Be literary for National Author's Day

November 03, 2009 Bill Crotty

November 1 marks National Authors Day, so throw a bash to celebrate your favorite wordsmiths.

Invite friends over and have everyone read a passage from their favorite book, or just ask guests to bring a few classics to lend out. (This is also a good way to discover new authors and give out some great recommendations).

Invite everyone to bring books that they've already read and take turns swapping. Any books that are left over can be donated to your local library in honor of the holiday. Bonus points if you can convince friends to come in character - Earnest Hemingway or Hunter S. Thompson might make for entertaining party guests.

Kids will also love this holiday, and it's a great way to encourage them to keep reading. Ask them to read their favorite books out loud, and serve up some literary treats, like book worms in dirt - gummy worms and crushed sandwich cookies in chocolate pudding.

For party favors, give each child a popular children's book, like Good Night Moon or Where the Wild Things Are. Older kids will appreciate a grade-school classic like A Separate Peace or The Catcher in the Rye.