Once Upon a Book Club is a uniquely engaging book subscription box. Instead of just sending along books and bookish items, this monthly subscription box sends you one book and a series of individually wrapped items, each with a numbered tag that corresponds to a page in the book.
As you read, you open the items that correspond to the page numbers, unwrapping gifts that help bring the story to life.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Once Upon a Book Club
The Cost: $34.99 a month. There is also a 3-month prepay ($100.99), 6-month prepay ($199.00), and 12-month prepay ($390.00) subscription options.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first box!
CODE: ADDICTION10
The Products: Women's fiction with an aspirational bent, plus gifts related to the story.
Ships to: Worldwide
Check out all of our Once Upon A Book Club reviews and the Book Subscription Box Directory!
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Remember that these items must be opened as you read the book! Don't rush to open them as soon as you get the box.
Once Upon a Book Club uses their Instagram account as a platform where members can connect and talk through these points. Cool right? This card lets you know when to tune in.
On the back of the card, there's this artsy print with a quote from the month's featured author. I love the mix of beautiful purple colors. This inspiring quote will look great above my desk.
All the Good Parts by Loretta Nyham - Value on Amazon $4.99 (Retail price $14.95)
This month's book has a more mature vibe than other books I've gotten in this box. The protagonist is a modern woman looking to kickstart her life as she heads into her 40s, but it's easier said than done. This book reads like a sweet, sentimental Sunday afternoon movie. It's charming and fun but has a lot of heart.
Book Summary on Amazon:
At thirty-nine, Leona Accorsi is broke, single, back in school, and living in her sister Carly’s basement. She’s perfectly content being quirky Auntie Lee to Carly’s four children. That is, until Leona’s doctor tells her that if she wants to have a child, she’d better do it now.
Leona does want a baby. She always has, but the circumstances have never been right. Now she has a huge decision to make: face motherhood on her own or risk missing out on its rewards.
Unfortunately, she’s let her romantic life go stagnant. She barely even knows any single men. She has just a few prospects: a Vietnam vet and partial amputee, his intimidating son, the sweet but troubled man who tutors her niece, and a fellow nursing student she’s never actually met.
As Leona discovers more about each one, she realizes any of them could be the right man for the job. The more important question is, has she become the right woman?
I love the cover art, too. So playful and pretty.
These sticky notes pop up as you read the book. When you see one, it's time to find the surprise that goes with that moment in the story!
From here on in, I'll be looking at the surprise items. I'll try to avoid spoilers, but just FYI!
Trident Gum in Tropical Twist - Value $0.94
Sort of a random item, sure, but it does come up in the story! I'm not a big gum fan, but I'm sure I can find someone who'll be happy having this in their purse!
Purple Scarf - Value $6.99?
This lightweight cotton scarf comes all twisted in a braid. Unfurl it, and it becomes all crinkly and dreamy. The fabric feels cotton-like, and it's sort of sheer. I think it'll look just as nice wrapped around my neck as it would as a headscarf!
Instagram Card - Value $1.00?
So... this surprise looks super weird out of context! All I can say is that this printed card will make a bit more sense in the context of the story.
Foldable Mirror - Value $18.13?
This mirror starts out looking like a photo album but easily folds into this standing piece. I suppose you could bring it along in a tote bag, but it's not quite convenient (it's about the size of a sheet of paper, rather than compact and travel-friendly). I like the lilac color of the fabric-wrapped folio, though, and the mantras are pretty positive: "You are beautiful" and "Mistakes are made by those who are learning how to really live life."
Amazing Things Will Happen Notebook - Value $12.00?
I like this cute little notebook. There aren't a ton of pages inside, but I'm forever looking for paper to scribble on at work or when I'm on the phone. The rainbow pattern is very cool, too. I was not able to find this exact notebook online but based the value on a similar item.
The first page of the notebook is an orderly list of the protagonist's potential love interests. It's cool to see this appear in a notebook as if the character wrote it herself!
Verdict: I liked this Once Upon a Book Club box. Based on the value of similar items, I think this box is worth around $39.00, which is just above the $34.99 price. I really liked that the items in the box were pretty practical, rather than just for show or the moment of surprise. It helps the box feel more special and the experience more enduring. All in all, this is definitely a fun concept that's worth a try!
What do you think of this Once Upon a Book Club box?
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