Hello, all! For those of you who like subscription boxes or would like to start to receive one but have not decided which to choose, I have recently found one called Uppercase Box. This is a monthly box that contains a signed hardcover young adult book or signed book plate and 3-5 bookish items. All this for $23 a month plus shipping. Before this, I had been searching for one that met my expectations but wasn't as expensive as $30 a month (plus extra for shipping) like others. I stumbled upon this by a post from Fierce Reads on Instagram and am very happy that I did.
I recently received my first box from them for the month of October. That month was Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin with a signed book plate. In addition to that, there was a custom made key chain that says, "Certified Book Addict," a pin for the book, and a small quote poster. Let me just say that this was the best first box I could have gotten. I am very impressed with it all - from the email with a tracking code to the very book itself (there will be a review of it up soon!). I am in love with Uppercase and can't wait for the next box to come, hopefully this week!
So a little more about the process, they bill on the first of the month and then ship it on the 15th. Each time they send you an email letting you know that it's in the mail along with a tracking number of your package. You should get the box within the week. Every book is recently released so don't worry that you will have already bought it. It's also not as publicized as some others compared to that month, but don't worry - they won't send you a book that isn't good.
There are two other subscription plans. I'm not sure exactly which they are, but you can check them out further in the link I will include at the bottom. I know that they're a bit cheaper, but they don't have all the perks of the $23 plan.
So, if you'd like to subscribe to Uppercase yourself, click the link here. I hope this review helped you in your search!
Happy reading,
Sophie :)
Showing posts with label Book Chat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Chat. Show all posts
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Bookish Problems (and how we deal with them)
Okay so I found this tag on WordPress about problems we have as bookworms, and I decided I should post about it here!
I'm going to be listing 10 bookish problems and how I, personally, deal with them.
1.You have 20,000 books on your TBR! How on Earth do you decide which one to read next?
I use a TBR jar. They're cute and it's a really fun way to find your next book!
2. You're halfway through a book but not enjoying it that much. Do you stop or force yourself through it?
Unless I really, really don't like it, I carry on. If I've started reading a book, even when I don't really like it, I tend to want to find out what happens, and have an overall opinion. Throughout my entire life, I've only ever not finished two books.
3. The end of the year is approaching but you're no where near your Goodreads target. Do you attempt to pick up the pace or give up?
I try and pick up the pace. I joined Goodreads about 3 months ago, so I did a measly target of 15 books before the end of the year. I've done over that, but I think I'd try and finish it regardless.
4. The covers of a series you love do not match. How do you cope?
I actually haven't come across this yet. But if I do, I will give the un-matching book(s) away and purchase the matching ones.
5. Everyone and their mother loves a book you really don't like. Who do you bond with over shared feelings?
Sophie, my friend Emma or my mum. She usually understand my hate for books that are way too over-hyped
6. You're reading a book and you are about to start crying in public. How do you deal with it?
I can usually hold back the tears if forced, and just do an awkward choked cough and hope it goes away.
7. A sequel of a book you loved just came out, but you've forgetten a lot from the prior novel. Will you re-read, skip the sequel or just hope you remember?
I would re-read. If I really can't remember what happens, then I'd like to have it fresh in my mind.
8. You do not want anyone, ANYONE, borrowing your books. When they ask, how do politely decline?
I would either 1) force them (in a joking way) to look after them, or just flat out decline. After all, if they can't understand my love for books, how can we be friends?
9. You've picked up and put down 5 books in the last month. How do you get out of your reading slump?
I don't often get into them. Normally, I force myself through them and I end up loving the next book just as much as the past one.
10. There are so many new books coming out that you're dying to get and read! How many do you buy?
I normally don't buy many. I just simply don't have the money. Unless I find books really cheap that I've wanted for a long time, then I have no choice but to be controlled.
-Beth
I'm going to be listing 10 bookish problems and how I, personally, deal with them.
1.You have 20,000 books on your TBR! How on Earth do you decide which one to read next?
I use a TBR jar. They're cute and it's a really fun way to find your next book!
2. You're halfway through a book but not enjoying it that much. Do you stop or force yourself through it?
Unless I really, really don't like it, I carry on. If I've started reading a book, even when I don't really like it, I tend to want to find out what happens, and have an overall opinion. Throughout my entire life, I've only ever not finished two books.
3. The end of the year is approaching but you're no where near your Goodreads target. Do you attempt to pick up the pace or give up?
I try and pick up the pace. I joined Goodreads about 3 months ago, so I did a measly target of 15 books before the end of the year. I've done over that, but I think I'd try and finish it regardless.
4. The covers of a series you love do not match. How do you cope?
I actually haven't come across this yet. But if I do, I will give the un-matching book(s) away and purchase the matching ones.
5. Everyone and their mother loves a book you really don't like. Who do you bond with over shared feelings?
Sophie, my friend Emma or my mum. She usually understand my hate for books that are way too over-hyped
6. You're reading a book and you are about to start crying in public. How do you deal with it?
I can usually hold back the tears if forced, and just do an awkward choked cough and hope it goes away.
7. A sequel of a book you loved just came out, but you've forgetten a lot from the prior novel. Will you re-read, skip the sequel or just hope you remember?
I would re-read. If I really can't remember what happens, then I'd like to have it fresh in my mind.
8. You do not want anyone, ANYONE, borrowing your books. When they ask, how do politely decline?
I would either 1) force them (in a joking way) to look after them, or just flat out decline. After all, if they can't understand my love for books, how can we be friends?
9. You've picked up and put down 5 books in the last month. How do you get out of your reading slump?
I don't often get into them. Normally, I force myself through them and I end up loving the next book just as much as the past one.
10. There are so many new books coming out that you're dying to get and read! How many do you buy?
I normally don't buy many. I just simply don't have the money. Unless I find books really cheap that I've wanted for a long time, then I have no choice but to be controlled.
-Beth
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Beth: TBR Jars - The Joys & Horrors
Today's post is going to be about TBR jars: the joys and the horrors!
Before I got Goodreads, I had no idea about 'TBR' in general.
If you didn't know, TBR stands for To Be Read, and it is basically books you'd like to read in the future, whether that be next week or next year.
You may be thinking "if I can have it all on Goodreads, why on earth do I need a jar too?"
Well, firstly, let me explain what a TBR jar is.
It's basically a jar filled with slips of paper which have the names of books you want to read on them.
I've had a TBR jar for quite a while now, and I can definitely see the benefits and the downsides of having one. I'm going to list them below!
Benefits
- Being controlled with your spending. It is pretty hard to resist purchasing books, but having the excitement of picking a book from your TBR jar helps you do this.
- The excitement. Whenver you need to buy a new book (if you haven't got one to read next), then you dig in to pick a new read.
- They look so pretty, and they're really creative.
- There's loads of great ideas for them, some of which I'll tell you about below.
- They're not very portable. It would be slightly weird to carry around a glass jar full of your favorite book names.
- You have to find a jar. Okay, this isn't the hardest, but it does require some effort.
- It takes a while to write them all out, especially if you have a long TBR list.
- Plain paper or lined paper: Best if you want to be quick!
- Patterened & colored paper: To be extra pretty.
- Oragami: Specifically paper stars, can be really nice.
- Watercolor or painted paper, also really pretty!
- Decorate your jar, with either stickers, paper cut outs or glass paint.
Thanks for reading!
-Beth
May your shelves (and TBR jar) overflow with books! ☽
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
NaNoWriMo: How To Write a Novel
Hey guys!
I would firstly like to say a massive sorry to Sophie for not being around more. Yes, we're all busy, but that's no excuse.
So, I'm back! With a post about NaNoWriMo, which I'm sure many of you have heard of.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, and it's an online based November project, for anyone to join.
The overall goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days, or 30,000 words if you're in the YA NaNoWriMo.
Now, writing is not for every person, but it's not for every bookworm either...yes, we all love reading, and I'm sure many of us have written a little something at some point, but it takes a LOT to write 50,000 words in a month, that equals 1.6k every day.
But sometimes, it's a challenge that we need. And in the end, it doesn't matter if you don't finish on time, because YOU have still achieved something massive, something amazing. You have written a 250 page novel. And that is certainly something to boast about.
And if you think your novel is a load of crap? That's fine! There's no one there to read or judge your book, unless you want them to. Plus, if it really IS crap (which I'm sure it isn't) it's all practice. There are many years of NaNoWriMo to come, so if you don't manage to write a full novel this year, it's fine. If you do, you deserve an enormous pat on the back! Congrats!
Before I finish off, I want you all to know, this is my first year participating in NaNoWriMo, so I am a complete greenie. But from what I've gathered, all we need to complete this challenge is coffee (or tea, tea drinkers, we can DO THIS.), comfy clothes, a hell of a lot of stamina and just enough time (doesn't have to be a lot, but having a lot can definitely help).
At the end of this, guys, at the end of this torture. We are going to be authors. Remember that. Let it sink in.
And write.
-Beth
I would firstly like to say a massive sorry to Sophie for not being around more. Yes, we're all busy, but that's no excuse.
So, I'm back! With a post about NaNoWriMo, which I'm sure many of you have heard of.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month, and it's an online based November project, for anyone to join.
The overall goal is to write 50,000 words in 30 days, or 30,000 words if you're in the YA NaNoWriMo.
Now, writing is not for every person, but it's not for every bookworm either...yes, we all love reading, and I'm sure many of us have written a little something at some point, but it takes a LOT to write 50,000 words in a month, that equals 1.6k every day.
But sometimes, it's a challenge that we need. And in the end, it doesn't matter if you don't finish on time, because YOU have still achieved something massive, something amazing. You have written a 250 page novel. And that is certainly something to boast about.
And if you think your novel is a load of crap? That's fine! There's no one there to read or judge your book, unless you want them to. Plus, if it really IS crap (which I'm sure it isn't) it's all practice. There are many years of NaNoWriMo to come, so if you don't manage to write a full novel this year, it's fine. If you do, you deserve an enormous pat on the back! Congrats!
Before I finish off, I want you all to know, this is my first year participating in NaNoWriMo, so I am a complete greenie. But from what I've gathered, all we need to complete this challenge is coffee (or tea, tea drinkers, we can DO THIS.), comfy clothes, a hell of a lot of stamina and just enough time (doesn't have to be a lot, but having a lot can definitely help).
At the end of this, guys, at the end of this torture. We are going to be authors. Remember that. Let it sink in.
And write.
-Beth
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Hi guys, I'm Rylie!
I'm a lover and appreciator of good works. Being an avid writer myself, I love a good book! A good book inspires to improve my writings!
I'm kind of playing copycat and using Beth's introductory format. Here's a little about me!
Favorite novel?
I have a lot of those, as does any book lover! I'd have to say, one of my all time favorites is The Underneath by Kathi Appelt. It's just phenomenal! I also adore By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters, Define "Normal" by Julie Anne Peters and Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh.
Book quote?
I'm going to stick to the classics;
"When he shall die, take him and cut him out into little stars. And he he shall make the face of heaven so fine, that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun."
-Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare
Broke your heart?
The one that takes home the cake would definitely be Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. My soul is still recovering from that ending!
Bookish best friend?
Tough one. I'd have to say Jazz from Define "Normal".
Bookish boyfriend?
Oooh. Santana Gerard from By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead. He's so delightfully quirky.
Favorite series?
The Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs, who needs to get his act together and write a third book!
Favorite classic?
Definitely To Kill a Mockingbird. By far!
What can you expect from me on this blog?
Book reviews from a book lover! I can also give perspectives on the reading world as a young author and how books can really make a difference!
Monday, October 12, 2015
Hi there, I'm Beth! And here's some book chat!
Hi everyone!
I suppose I should start with an introduction about myself, and, as I saw Megan do, answer a few bookish questions.
So, I've been reading since I can remember, but it's only been this year when I really got into YA novels. The book that really got me out of my at least months-and-months reading slump? All The Bright Places. Ever since then, I've been completely book and reading obsessed, once again. Anyway, here's some bookish questions about me:
Favorite novel?
Oh gosh, obviously this is a hard one for most people. But as you probably know, it's even harder for us bookworms. I (obviously) don't have an absolute favorite, there are so many. But a few of them are: Paper Towns, Eleanor & Park (and anything from Rainbow) and Amy & Roger's Epic Detour.
Favorite genre?
I don't know. I'm up for any, but I have to say I'm a sucker for a good romance. But overall, probably contemporary with a bit of romance thrown in.
Book quote?
Ah, there are so many good ones! But one of my favorites has to be this one:
“It’s not because I want to make out with her.”
“Hold on.” He grabbed a pencil and scrawled excitedly at the paper as if he’d just made a mathematical breakthrough and then looked back up at me.
“I just did some calculations, and I’ve been able to determine that you’re full of shit.”
-Looking For Alaska, John Green
Broke your heart?
There are many. All The Bright Places is one that really touched me, though.
Bookish best friend?
Cath from Fangirl! I looooove her.
Bookish boyfriend?
Probably Levi xD Or Quentin from Paper Towns, you've just got to love him.
Favorite series?
THE HUNGER GAMES. I have to say, sometimes I HATE when I like a book/series that I think it overhyped, but I don't know how to not love THG?
Favorite classic?
Jane Eyre. As I say, I'm a sucker for romance. (And I haven't read many/any other classics, but hopefully I will soon!)
With that over, let's have some book chat!
As I do reviews on my own blog, I thought it would be best to post something a little different here. I know Sophie doesn't always have the time to post about book hauls, or just talk about books, as school is pretty busy for her, so I feel like it'd be good to just have a chat with you guys.
I want to talk about how dangerous being a bookworm can be. For a start, books aren't always that cheap. Especially when you add up all of the books we want to own or read.
The other thing is, is if you're a hardcore bookworm like me, you fall in love by just glancing at a cover. This is the most dangerous love of all. Piles and piles of TBR books stack up, and now I have over 200 TBR books on goodreads. But, because of how much I love physical books, I want to own them all. And I don't have a Kindle, and would actually prefer not to.
I can easily see the benefits of having Kindles and e-readers. But I just don't like reading on a screen. Blogs and forums, yes, but books, no. I am extremely traditional when it comes to books. I would even pay a small cost to have the paperback rather than the e-book for free.
But, even when sometimes the paperback is soft and beautiful (you know that soft, cloth like feeling when you stroke it?), I fall for the hardback edition. And here comes another chance to spend my money, because as you all know, hardbacks are expensive. But how, how, could anyone purchase a paperback edition of ATPB when this exists? (Sorry for tagging a random blog there, it was the best photo I could find.)
One of my favorite tags on Instagram is #ditchthatjacket, because what is more beautiful than a hardback book without its cover? I would even go as far to say that printed hardcovers (you know when the same picture is printed on the actual cover undearneath the jacket) are just ugh. Because what is a hardback without the soft actual cloth covers? That are just so nice to stroke and stroke and stroke?
Anyway. I need to stop ranting about my bookish peeves. I'll be back soon, with more book talk, probably. Meanwhile, you can find me on my blog and Instagram!
Also, a massive thank you to Sophie for inviting me to join her and the team♥
Beth || @illgiveyouthebooks || www.illgiveyouthebooks.wordpress.com
I suppose I should start with an introduction about myself, and, as I saw Megan do, answer a few bookish questions.
So, I've been reading since I can remember, but it's only been this year when I really got into YA novels. The book that really got me out of my at least months-and-months reading slump? All The Bright Places. Ever since then, I've been completely book and reading obsessed, once again. Anyway, here's some bookish questions about me:
Favorite novel?
Oh gosh, obviously this is a hard one for most people. But as you probably know, it's even harder for us bookworms. I (obviously) don't have an absolute favorite, there are so many. But a few of them are: Paper Towns, Eleanor & Park (and anything from Rainbow) and Amy & Roger's Epic Detour.
Favorite genre?
I don't know. I'm up for any, but I have to say I'm a sucker for a good romance. But overall, probably contemporary with a bit of romance thrown in.
Book quote?
Ah, there are so many good ones! But one of my favorites has to be this one:
“It’s not because I want to make out with her.”
“Hold on.” He grabbed a pencil and scrawled excitedly at the paper as if he’d just made a mathematical breakthrough and then looked back up at me.
“I just did some calculations, and I’ve been able to determine that you’re full of shit.”
-Looking For Alaska, John Green
Broke your heart?
There are many. All The Bright Places is one that really touched me, though.
Bookish best friend?
Cath from Fangirl! I looooove her.
Bookish boyfriend?
Probably Levi xD Or Quentin from Paper Towns, you've just got to love him.
Favorite series?
THE HUNGER GAMES. I have to say, sometimes I HATE when I like a book/series that I think it overhyped, but I don't know how to not love THG?
Favorite classic?
Jane Eyre. As I say, I'm a sucker for romance. (And I haven't read many/any other classics, but hopefully I will soon!)
With that over, let's have some book chat!
As I do reviews on my own blog, I thought it would be best to post something a little different here. I know Sophie doesn't always have the time to post about book hauls, or just talk about books, as school is pretty busy for her, so I feel like it'd be good to just have a chat with you guys.
I want to talk about how dangerous being a bookworm can be. For a start, books aren't always that cheap. Especially when you add up all of the books we want to own or read.
The other thing is, is if you're a hardcore bookworm like me, you fall in love by just glancing at a cover. This is the most dangerous love of all. Piles and piles of TBR books stack up, and now I have over 200 TBR books on goodreads. But, because of how much I love physical books, I want to own them all. And I don't have a Kindle, and would actually prefer not to.
I can easily see the benefits of having Kindles and e-readers. But I just don't like reading on a screen. Blogs and forums, yes, but books, no. I am extremely traditional when it comes to books. I would even pay a small cost to have the paperback rather than the e-book for free.
But, even when sometimes the paperback is soft and beautiful (you know that soft, cloth like feeling when you stroke it?), I fall for the hardback edition. And here comes another chance to spend my money, because as you all know, hardbacks are expensive. But how, how, could anyone purchase a paperback edition of ATPB when this exists? (Sorry for tagging a random blog there, it was the best photo I could find.)
One of my favorite tags on Instagram is #ditchthatjacket, because what is more beautiful than a hardback book without its cover? I would even go as far to say that printed hardcovers (you know when the same picture is printed on the actual cover undearneath the jacket) are just ugh. Because what is a hardback without the soft actual cloth covers? That are just so nice to stroke and stroke and stroke?
Anyway. I need to stop ranting about my bookish peeves. I'll be back soon, with more book talk, probably. Meanwhile, you can find me on my blog and Instagram!
Also, a massive thank you to Sophie for inviting me to join her and the team♥
Beth || @illgiveyouthebooks || www.illgiveyouthebooks.wordpress.com
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Hey, I'm Megan!
Hello! My Name is Megan!
Hopefully I can live up to the standards that they have already set. Here are a few things so you can get to know more about me:
What is the first book you read by your self?
Duck for President? Don't quote me on that!
Did your parents read to you before bed? If so, what did they read you?
Yes! Every night! They would mainly read me those "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" books.
Name a movie that is better then the book. Doesn’t happen often.
The Maze Runner. I could never get into the book but I loved the movie!
What was the worst movie adaptation of a book?
City Of Bones... Don't even get me started
Outdoor or indoor reading?
Indoor, I can never find myself comfortable outside.
Book you’re most embarrassed to have never read?
Anne Frank. It's sitting on my shelf but I haven't gotten to it yet.
What is the most embarrassing book you have ever read?
I'd have to say, The Infinite Moment Of Us.
What was the worst book you ever read or stopped reading?
I really don't know... maybe An Abundance Of Kathrines
Would you rather read digital or paper books?
Paper!!!
What character in a book would you like to sucker punch in the face?
Jeanine from Divergent or Umbridge
What character in a book would you like to be best friends with?
Kelsey Hayes from Tiger's Curse
How many physical books do you own?
About 50. I clean out my shelves and donate books often.
What book do you want to make sure you read to your children?
Harry Potter 100%
What book describes you best?
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
What are you reading right now?
I actually just finished my current book about 2 weeks ago. So I'm looking for a new one. The last book I read was The Red Queen.
Those are just a few facts about me! Hope you enjoy!
Love,
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