Lobbying for George’s Day, 23 April

or Give A Book To Your Romantic Interest Day

I’m a regular reader of Informed Comment, Juan Cole’s blog and, in a post on Monday, he suggested a variation on the Spanish George’s Day that falls on the 23rd of April each year. As Cole puts it:

There is a delightful custom in Barcelona. On April 23, St. George’s Day, men give their girlfriends or wives a rose. And the women give their male beloved a book. The gift of the book is said to have been initiated in 1926 as a commemoration of Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote.

…

Obviously the precise Catalonian custom, however quaint and colorful [sic], is pretty sexist and needs updating … I propose that whoever loves someone else romantically of any sex give the loved one both a book and a rose for George’s Day.

I think that’s a great idea. Already, I buy J books as un-birthday presents. Why not make it a bit more official by having a day dedicated to the giving of books? A kind of bibliophile Valentine? What do you think? In an ideal world, there should be occasions for the giving of both high-quality chocolate and lots and lots of books! If you like the idea, spread the word.

And don’t forget Yuri’s Night on 12 April. It all sounds far away but look! Yikes! February already!