Whether you’re devouring a juicy thriller on a beach somewhere or revisiting a classic novel from the coolness of your living room, August is the perfect month to grab a tome and celebrate Book Lover’s Day (August 9).

Books are tools that allow us to simultaneously escape, lean in, learn, grow and reflect. They have the ability to bring us together (think: book clubs, parents/teachers reading to children, authors’ workshops) in quiet ways that even movies and concerts struggle to duplicate.

In praise of Book Lover’s Day, here are some ways you can show love for your favorite genre, author or perhaps a treasured favorite:

– Write a detailed Amazon review for a book that changed your life, giving you the opportunity to reflect on why it meant so much and hopefully, get someone else interested in reading it.

– Join GoodReads online book club and find a group whose literary interests match yours (bonus: potential new friends).

– If you haven’t already, do a little research on a favorite author and see how their life experiences may have impacted their writing.

– Have too many (printed) books? Gather up a few boxes and donate them to a school or library or, take them to Half-Price Books. Make someone else’s day.

– Make a list of 20 books you’ve always wanted to read, then create a plan for how you’re going to do that (one book a week? A month?).

– Going to a wedding or baby shower, or a child’s birthday this month? Gift a copy of one of your favorite books, with a thoughtful inscription.

Happy Book Lover’s Day from Insights!