World Book Night - Review
World Book Night 23rd April 2012 – Harrogate
World Book Night was a definite success, giving out books to surprised and grateful strangers was cool, I mean personally fulfilling. Who is going to turn you down? Well there were actually 2 people who didn’t want to even consider accepting a free book, but they were thankfully in the minority. Most people were delighted and after a trawl around some of the mean streets & pubs of Harrogate I was left with.... just 2, and these were left at the hospital and station for someone to find. A clear case of setting up the opportunity for a serendipitous* discovery. And we all like those moments don’t we!
- Serendipity n. Faculty of making happy discoveries by accident.
The event got off to a start for me last week when I collected my books on a wet afternoon from Harrogate Library....
My box, clearly identified by the big bold felt tipped lettering, was one of the largest in the pile and this is because the title I had been given to distribute is a long book, over 500 pages actually and consequently a tad heavy. However this didn’t matter, in fact I liked the fact it was so hefty, I was excited because now I knew that I would definitely be taking part in World Book Night.
Once back home, running a sharp knife down the buff parcel tape revealed twenty four neatly packed copies ‘Let the Right One In’ by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Since I’d never read the book, and wanting to be able to recommend it to strangers, I began to read it as fast as I could in the time I had available. When Monday afternoon arrived I had read about three quarters of the story, which is pretty fast for me and easily enough to be able to talk about the book’s themes and characters, and to be able to truthfully say what a good book it was. And it is! It’s an interesting book, fusing together ideas of good & evil, rejection, friendship and loyalty and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it already, or not had the good fortune to be in Harrogate on Monday the 23rd, when I was undertaking my own quest...
The first couple I approached were initially hesitant, but interestingly, once I had assured them the book I wanted to give them wasn’t about God, they became friendlier and more receptive to the idea of World Book Night. I really felt pretty chipper walking on into town with the words ‘Nice one!’ still ringing in my ears.
A young guy in a black roll necked sweater who I approached at the foot of the steps leading up into town, thanked me in a clear voice and said how delighted he was to be given a book. He promised to share it with his friends.
Two more copies went respectively to the staff at the theatre box office and an unemployed local man – out of work for a year now, unfortunately handicapped in his job search by a first class degree. Anyway, both recipients were grateful.
Passing down one of the town’s main streets and hearing music led to a memorable exchange and easily the best smile of the day. The busker never missed a beat (chord) when a book was held tantalisingly under his gaze, his big smile and hopeful glance down towards his open guitar case was clear enough. The strumming continued and ‘Let the Right One In’ came to rest in the velvet lined case amongst various coins from Harrogate’s generous public. Result.
Walking the almost empty evening streets meant some creative thinking was needed, so a pint was in order. Actually a good idea for three reasons! Two more copies were distributed, making for cheerful bar staff and a putting a grin on the face of an honest labourer winding down after his day of toile. A free book? Yes please! Previously this had only happened to his young children at school on World Book Day, or as I now prefer to think of it, WBN ‘Lite’...
Other books went to young black shirted chefs chatting round the back of their restaurant, taking their opportunity for a quick cigarette break between service. A pretty young woman waiting for the bus home after an evening in the town, or perhaps she was a commuter returning home after a late night at the office, we’ll never know. A girl standing alone outside in the chill night air, taking a bit of time to unwind from the vibrant Harrogate hotspot that is Wetherspoons on Parliament Street, who had seen the film, and was delighted to have the opportunity to read the original story. Happy people, one and all.
Of course as the evening wore on it became necessary to eat, and like the pubs, this presented another opportunity. The Czech waitress with coal black hair and piercing blue eyes at Pizza Express accepted on behalf of herself and her boyfriend, again promising to pass the book on later to colleagues and friends. Whilst in the restaurant, a business man dining alone was spotted. It turned out that he was also very happy for the intrusion in to his solitary repast, and pushing his Sloppy Giuseppe aside began chatting away happily, thinking aloud how he might give it to his 18 year old daughter on his return home if he thought it suitable...
There were of course other encounters, but time does not allow me to record them all. Suffice to say, that all in all it was very rewarding project, one that will hopefully entertain, educate and enlighten those who the event touched. I certainly hope that the event continues to grow and reach out further across the world. A big thank you to everyone involved in the program, including the printers, authors, publishers association, booksellers association, libraries, the BBC, distributers and above all the public.