The World Book and Copyright Day is being celebrated all around the world on April 23 in honour of the timeless influence that books have had, and still have, as well as the authors who have authored them.
The day was declared by the UNESCO in 1995 and signifies the value of reading, publishing, and copyrighting. The day carries great literary importance because it marks the death anniversary of many famous authors including William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, and there are connections with many more literary personalities throughout history.
Nowadays, the event is celebrated in more than 100 nations, where schools and libraries hold special events to encourage reading culture among people.
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Why books still matter in a digital age
Despite the rise of digital content, books continue to remain central to knowledge, imagination, and cultural exchange. From shaping political thought to influencing personal identity, literature has consistently played a transformative role in society.
Worldwide, thousands of literary pieces are available, and there are changes in reading habits as younger generations explore classic pieces as well as new pieces of literature.
8 books everyone should read at least once
Based on widely recommended classics from global publishers and literary experts, here are eight books that have stood the test of time:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A powerful story of justice, morality, and childhood in the American South.
1984 by George Orwell
A dystopian warning about surveillance, control, and loss of freedom.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A critique of the American Dream set in the Jazz Age.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
A sharp political allegory about power and corruption.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
A sweeping tale of love, society, and personal conflict.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
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A haunting story of love, obsession, and revenge.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
A futuristic vision of a controlled, technology-driven society.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A pioneering science fiction novel exploring ambition and consequence.
As World Book Day is marked this year, the focus remains on reconnecting with reading in a fast-paced, screen-driven world—one page at a time.
