In 2009, I celebrated Bring a Book to Bed Day! with my friend and yoga instructor Irem Greenfield. We took a lot of fun pictures together that I never posted (and hopefully, if I can get my pc up and running and connected to my home network, I will upload them for you.) We both brought our books to bed (mine was a copy of the book I am writing, The Goldberg Variations, as well as Natalia Ginzburg's inspiring Le piccole virtu'. I'll have to get back to you about Irem's book as I don't remember the title at the moment.) Then we practiced some yoga together and by the time we were through, I was ready to go back to bed! All this to say that there aren't any "rules" about Bring a Book to Bed Day! It's all about reading and relaxing in bed - you can do it for ten minutes or all day long - and now, even all month long. I like to stay in my p.j.s as much as I can - or maybe, you like to put on your sweats and cook a big breakfast then go back to bed. Whatever makes you happy!

There is one thing that really makes me happy about Bring a Book to Bed Day! that I will share with you. Last year, I included the giving back portion of Bring a Book to Bed Day! I chose an organization and donated money so that kids in need could have books to read. I will be doing the same thing this year and have already chosen where I will be making my donation in the  U.S. and in Turkey. I am now looking for an Italian organization that provides books and school supplies to deserving children as well, so if you know of an organization, please do let me know. Last year, I greatly enjoyed giving to DonorsChoose.org - and will be doing so again this year. This is a great charitable organization that provides needed books and other school supplies to kids in need across the U.S. Since I realize how fortunate I am to be able to bring my own books to bed, I feel it is important to give back. That is why I chose Ms. S.'s  class in the Belmont section of the Bronx. I chose the school because it was in the borough where I had gone to public school and the Belmont section is home to the borough's Little Italy - both definitely had meaning for me and for my roots. Ms. S. requested copies of Junot Diaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, which Ms. S. said would help the students (mostly of Dominican descent) connect with the voices of literature that would include them. It is one of the best gifts I have ever given - and I can even say, it is one of the best gifts I have ever received. To read more about this project, click here.

Wouldn't you like to create this kind of joy? If you would like to give to DonorsChoose.org, please click on the link below or find another charity that inspires you and give!