I’m not outdoorsy in the least but the past few weeks I’ve been reading on our back deck and the warm breeze and the change of scenery have brought my “me time” to a new level. For years we’ve only had three camping chairs for the four of us (ridiculous, I know) but we finally invested in some outdoor pieces my bestie spotted on Facebook Marketplace and it’s been a game-changer. A me-changer. And now for the first time in maybe ever I’m lamenting the end of summer and wondering what I’ll do without my new refuge. Speaking of “me-time” I’ve got August’s box of “me time delivered” for you here, voted Canada’s Best Book Box two years running, dooo-dooo-dooo-dooo, Sweet Reads Box! The monthly subscription box includes a new novel, something to eat, something to drink and a few bookish goodies oh-so-cleverly tied to the story. Herewith the reveal!*
*They kindly sent us this box for review.
The product card has a quote related to the novel on one side and a description of the contents on the reverse. Like Sweet Reads Box, I’ve put a Canadian flag by each Canadian-made product. 🇨🇦 I love seeing small Canadian businesses support other small Canadian businesses and makers! We have so much talent in our country!
And the novel, The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz. Ahhh, I’m thrilled to see this one! One of my favourite bloggers, Grace Atwood, recommended it in her July book-wrap up and it went immediately on my wish list. Here’s the synopsis from the publisher:
“Sweetbitter meets The Firm in this buzzy, page-turning debut novel—already optioned to Netflix—about sex and power in the halls of corporate America.
One of Buzzfeed‘s Most Anticipated Books of 2020, Cosmopolitan‘s Best Summer Reads of 2020, and the New York Post‘s 30 Best Summer Books.
Alex Vogel has always been a high achiever who lived her life by the book—star student and athlete in high school, prelaw whiz in college, Harvard Law School degree. Accepting a dream offer at the prestigious Manhattan law firm of Klasko & Fitch, she promises her sweet and supportive longtime boyfriend that the job won’t change her.
Yet Alex is seduced by the firm’s money and energy . . . and by her cocksure male colleagues, who quickly take notice of the new girl. She’s never felt so confident and powerful—even the innuendo-laced banter with clients feels fun. In the firm’s most profitable and competitive division, Mergers and Acquisitions, Alex works around the clock, racking up billable hours and entertaining clients late into the evening. While the job is punishing, it has its perks, like a weekend trip to Miami, a ride in a client’s private jet, and more expense-account meals than she can count.
But as her clients’ expectations and demands on her increase, and Alex finds herself magnetically drawn to a handsome coworker despite her loving relationship at home, she begins to question everything—including herself. She knows the corporate world isn’t black and white, and that to reach the top means playing by different rules. But who made those rules? And what if the system rigged so that women can’t win, anyway?
When something happens that reveals the dark reality of the firm, Alex comes to understand the ways women like her are told—explicitly and implicitly—how they need to behave to succeed in the workplace. Now, she can no longer stand by silently—even if doing what’s right means putting everything on the line to expose the shocking truth.”
Can’t wait to start it!
Energy Bombs (Date Almond AND/OR Cranberry & Chocolate)
“Alex rarely has a chance to eat. With long days at her desk these energy bombs would be the perfect energy boost. We loved the sweetness of these energy bombs and appreciated no added sugar.” 🇨🇦
These bombs are my kind of snack — all-natural delicious goodness to fuel your reading, or a workout, or bridge the hunger gap between meals. I especially love dates and almonds smushed together but the cranberry & chocolate sounds scrumptious too.
Genuine Tea (Elderberry Hibiscus OR Lemon Ginger)
“Alex’s mainstay beverage is alcohol — since we cannot include that in our boxes, we thought we would include healing tea — perfect for after a night out, or iced on a hot summer day.” 🇨🇦
I haven’t tried my Elderberry Hibiscus but we have a loose-leaf Hibiscus tea from another brand that my hubby and I both enjoy cold so this one is most welcome.
Sparks of Genius/Dumpster Fire Notebook (I’ll Know It When I See It)
“Choose which side of this notebook you need on any given day/moment. While humorous, we know Alex could have put this to good use while working on her cases.” 🇨🇦
Courage (Compendium)
“A beautiful reminder to encourage you on the most difficult days. Alex definitely needed this for her desk. We hope it will brighten up your workspace.”
“Dumpster Fire” cracks me up. I know which side of the notebook’s going to be filled up first. 😂 And the Courage sign is perfect for me. (Sign? Paperweight? I guess it’s whatever you want it to be.) I don’t talk about it often but I struggle with anxiety and depression and trying even the smallest things often feels like an enormous effort. This sign is a great reminder to have courage and give it a go anyway.
Splendid Pen (Ooly)
“The perfect fountain pen for signing legal contracts. We loved the style and functionality of this pen. (Refills available.) We imagined Alex having a pen like this until she could afford a Mont Blanc.”
My kids got these pens in their Christmas stockings and they’re soooo nice. They write really smoothly and the little refill cartridges feel like a touch of fancy.
Week from Hell Bath Salts (Walton Wood Farm)
“While Alex experienced far more than a single week of difficulty we felt this amazing product would be perfect for unwinding after a client event/day at work. Take some time to rest and recharge with this soothing lemon-drop bath-tini soak.” 🇨🇦
Walton Wood Farm has the best names! And I love the lemon scent. It’s a little sweet, like lemon cake. Perfect for Weeks from Hell and Dumpster Fire days, LOL.
Inspire Her (Compendium)
“Pop-open cards to inspire. Whether your journey and goals are big or small these cards are small reminders to keep going.”
And these cards! I bought a set like these years ago to tuck in my kids’ lunch boxes that had cute jokes inside and space on the back where you could write a tiny note but I’ve never seen them for adults. J’adore! The first one I opened had a great quote from Helen Keller, “Each day comes to me with both hands full of possibilities….” I’ll save some and share some.
And here’s the part of the post where I always cringe a little because I’ve just shown you this wonderful box and it’s sold out. (Eeeek!) I know Sweet Reads Box keeps increasing the quantities they make but they still sell out really quickly. The good news is that if you’re a subscriber you’re guaranteed to get your boxes. It’s when you buy them as single boxes that you have to get on it quickly. Right now they’re selling the October Box (September’s have all been snapped up) and gearing up to announce another limited edition box. (I treated myself to this month’s limited edition Cat Lover’s Box so I’ll have that for you this week too.)
Sweet Reads Box ships Canada-wide and shipping is included.
- Single Sweet Reads Box: $80
- Three-month subscription: $230.97
- Six-month subscription: $443.94
- 12-month subscription: $863.88
And you can save 10% on three- and six-month subscriptions when you sign up for the Sweet Reads Box mailing list. The co. also shares bookish news, discounts and info on upcoming boxes on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Have you tried Sweet Reads Box? What do you think of the August Box? Are there any themed Limited Edition boxes that you’d like to see? Do tell! I love hearing from you.
Try Small Things – https://trysmallthings.com