Thursday, December 24, 2015

Iceland, Books, and Christmas Eve

I'm not sure where I've been that I've missed the story of Iceland's Jólabókaflóð, the tradition of giving each other books on Christmas Eve and then spending the night reading, but I love that idea! What an awesome way to spend Christmas Eve!



Iceland has always seemed like a beautiful place, anyway, but this seals the deal. Apparently, most of the books there are published in the second half of the year, and in November the Icelandic Publishers Association distributes a free catalog of newly published books. 

I'm not sure where this data comes from, but they seem to read and write more per person than the people in most countries do (approximately one in ten people in Iceland will write a book, and 84% of the population will read at least one book per year for pleasure). 

All in all, it sounds like a great place to be a reader. 

But even if you don't live in Iceland, I hope you have a wonderful holiday and find some time to kick back and relax, with or without a book in hand.

Best Wishes,

Myrna

2 comments:

Mary Preston said...

I read a book set in Iceland; just last month. It was fabulous - BURIAL RITES by Hannah Kent.

Merry Christmas!!

Myrna Mackenzie said...

Mary, I'll have to check that one out. Thank you! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!