Ever wondered why summer is the perfect time to dive into a great book?

In the heart of Iceland’s winter, the tradition of Jolabokaflod, or the Christmas Book Flood, brings warmth and joy as people gift books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading. Imagine channeling that same spirit into summer with a new tradition: Sumarbokaflod, the Summer Book Flood. In any given year, today’s date marks the halfway point between two Christmas Eves, so 23 June is exactly the right time to be celebrating this new literary anniversary.

As summer rolls in, bookstores and publishers flood us with a tsunami of book campaigns, urging us to find the perfect reads for our vacations, and libraries find themselves busier than at any other time of year. Whether you’re lounging by the beach, hiking in the mountains, or simply enjoying a staycation, there’s no better companion than a good book.

Just like the cosy nights of Jolabokaflod, Sumarbokaflod can transform summer into a season of literary adventure. Publishers can launch special summer editions, host reading events, and offer discounts, making it easier for everyone to discover new stories.

This wave of summer reading not only promotes relaxation and pleasure but also supports authors and the book industry at large. Let’s make Sumarbokaflod a staple of our summer experience, encouraging everyone to pick up a book and lose themselves in its pages.

Are you ready to embrace the Sumarbokaflod tradition and make summer your mid-year season of reading for pleasure?