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The Perpetual Page-Turner

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Home | books | Is Book Of The Month Even Worth It??

Is Book Of The Month Even Worth It??

February 28, 2020 - Updated July 18, 2021 // 28 Comments

The other day that glorious blue box arrived and, while the movie montage was playing of me embracing it, Will said AND I QUOTE, “Okay I’m just going to come out and say it…I don’t get it! WHAT IS BOOK OF THE MONTH anyways?? Couldn’t you just buy this book from the store? You already know what’s in that box anyways.” *record scratch* I was aghast. Absolutely aghast. How could he even question BOTM?? But then I thought, “well *I* really didn’t get it at one point in my life” so maybe others are wondering what it is and if Book of the Month is worth it? So, since I’ve never formally talked about it on here, I’ll give my official Book of the Month review and just talk about it and answer any questions.

I used to be really into other book subscription boxes — you know the ones with all the little fandom related things or bookish merchandise. And a lot of those times, though a couple times I got a book I might not have otherwise picked up and enjoyed, the book itself was something either I already had or I wasn’t interested in at all for various reasons.

And that was always a bummer, honestly. I realized that, when I was spending that much money, I didn’t really enjoy the surprise element of not knowing which book it was because I could have spent that money on a book I ACTUALLY wanted. Not to mention if I even liked the little gifts that came with it.

I came to realize that these type of book subscriptions boxes weren’t for me because 1) I wasn’t always happy with the surprise book element (I think it’s great if you don’t already own a ton of new books) and I was becoming overwhelmed by the little book merchandise things that came with it — so much of it wasn’t something I was REALLY into.

So I cancelled all my book subscriptions and just went about my merry way. Plus I was REALLY cutting down on my book spending.

[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and purchase something I’ve talked about or recommended, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale. Please see my disclosure policy for more info.

UNTIL I GIVE BOOK OF THE MONTH A CHANCE….

And to be fair *I* didn’t “get it” right away either — for all the reasons my husband was thinking above. But now I faithfully have my trigger finger ready to refresh the website to get the new BOTM selections each month and am excited to open my box as if it WERE a surprise.

And now here I am with a subscription to both the regular Book of the Month club and the Book of the Month YA (soon to be no longer)  and always recommending this as one of the best gifts for book lovers!

My Honest Book Of The Month Club Review

Before we get into my thoughts and experience with Book of the Month club, you might be thinking, “okay what is BOTM even?” so I want to address that first and explain how it works in case you are already lost.

What is Book Of The Month?

Book of the Month is a US-based monthly book subscription club in which you choose from a selection of 5 newly released/soon to be released (hardcover) books handpicked and curated by the Book of the Month judges for you to choose from each month.

There is Book Of The Month (mostly adult fiction and non-fiction picks of all genres) and then the newer offshoot  Book Of The Month YA club which features young adult/teen selections (again 5 selections each month). EDIT: It appears that after March 2020 BOTM YA will be no longer and it will be all rolled under the same membership over at the core BOTM site. Will keep y’all updated. 

Fun fact I learned about it recently: it was founded in 1926 (and Ernest Hemingway was one of the inaugural authors picked!). I think this is cool that the business model clearly has adapted and shifted into what it has been since it relaunched in this iteration in 2015.

How Does Book Of The Month Work?

 

 

Each month you will get a choice of the 5 books on the website for the new month. It gives a “quick take” sentence about the book but if you click on the title of the book it will give you a full synopsis but also some quick little “good to know” bits about the book from it being emotional to any content warnings to knowing that it’s a good book for x, y, z. It also gives the little blurb by the judge who chose it about why they did.

You’ll pick your selection, using your monthly credit, and add it to your box. If you don’t like any that you see and want to save your credit, you can skip that month’s box — no problem! You aren’t charged and that credit will just rollover to the next month. It’s really easy, if you are wondering how to skip Book of the Month, you literally just click the button to skip the month. No hassle, super easy.

If you decided to pick a selection that month you ALSO have the option to pick up to 2 add-on books — previous selections from other months/years and also you can add-on this month’s current pick if you just can’t choose 1 from this month.

Once you finalize your box (if you don’t skip) it’s processed to ship within a few days (at least that has been my experience).

How Much Does Book Of The Month Cost?

So, maybe you are like “okay, Jamie, that sounds fun and all but what’s the cost?”

  • The monthly membership cost: your first book for $9.99 and then you pay $14.99 each month after that.
  • The yearly membership: you pay $149.99 for 12 credits in your account which makes it end up being $12.50 a book — a good option if you can afford that cost upfront.
  • The add-ons, if you want them, are $9.99 each.

There is also a 3, 6, or 12 month gift subscription if you wanted to gift it or put it on YOUR wishlist. Book of the Month is seriously a great gift idea.

 

What I Like About Book Of The Month

  • I’ll be honest — I love the fact that for $14.99 (or $9.99 for the add-on!!) I’m getting a brand new hardcover for WAY cheaper than if I bought it myself from elsewhere. I’m practical if not anything haha
  • I like the fun book mail! It’s so nice to get something other than bills and mine always has come very quickly! And, like I said before, it’s nice to be part of a book subscription box that is more minimal and no surprise.
  • I love the selections — I’ve got to say I’ve rarely skipped each month because I’m always really into the picks. They curate the selections so well and are really at the pulse of what’s new and fantastic. You also start to learn what judges picks you like and can trust. And as much as I’m always excited that some of my anticipated books are on there I ALSO have discovered some books that weren’t on my radar.
  • I love the community of fellow BOTM club subscribers as well all try to decide what our picks are going to be and see what everyone else picks. PLUS when we try to guess the next month’s picks. There’s some communities on FB where you can swap titles with other BOTM members if you aren’t big on keeping books after you read them.

 

What I Don’t Like About Book Of The Month

  • Honestly I don’t LOVE is the Book of the Month logo on the cover. Like it holds no significance for ME personally but they do all look all nice together sitting on your shelf. I just am not all about any sort of “sticker” (sorry Reese that means you too!) that goes on my book but, for me, it’s a small price to pay for a cheaper book.
  • They have grown with adding more diversity in their lineup but could use some work still
  • I also don’t like that, for my international friends, that it’s US only.

 

Is Book Of The Month Worth It?

I personally find it worth it for me! I’m not one who buys a ton of new books these days –I love my library and I’m real picky about what I own (AND ALSO BROKE) — but THIS is my treat to myself. I justify it by the fact it’s cheaper too haha.

I think BOTM will be worth it for you if:

  • you like the idea of subscription boxes but don’t like surprise books & don’t want all the little book merch that go with other boxes.
  • you are so sick of trying to figure out what you want to read/researching new books and just want to narrow down some selections with some vetted & carefully picked books.
  • you like to stay up on newer releases and want to save money on some of the newest and hottest releases (seriously it’s several dollars cheaper than most retail places for brand new hardcovers). Some of these books are early releases too — a month before they even get released which is nice!
  • you rarely buy books but want to treat yourself once a month (or less if you need with the skip option — you could do like every other).
  • if you like staying up on new releases but get sick of always waiting forever for them from the library. This is HUGE for me. I save all the older books I want to read for the library but sometimes I don’t want to wait 6 months so my monthly BOTM helps me tackle some of my most anticipated books while I wait for others.
  • you want to get back into reading and this would give you some accountability to do that. Even if you can’t get through one book a month you can skip every other.
  • you are a book buying addict and you want to continue that habit (haha kidding….sort of). But at least it’s cheaper right??

 

If you think it might be for you, check out your first box for only $9.99!

 

So those are my honest thoughts on this monthly book subscription box — hope you found my Book of the Month review helpful. I love my monthly treat to myself and NOW Will is also educated as to WHY I love getting it and him, being the sensible man he is, likes that I’m getting books for cheaper. Even if he’s probably wondering why I need to buy books at all between all my library books and review copies but shhhh we don’t need to tackle THAT.

 

Do you have BOTM? Are there any other book subscription books you enjoy getting? Also if you have any questions about BOTM I’m ALWAYS happy to answer.

 

Is Book Of the Month Club Really worth it for readers (text bubble plus photo of books)

P.S. Check out my honest thoughts on if Kindle Unlimited is worth it plus a review of LibroFM audiobook service.

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Filed Under: Best of Things I love, books Tagged With: books

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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Comments

  1. Erica Metcalf says

    February 29, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    I LOVE BOTM! I was subscribed for a few years through my family gifting me the subscriptions. I was so bummed to cancel the plan once we really buckled down to buy a house. I’d love to join up again soon!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 1, 2020 at 10:34 am

      YES that’s why I resisted for so long bc $$$$ but I finally decided well this will be like my one book treat per month AND if I REALLY don’t have the money I’m fine skipping. Good luck with the saving for a house!! I know we are going to be doing that soon so I think I will be skipping a lot more which SUCKS but A HOUSE haha

      Reply
  2. Karlijn says

    March 1, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    It sounds so good! I wish they shipped to Europe one day soon. X

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 3, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      *fingers crossed*

      Reply
  3. Jenna @ Falling Letters says

    March 1, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    I live outside of the States so couldn’t subscribe even if I wanted to, but I am always curious to read opinions on book box subscriptions. Thanks for explaining how this one works and sharing your pros and cons!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 3, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      You are welcome! Sometimes I just assume everybody knows how everything like this works so I figured I’d lay it out how it works and what *I* think about it because I always like knowing too! It’s currently the only one I’m subscribed to because I got burnt out on other ones for the reasons I said. Oh and I technically subscribe Riley to some kid ones on and off haha

      Reply
  4. Rivalie @ Small Stained Pages says

    March 2, 2020 at 8:16 am

    I subscribed sometime last year and have been loving it – I’m a little confused about the whole BOTM YA switch but hopefully, that’ll be more clear once the next month rolls around. I am super excited for The Kingdom of Back which I picked out for March!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 3, 2020 at 12:32 pm

      Yes I’m hoping they will be more clear. My phone call with them made me feel like they weren’t sure haha. I am THINKING maybe they will just have more YA picks? But I’m worried it will just be ONE pick. Hoping we at least can add others as add-ons or something. It helped me stay up on new YA books because I’ve been so into adult more these days. And YES I picked The Kingdom of Back too! DYING for it to get here because I love Marie so much!

      Reply
  5. Lindsi says

    March 8, 2020 at 4:12 pm

    I’ve been on the fence about BOTM, but I’m REALLY trying to read what I already have before signing up for something else. I used to do FairyLoot, but started getting waaay too much stuff I didn’t want, and the books were often a bust. I’ll keep this one in mind once I’ve cleaned my shelves up a bit. Thanks for sharing this post!

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

    Reply
  6. Paula Reid says

    March 20, 2020 at 11:46 am

    I subscribed to BOMC YA in December and also signed up my 14 year old goddaughter for a year as her Christmas present — she was thrilled! We’ve each been picking a different book, reading it and trading so we each to get to read 2 of the books each month. Now that they are discontinuing the YA, my concern is that there won’t be appropriate choices for her. Do you have thoughts on this?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      March 20, 2020 at 1:54 pm

      Oh what a wonderful gift and I LOVE that you guys swapped! I’m so bummed they are discontinuing the YA too. When I spoke to someone on the phone they said there will still be YA picks but I’m not sure the extent of that. It seemed like they weren’t really sure honestly. I’m hoping there will still be a good amount of YA. I saw you could add on a bunch of YA from the adult book of the month. but that doesn’t help if there aren’t great options of YA to pick from in the lineup. Fingers crossed they can figure out a way to serve the YA readers too!

      Reply
  7. Rita says

    May 3, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    I have a question. If I do not want any of the five featured books, is there a way to choose an earlier book? It appears that I would have to select one of the monthly five before making any other picks. Is that correct?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      May 6, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      No unfortunately you can’t! That happened to me this month — I wanted 2 of the add-ons more than I wanted the selection of 5 (which is rare for me). But yeah you need to pick one of the month’s books and then you can add-on. Normally it’s not a problem but oh man I wanted Big Summer and Untamed real badly as add-ons.

      Reply
      • Rita says

        May 6, 2020 at 3:50 pm

        Well, maybe next month we’ll have more luck.

        Reply
        • Elizabeth says

          May 6, 2020 at 11:37 pm

          Hi! I found this article when researching BOTM to see if I wanted to start a subscription. I got all the way through signing up and building a cart … and I was able to pick an April book for my “‘monthly” book plus an add-on that was also from an earlier month. So I did not have to pick a “May” book. Not sure if that is because it would be my first order? Just FYI.

          Reply
        • Jill Smith says

          March 3, 2021 at 2:33 pm

          I have been a member for 6 months and have liked only 1 book. 6 months in, still have 11 credits. Not happy with the monthly selections. So far a waste of money.

          Reply
          • Jamie says

            April 22, 2021 at 9:35 am

            What kind of books do you typically like to read? I feel like definitely for some people it might not have enough of certain genres to pique their interest. Whereas I barely ever skip (I can count 1 or 2 times) in almost 2 years. I always caution people, before signing up, to really take a look their past selections to see if they are genres/books they are interested because I could definitely see it not being a good fit for some reader depending on how you align with the types of books they pick! if you ever need help with the picks to use up those credits, happy to give you recommendations if I know what you like/don’t like!

            Reply
  8. Marilyn Janelle says

    May 6, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    Got a subscription for my birthday as a gift. Cancelled the next day. They do not carry my favorite authors, they do not carry audiobooks, and many selections were out of stock. I also buy tons of books at our town and other towns book fairs for $2.00 ( hardcovers! )! Not a whole lot of selections. I love books, but was extremely disappointed in this book club. And, by the way, they never responded to my emails asking for some clarification on books and choices. And, the day after I got the gift, ( yes, one day!) I was told by email I had until 8 o’clock in the evening to make a book selection or pass for the month. My daughter cancelled the subscription and I am hoping she got a full refund. Not worth the money!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      May 6, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Are we talking about the same thing — book of the month? Just trying to clarify because I’m confused by some things in yoru comments. With this subscription, they pick 5 books every month to choose from (and then there are books to add-on for cheap). This isn’t a store or anything. If we are talking about the same thing, I’m sorry that it didn’t work out for you. I typically tell people who are wondering about it to take a look at their past selections to see if they pick out the type of books you like to read to make sure it will be worth it. For me, they pick lots of stuff I read and lots of favorite authors. Is there a type of book you like or who are some of your fave authors? Maybe there’s another subscription out there that has more of your taste of books? And with Book of the month each month you only have to the 20th to pick the selections (you don’t get charged for the month if you pass) so you might have just gotten your gift when that selection time was up and you would have been able to use it for the next month which is announced at the end of the month. I’m sorry you didn’t get a response — any time I’ve dealt with customer service (on the phone and email) they have been so quick and helpful — thought it wasn’t during a pandemic so I’m not sure how the customer service is at the moment. Hope that was helpful! Again, if we are talking about the same book of the month club, I’m sorry it wasn’t what you hoped!

      Reply
  9. Sheryl says

    May 29, 2020 at 2:15 am

    Hi! I’m considering BOTM. Are the books the same quality and size hard covers you would buy in the store? Do they routinely have historical fiction options?

    Reply
  10. MeaganC says

    June 18, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    When do the next month’s selections get announced? I joined at the end of May and am wondering when the July options will be listed.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      June 23, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      Typically a few days before the end of the month!

      Reply
  11. Lynn says

    August 6, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    I have a couple questions: If for example I want to skip to months in a row would that be allowed? And if I skip a month can I use my book credit for an add-on or do I have to use it for a monthly book choice?

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      April 22, 2021 at 9:42 am

      Yes you can skip several months in a row. I have never but I have friends who have! And yes you can use your credit for an add-on if you have some saved up but you can’t get the add-ons unless you pick one of the main selections. So if you have 3 credits from months you skipped then you can use one for a a main pick and the two for add-ons. I wish they would just let you use them all on add-ons or past books honestly if you don’t love the selections that month but still have ones you want.

      Reply
  12. Kathy says

    November 13, 2020 at 8:28 am

    I was gifted a BOTM and have not enjoyef it at all. The selection are not to my taste. Books are trashy or too “trendy”. Prefer books with some substance. All of these can be found at library. Would not recommend or renew subscription.

    Reply
  13. Diane says

    January 16, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    I have been a BOTM subscriber on and off for years. To the point of the logo on the top right of ever book, I feel it sets the book apart along with month and year on the back cover it gives it more value. 💖
    The heft is perfect for holding and the print is excellent . I have had to revert to looking at the print before purchasing a book but with BOTM it is consistent.

    Reply
  14. Serai says

    April 22, 2021 at 9:27 am

    A question: I’m an absent-minded person, so do you get any kind of reminder each month, like an email to remind you to check the selection list? If there’s no reminder, then I won’t join because I know I’ll be getting books I didn’t want. Also, if a book ships and I don’t want it (as in forgot to check before it shipped) can it be sent back? The website is incredibly vague about how this works, so I don’t know that I trust that it’s as “easy” and “hassle-free” as they claim it is.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      April 22, 2021 at 9:31 am

      YES! I typically am stalking the website day of but I have a second email I signed up with and I get several emails reminding me — the first one is always like “Oh April’s books are up!” and then if you don’t pick one through the month you will get them.

      And I’ve either picked a book or skipped for the month so I’m not sure exactly but what I BELIEVE is that it doesn’t just auto pick it for you. I think it would just skip you to be honest. But again, that is just what I am gathering but I haven’t ever forgotten to do it. That IS a good question and I highly recommend contacting their customer service because they have always been SO helpful when I’ve asked questions.

      Reply

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perpetualpageturner

“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
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Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
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Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
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But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
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With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
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Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
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And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
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Just me orrrrrr?⁣
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No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
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But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
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I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
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In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
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I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
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Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
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The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
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Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
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No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣
I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past few days I get all cozy in bed to read at night and am asleep by 4 pages in. Will got a kick out of waking up to me basically spooning my kindle. Ebbs and flows, y’all.⁣
⁣
Let’s do a little reading update with an edition of Last, Current & Next.⁣
⁣
Last - The Girl With the Louding Voice: Adunni is by far one of the most memorable voices I’ve read in a book in a very long time. Her hope and resilience in the face of some awful situations kept me turning the pages and rooting for her. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read it. Highly recommend!⁣
⁣
Now - Deep in Providence (thank you @fiercereads ): I’m about halfway through after I carved out some time to read early this morning and I’m enjoying this story of grief, love and magic. I’m nervous about these girls trying to resurrect their dead friend though! When I put it down today I was getting a little creeped by some things happening.⁣
⁣
Next - The Kiss of Deception: I’m rereading the first book in this YA fantasy series because it’s been forever and I really wanna finish the trilogy. I’ve been really wanting to go through series I’ve left unfinished for years (not for lack of interest but because I suck at juggling all the series I start) so this is one of them. I remember loving it so I’m excited to dive in and binge. 

Whatcha reading? Have you read any of these? Anyone else on the struggle train with reading at night right now?
Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hop Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hope they are worth it! Please tell me they are!⁣
⁣
This is also, before I get to the stack,  an appreciation post for my tiny library and wonderful librarians.⁣
⁣
They normally open at 9am during the week —except Fridays. Did I remember that? Nope. So I was I was SO proud of Riley and I for getting our butts in gear to be for around opening time to drop off a stack and get my new ones.⁣
⁣
And alas, I go to open the door and it’s locked. Now I’m holding Riley’s hand, two tote bags full of books, an umbrella that I’m trying to keep over the both of us, mind you. I’m thoroughly confused until it hits me that it’s Friday.⁣
⁣
So I’m like, welp, guess we are just dropping off in the bin so I try to grab my books out and put them in one-handed while juggling the umbrella and less than enthused Riley.⁣
⁣
Mercifully the door opens and  our children’s librarian takes pity on us and lets us in to drop off and pick up the holds.⁣
⁣
Is this what being a VIP as a celebrity feels like?? Sure feels like it to me 😆 for real though, it pays to be a regular and have a cute kid in tow who is being pelted with rain.⁣
⁣
Anyways excited about this stack but especially Wahala, Daughter of the Moon Goddess and How High We Go In The Dark the most.⁣
⁣
Also have been meaning to snag The World Gives Way after @jordys.book.club recommendation!⁣
⁣
Have you read any of these? Any that you think were definitely worth the rain-soaked journey for??⁣
⁣
Alright now I’m off to curl up and read on this rainy, dreary day which is really what I think a day like this is meant for.
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Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣

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