Graphic by Noemi Gonzalez.I will be the first to admit that Valentine's Day just seems to be a lesson in commercialism, where businesses make money selling chocolates and stuffed bears. However, I do see the value in a day dedicated to expressing love and friendship. And, I really appreciate the color red.
I have compiled a few ideas of how to spend the day, either by yourself or with the special people in your life.
For the single bibliophile: If you prefer to celebrate the "holiday" on your own, you can spend Valentine's Day reading a book off of this excellent Huffington Post list, and cooking some wonderful desserts for yourself, and perhaps your family.
Listen to some Hunter Hayes, and learn to cook a brand new dessert for yourself. Show yourself so much love that you decided to improve on your kitchen skills. Byron Talbott recently completed his Macaron Week, where he made some amazing treats!
[embed width="600" contenteditable="false"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBhbWIYcp4U[/embed]
For the bibliophile who wants to spend time with friends and family: Attending some type of spoken word or comedy event is always a fun experience to share with friends. For those that love books, a book reading of some sort can be fun. Bookstores always have guest speakers and themed presentations, just like the Comedy Improv Show at Changing Hands Bookstore this Friday.
For the bibliophilic couples: The simplest thing to do is to sit together, eating various delicious snacks. After exchanging nerdy valentines, settle in and read Antoine de Saint-Exupery's "The Little Prince," or another short and sweet book. Argue about which Green brother is your favorite vlogbrother, John or Hank. Hit him or her over the head with "The Little Prince" for his opinion. Cry over the trailer for "The Fault in Our Stars." Discuss whether English literature or American literature is better... maybe Russian literature. Listen to some mood music. [embed width="600" contenteditable="false"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmYMkl1Grzc[/embed]
Whatever you do, I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend filled with books, love and happiness! You can reach the writer at arabusa@asu.edu or on Twitter @marie_eo.
