National Book Month & National Reading Group Month: Double the Celebration, Double the Joy

Celebrating Two October Observances That Keep Our Reading Culture Thriving

October 1, 2025 | 8-minute read

October belongs to book lovers.

You mean you didn’t know that? Well, it’s true.

October isn’t just pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters — it’s also a literary lover’s dream. This month gives us not one, but two observances worth celebrating: National Book Month and National Reading Group Month.

One honors the act of reading, while the other celebrates the communities that form around books.

Together, they remind us why stories matter — not just as solitary escapes, but as shared experiences that connect us to one another.

National Book Month — A Celebration of Stories

A fall setting with autumnal leaves in jewel-tone colors lying atop an opened book. The caption reads, "Nation Book Month reminds us to make time for the simply joy of reading."

Books have always been more than paper and ink. They are gateways to other worlds, companions through difficult times, and sparks of imagination that can shape lives.

A Month-Long Invitation

National Book Month encourages readers of all ages to slow down and rediscover the joy of reading. Whether that means diving into a classic novel, exploring a new genre, or simply carving out time in a busy schedule, this month is your reminder: Books are worth making time for.

Personal Reflections

For me, books have never been optional. They’ve been as essential as breathing.

I grew up with paperbacks tucked into oversized purses, ready to be opened in waiting rooms, classrooms, or car rides. (Okay! So I was a nerd. I’m at peace with it.)

They weren’t just entertainment — they were lifelines. They were moments of escape, taking me to far-off places and giving me the chance to live outrageous adventures.

National Reading Group Month — The Joy of Shared Stories

A group of women laughing and discussing a book around a coffee table filled with coffee and snacks

If National Book Month celebrates the individual reader, National Reading Group Month highlights what happens when reading becomes a collective experience.

Building Community through Books

Reading groups transform a solitary act into something social and deeply rewarding. Discussions spark new insights, uncover hidden meanings, and introduce perspectives we might never have considered on our own.

It’s one thing to read a book that moves you — it’s another to sit across from someone who felt the exact opposite and hear why. That’s where the real magic of reading groups comes alive.

A Writer’s Perspective

As both a writer and a reader, I love knowing that my stories could one day serve as the centerpiece of these discussions.

The thought of readers gathering to debate a character’s choices or explore a theme from my books fills me with joy. After all, stories aren’t finished until they’re shared.

How to Celebrate Both Observances

A pile of books in different genres and colors stacked on a table

These dual celebrations give us a perfect excuse to make October a month of intentional reading.

Ideas for National Book Month

Start a new book in a genre you don’t normally read.
Revisit an old favorite that shaped your childhood.
Gift a book to someone who could use an escape.

Ideas for National Reading Group Month

Join a local book club or start one with friends.
Host a virtual reading group — technology makes it easy.
Pick a short book or novella so even the busiest reader can join in.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In a world dominated by quick content and constant distraction, books remind us to slow down. They demand presence, attention, and emotional investment.

And reading groups? They counter isolation with connection. They prove that stories don’t just live on pages — they live in the conversations and friendships they inspire.

Next time: Next week, we’ll turn from modern celebrations to ancient inspiration. October 11 is Myths & Legends Day, and I’ll be exploring how myths have shaped not just my kids’ fantasy series, Swallowtail Four, but also the romances I write for adults.

You’ll see how timeless tales continue to weave their way into modern storytelling.

How are you celebrating National Book Month or National Reading Group Month? Are you curling up solo with a favorite story, or gathering with friends to share the joy of reading?

Drop your plans (or your book club’s latest pick!) in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s on your shelf this October.

Related Topics: National Book Month, National Reading Group Month, book clubs and reading groups, celebrating books , reading community, book lover lifestyle, October literary observances

Post image and Internal Image (book club) courtesy of Meta’s AI. All other images courtesy of Pixabay artists: 🌸♡💙♡🌸 Julita 🌸♡💙♡🌸 (book & fall leaves), flockine (stack of books), and Jose Antonio Alba (SEO image).

Facebook

Twitter

Tumblr

Alicia Strickland

Hi! I write across multiple genres under various pen names. But for nonfiction, I write as myself. As a designer with a love of Old Hollywood and all things creative, I bring diverse perspectives to my storytelling... and to my blog. In the unlikely event that I’m not writing, I enjoy crafting, gardening, or spending time with my flame-point Siamese, Hunter.

Want to stay updated? Sign up for my newsletter (below 👇) to receive exclusive content and be the first to hear about new releases!

YOU MIGHT LIKE