Well that Ends Well, Eaten out of house and home… there are so many and I love finding out language treasures like this. Fancy going on a Shakespeare booktrail? Read the guest post for Books are My Bag here
World Book Night
Also we are one of the book Ambassadors for World Book Night where we shall be marching out into the streets today in order to hand out books to people who might not read as much as they should for various reasons. I myself had speech problems when younger and so I was given books to read as therapy. That’s what they mean to me now and why I’m so keen personally to encourage others to read and find a love of reading. I’ve taught English and a love of reading to people in other countries but it’s lovely to encourage people here and get chatting to them, giving a book as a gift for them to take home and enjoy. This Sarah Hilary title has won awards and is a fantastically gritty read so I’m so proud to be the Ambassador for this treasure!
Having said that I also consider myself a Hilary Ambassador today as I’m peddling her other titles such as the latest Tastes Like Fear. Well as I figure, these books are to give a flavour for reading so it’s only right that I help out with the next literary serving isn’t it?
Book Day El Dia de los libros
A favourite festival of mine for the sheer number of people in the streets, meeting authors, buying books and generally having a good time. Men give women flowers and women give men books but I always exchange my flowers for books – or use the flowers as bookmarks. What a great idea and Barcelona comes alive like never before!
A lot of Spanish language authors with a few Brits sprinkled in makes for one major and very exciting event. All the bookshops stay open till late, there are lots of events on and thousands of books to buy. I had to abandon some clothes and shoes when I packed my case last time I went. Amazing and even if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s worth going for the atmosphere and to do the trail of Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s Cemetery of Books when you’re there. And even meet the man himself. Eek!
Given the day it is then, I think the last word should go to the Bard himself. If I could interview him for this site, I would ask him what he thinks people who love books and who celebrate April 23rd have and what makes them special:
Susan Booktrailer
