World Book and Copyright Day, observed on April 23, is a global celebration of literature established by UNESCO in 1995. This day commemorates the contributions of legendary authors such as William Shakespeare and promotes the importance of reading and protecting intellectual property rights. Activities take place in over 100 countries, emphasizing the significance of books in culture and society. Notably, Iceland has the highest reading rates per capita, and there are more than 130 million books worldwide. Essential reads recommended by Penguin include classics like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which addresses racial injustice, and '1984' by George Orwell, a dystopian warning against totalitarianism. Other significant works include 'The Great Gatsby', 'Animal Farm', and 'Frankenstein', each offering profound insights into human nature and society.