Books for National Paperback Book Day (July 30)

by Teri Coan

Stack of worn paperbacks with bent spines and yellowed pages sitting on a white background.

There’s just something to love about a paperback. The unmistakable flop when you hold it by the spine, the satisfaction of flipping through well-loved pages, and the ease of tucking one into your beach bag or carry-on. And on July 30th, we get to celebrate all that nostalgic charm with National Paperback Book Day, commemorating the first Penguin paperback released in 1935. This simple innovation changed the literary world, making books more portable, affordable, and accessible than ever before.

At Once Upon a Book Club, we’re all about celebrating the stories that move us, especially when they come in the kind of format that begs to be read under a blanket, beside a pool, or in a cozy café. So grab your perfectly floppy paperback (you know the kind), relax, and get into the spirit of National Paperback Book Day!

Open paperback book with its pages folded into the shape of a heart.

Why We Still Love Paperbacks

It’s the floppiness for us. Paperbacks are light, bendable, and somehow more inviting than their hardcover siblings. Curling up with a hardcover is not quite the same. Did you know that it all has to do with how they are printed? This is due to the grain direction of the paper used. When the paper grain runs parallel to the spine, it tends to be more floppy and easier to open and lay flat!

They also make fantastic gifts—affordable enough to hand out to all your friends, charming enough to feel personal, and easy to slip into a tote with a bookmark and a handwritten note. Plus, if you’re headed to a book club, a vacation, or a long weekend, paperbacks are the go-to companion for stories that travel well.

8 Paperback Picks to Celebrate the Day

Get ready for a paperback overload with our top picks. Relax, we’ve got you covered with a variety of must-reads that are simply, yes, floppy.

Once Upon a Book Club box with the book “Eddie Winston is Looking for Love” and themed surprise gifts.

Eddie Winston is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin

Let’s start with a heartwarmer. Eddie Winston is 90 years old, charming as ever, and wait for it, he’s never been kissed. Enter Bella, a heartbroken 24-year-old who meets Eddie at the charity shop where he volunteers. Together, they embark on a quest to help Eddie finally find love, but what they discover along the way is something much deeper: a friendship that changes everything. This paperback is a hug in book form—uplifting, funny, and full of hope.

Book covers of “Malibu Rising,” “The Raven Boys,” and “The Wishing Game” against a light blue background.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

It wouldn’t be a summer paperback celebration without a sizzling beach read. Malibu Rising drops us into 1983, where four famous siblings throw an end-of-summer bash that spirals into chaos and transformation. Reid’s signature style delivers big emotions, glamorous secrets, and that delicious “just one more chapter” urgency. It’s the kind of book that demands to be read on a lounge chair with a cocktail in hand.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

For a more mystical vibe, The Raven Boys is a modern YA classic rich with themes of friendship, fate, and a touch of the supernatural. Blue Sargent has been warned her whole life that if she kisses her true love, he’ll die. So naturally, she steers clear of love—until she meets Gansey and his group of Raven Boys. Smart, eerie, and full of magic, this paperback is perfect for those who love character-driven stories with a little mystery.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

This whimsical story gives us Charlie and the Chocolate Factory vibes—but with books. When a reclusive children’s author resurfaces and invites a select group of readers to compete for a life-changing prize, Lucy sees it as her chance to secure a better future. Full of puzzles, bookish nostalgia, and heart, this paperback is the perfect escape.

A Big Fat Greek Murder book box with pink and gold themed gifts, quote card, and matching accessories.

A Big Fat Greek Murder by Kate Collins

Looking for a cozy mystery with a zesty twist? This mass market paperback’s got it all—an eccentric family, a suspicious wedding, and a groom who winds up suspiciously dead (oops). Enter Athena Spencer, our amateur sleuth-slash-garden-center-worker (and raccoon enthusiast). With plenty of laughs and clever red herrings, it’s perfect for fans of classic whodunnits who also enjoy a little tzatziki with their tension.

Covers of “The Truth According to Ember,” “Just for the Summer,” and “Percy Jackson” on a pink background.

The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

As the first traditionally published Indigenous romance novel, this debut is not only groundbreaking—it’s also laugh-out-loud funny and deeply relatable. Ember is trying to land her dream job and ends up “creatively” filling out her job application. Soon she’s juggling corporate life, romance with the office IT guy, and a web of little lies that keep growing. This paperback blends rom-com fun with a meaningful exploration of identity and authenticity.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

What happens when two people with cursed love lives agree to date each other just to break the cycle? Chaos, chemistry, and a surprising amount of heart. This summer romance is sweet, swoony, and packed with emotional depth. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or curled up on a rainy day, Just for the Summer delivers all the feelings in a breezy paperback format.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

No list would be complete without Percy Jackson. This tween-friendly paperback adventure combines Greek mythology with laugh-out-loud moments, epic battles, and relatable characters. Percy’s journey to reclaim Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt is thrilling, hilarious, and surprisingly tender. It’s the ultimate paperback pick for readers of all ages—and a reminder of how stories can ignite a lifelong love of reading.

Smiling woman celebrating with raised fists, wearing a pink shirt and striped blue button-down shirt.

How to Celebrate National Paperback Book Day

Celebrating is easy and oh-so-fun. We love giving surprise gifts, it's part of our bookish charm! Why not gift a favorite paperback to a friend (don’t forget to scribble a heartfelt note on the inside cover), host a cozy read-along with fellow book lovers, or treat yourself to one of OUABC’s curated past boxes or boutique goodies.

🛍️ Browse Past Boxes: OUABC Past Boxes
🎁 Grab a Gift Card: OUABC Gift Cards
✨ Shop the Boutique: OUABC Boutique

Because sometimes, the best kind of gift is a paperback surprise wrapped in a little Once Upon a Book Club magic.

Page-Turning Nostalgia Awaits

Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite, picking up that long-recommended novel from a friend, or diving into something brand new, there's just something about paperbacks that makes reading feel even more personal. They’re affordable, collectible, and so easy to love—floppy covers and all.

So on July 30th, let’s celebrate the humble paperback. Re-read, gift, or grab one of our curated boxes and turn reading into a full sensory adventure. Remember, reading for pleasure has so many benefits; it increases our general knowledge, helps us understand other cultures and perspectives, and gives our brain a much-needed break from digital distractions!

📚 Happy National Paperback Book Day from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!

Looking for more inspiration, read our blog, The Gift of Reading: The Ultimate Buy a Book Day Reading List!