Πέμπτη 25 Ιουνίου 2020

STARTING A SUMMER BOOK CLUB ? HERE ARE THE BEST SUBSCRIPTION BOXES TO STEP UP YOUR GAME

From food supplies to beauty products and books - name it, and there will be a box about it! 


                                   
Hello, my lovely book nerds!

I hope you are all doing well and are ready to start a beautiful summer break, despite this year's complications.  

 

Now, how many of you have ever wanted to start a book club but have never got the chance to put it into action? Well, luckily for you, this year's pandemic has 'fortunately' given the opportunity to each one to discover a hidden talent ( I learned how to make an avocado toast ! ) or start a new hobby, just like I began bullet journaling ). 

 

Even though, you don't necessarily need a subscription box to begin your summer book club, spending some of that hard-earned money that you made during quarantine won't harm anybody! 

 

Book subscription boxes are just as cute as those tiny boxes full of Japanese treats and snacks. However, these boxes offer you the opportunity to tailor your monthly or yearly subscription to your reading preferences. Some may offer just the choice of adult or YA, while others, a bit more adventurous, give you the chance to choose between the best of classics, romance, or epic horror. 

 

To me, it doesn't matter if you choose to apply just for one box or all of the boxes that I will be listing below, but just like an old saying states, "the more, the merrier ". Keep in mind that these beautifully designed boxes don't just contain books but also bookmarks literary-themed goodies, stationery, amazingly-scented candles, and sometimes even deliciously-tasting sweets! 

 

So, scroll down to check out the best book subscription boxes for every bibliophile out there. Trust me, I've almost tried every single one of them! 

 

1. Owlcrate-"an Instagram-aesthetic box "



Owlcrate is the perfect monthly subscription box for every fantasy, young adult reader! 

 

What's included: Every month, each reader receives a box containing a new YA hardcover (sometimes it's special edition ), bookish goodies like tote bags, and handmade items such as custom-designed bookmarks. 

 

Price: It begins at $29.99 per month. 

 

2. Book of the Month - "a free-spirit box"



Being one of the longest-running literary boxes, Book of the month is the ultimate subscription services for any reader who simply wants to find the best of the best delivered right at their doorstep. 

 

What's included: Every month, the reader has the opportunity to choose one out of five 'wow-worthy' reads that have been read and chosen by the best of the stuff (you can find their critic on their Goodreads page ), and then they can add up to two more books to their order if they'd like.  And you don't have to worry about the monthly commitment since you can easily choose to ignore a month of your deal without it affecting your subscription.

 

Price: It begins at $9.99 per book.

 

3. Once Upon a Book Club - "an awesome -reading experience"



Once Upon a Book Club makes the reading experience so much more. enjoyable by interacting with the reader. 

 

Each box needs a month's preparation since it is more than just a reading experience. Dividend between adult fiction and YA, every subscriber can expect gifts to be a significant part of the book since every wrapped goody is tied with a page number in the monthly reading choice that should not be opened until the reader reaches that particular page. Exciting, right? 

 

You can receive everything from a journal that the protagonist is using, to a clue that connects with the plot of the book! In addition, you get a print featuring a quote from the book as well as read-along dates for live discussions regarding the book on their Facebook or Instagram page. 

 

Price: It begins around $32.50 per month. 

 

4. Fairyloot-"a fairytale-like box"

 

 


What's included: Fairyloot only offers one box opportunity for YA fantasy book, including five to six bookish items, that can be anything from a custom-made mug to a relaxing bath bomb and a reusable shopping bag. Sometimes the book can be a special edition cover or an advanced copy for you to enjoy with a nice cup of coffee, or in our case iced coffee! 

 

Price: It begins at a range of $33.90. 

 

5.Books That Matter -"a women's treasure box"



Books That Matter is the ideal monthly subscription box for the empowerment and inspiration for women and girls through the art of literature. Being the UK's number one box for female-led fiction and self-love, it attracts thousands of empowering women around the world since it captures an important message every month regarding women's rights and feminism.  

 

What's included: Each box contains a book from a female author, with at least three themed gifts by independent female creators and artists. 

 

The box is also a part of the online community with two podcasts, merchandise, and an online members book club on their Facebook and Instagram page.  

 

Price: It is around £17 a month.

 

6. Book Box Club-"a themed-sense box"

 


The Book Box Club is the ideal choice for any reader who seeks a real sense of community. It's "themed boxes" are much more than just pure reading material. 

 

What's included: Inside each box, there is YA novel, usually fantasy related, alongside a few perfectly themed items, such a stationary item, a piece of jewellery or custom-made iron patch, and most of all an invitation to a monthly online book club with not just the members but with the authors as well. 

 

Price: It comes around $27.99 per month. 

 

7. The Couples Book Club-"reading is not just a solo activity"



This subscription box was made for the purpose of showing that the reading experience can be more than just one person by themselves. Besides don't you want something else to discuss with your significant other than just the new Netflix show? 

 

What's included: For a three-month subscription,  you will get two copies of a specially curated novel (based off a survey that you will complete), one for you and one for you loved one. There are no added bookish goodies, but it is still a great choice for a couple to invest in. 

 

Price: It comes around $44.99. 

 

8. BOXWALLA 


This specific box is the absolute "must" for any kind of artistic soul who loves the phrase " Art Is Life" and their Pinterest board is a collection of bizarre paintings and statues. 

 

What's Included: Once you secure your subscription to Boxwalla, you will receive two books every month which come alongside a detailed insert, and is also important to state that each the book comes highly recommended. To make things a lot more pleasurable, each box is made out of cotton scraps from the heart of India, produced by the finest of local artisans.

 

Price: It comes around $29.95. 

 

9. Bubbles and Books 

 


Do you fancy a good bodice ripper (if we can still call them that!)? 

 

This is the ideal box if you are committed to spending your summer Friday nights inside the comfort of your house rather than partying until the early mornings ( I'm I the only one?) 

Bubbles & Books is certainly the best choice for a night of relaxing baths and a dazzling romance novel. 

 

What's Included: Within each standard box, you will receive a newly-released romance book, five romance e-books - because we are THAT generation -, as well as five luxury bath and body goodies. And for those girls or even boys out there who want a slightly more advanced experience, there is the premium box in which you get two newly released romance novels and seven luxury bath and body items.

Past boxes have included beautifully-scented bath bombs, handmade velvet soaps, candles for atmosphere, teabags with a delicious taste, as well as lip scrubs ( which woman doesn't need one?), and face masks for a freshly, post-quarantine makeover! 

 

Price: The standard box costs $24.99, while the premium comes around $44.95.  

It ships worldwide and it has free shipping within the US for all the premium boxes. 

 

10. The Bookishly Classic Book Crate



Now this, my friends, is just the best option for anyone who is trying to read more classics. By subscribing, you will receive books like Rebecca, Weathering Heights. 

 

What's Included: Each box comes with a classic novel, and a series of gifts such as themed stationery, teas, and candles for setting the mood. What is even more special about this, is that the book's cover artwork which is made directly by them, meaning that the cover of your new reading pick will be a never-before-seen piece of art! Exciting right? 

 

Price: It costs £35 coming directly from the UK. 

 

11. Coffee and Book Club



Now, for the final box of my catalogue, this is just the perfect choice for any book lover who wants to combine their coffee addiction with a good pick. 

 

What's Included: Each subscriber can choose between two bundles with a vintage novel, a Bookishly notepad, four teabags or four to five cups of ground coffee, depending on your preference.

 

Price: Shipping worldwide from the UK, the costs comes at £10.00/month. 

 

And that's a wrap on the best options for starting your perfect summer book club, under the bright Sun!

 

Be sure to send me your pictures from which box you decide to commit to. 

 

Love,

 

MissReader aka Leni

 

xoxo xoxo

Κυριακή 14 Ιουνίου 2020

#BLACKLIVESMATTER IS MORE THAN JUST A STATEMENT : HOW TO EDUCATE YOURSELF


What they don't teach us at school ... 


Hello, dear book friends.

 

To begin with, I'd like to apologize for not being present on my platform for such an extended amount of time. But, that's a post for another time. 


Although it had been a few days since the George Floyd murder, and yes that's what it was, I have now decided to use my blog, this small bookish community we have, to speak my mind and help educate. 


Because even if you cannot sign petitions or protest, like me, there are many other ways for you to help in this massive movement that has been happening for many years in the American land. 


Many well-known people, with a significant amount of "media" power, have been using platforms like Instagram to educate their followers and it is something that makes me feel proud. But still, I have something to say myself.


Being an avid reader as well as a history student has taught me the importance of constantly expanding your knowledge and expressing your opinion. Sometimes, I may find myself disagreeing with what history says, or what the book states, and that's okay. 


This year, we were taught everything regarding Hitler and Germany during his time. Many of us were shocked, others were disgusted, and a few did not care. From my perspective, I was frustrated.  Somewhere in that entire curriculum, the words slavery, colony and segregation could have been expanded and analyzed a lot more rather than being just a definition for us to write it in a test.  


In each chapter, from Gypsies to people of colour and Jews, history provided just enough information to "cover" the subject. But it did not prescribe in detail within the statutory programmes of study due to schools being allowed to have the flexibility of teaching such topics within their own ways which can be seen as "appropriate" and "sensitive" to the needs of their pupils. 


And here I come and ask myself.


Is this how we are supposed to grow into proper adults? 


By knowing simply, the one side of the story or some statement that a historian wrote for us to "learn" it like a song and " perform" it whenever asked? 


If we take a closer look, there are 18,000 separate police forces in the US. We need to find a way to get into them all, change them all, and make those changes stick. It won’t be by simply demanding for more black police officers. That’s been tried before, and any change is happening gradually slow.  It won’t simply be by giving all officers “diversity training”: a couple of weeks on the streets after completing such a course, and they’re back in their everyday routine, acting on the instincts and stereotypes. We, "white" humans, have always lived with the thought that black people or any person of colour, was born uneducated.


But the reality is that WE undeveloped them!   


So if you really care about the BLM movement, here I'll be listing some books and other sources that you can use to educate yourself while not being able to publicly protest.


Books and Articles to read:

Documentaries to watch:

Podcasts to listen to :


In addition, you can help by supporting black-owned businesses as well as artists, musicians and filmmakers.


Keep supporting Black entrepreneurs, keep donating to funds, being engaged with the movement, holding the police accountable, talking to your friends and family about racism. Even when the literal protest ends, it's imperative to keep working to combat systemic racism in all aspects of life. 


As Latham Thomas shares, "This is a lifelong commitment, not a popular one."  


And remember, even us book lovers can help in this journey for equality that the black people have been chasing many years before us.


See you soon,


MissReader aka Leni

xoxoxo