Because my alone time is for everyone’s safety: July’s Sweet Reads Box

I received July’s Sweet Reads Box for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

We’re only a couple of weeks into summer break and I’ve already lost my shit more times than I can count. I thought I was pacing it out okay, but then last week was hot as hell and my mom was visiting so the kids were pushing it and none of us are getting enough sleep so I ended up reaching my shit-losing quota way sooner than I thought. “I’ve got to do better at keeping it together,” I told myself. But how? Then the universe sent me a sign.

image: pishposhbaby.com

The sign was July’s Sweet Reads Box, aka “me time” delivered. The Canadian subscription service sends a bestselling novel and a few treats that tie in to the story (including gourmet goodies to eat and drink) to your door so you have everything on hand when you need to recharge.

Although I know I’m someone who needs a lot of solo time to be happy and healthy, I don’t always remember to make that a priority. July’s Sweet Reads Box was just the reminder I needed. (I’m also a very visual person, so having something tangible to look at helps me keep that “me time” front and centre.)

Sometimes the Sweet Reads Box curators will give a hint about what’s inside an upcoming box (i.e. they said July’s would feature a Canadian author) but for the most part, the contents remain a surprise. Which I really like.

Each month’s box has a legend with information about the contents and how they tie in to the book on one side and a quote related to the story or theme of the box on the other. July’s quote comes from Canadian author Michael Ondaatje: “There is the hidden presence of others in us, even those we have known briefly. We contain them for the rest of our lives, at every border that we cross.”

Speaking of Michael Ondaatje, his book Warlight is the selection for the month. I loved Ondaatje’s The English Patient, and Warlight sounds so good.

In this spellbinding novel, Michael Ondaatje sets the careless freedom of adolescence against the chaos of post-war London. Fourteen-year-old Nathaniel and his sister, Rachel, unexpectedly abandoned by their parents, are left in the care of an enigmatic figure named The Moth. They suspect he might be a criminal, and grow both more convinced and less concerned as they get to know his colourful, eccentric view of friends, men and women who seem mysteriously determined to protect them — but from what? And are they who they claim to be? A dozen years later, Nathaniel sets out to piece together all he didn’t understand at that time and is drawn back into the morally ambivalent, shadowy world of wartime Europe.

Each of the additional items in the items in the box were chosen to fit the setting and the story. First up, Peach and Rhubarb tea from The London Tea Company. Sounds delicious.

Next, a classic British drink in gummy form: (non-alcholic) Dry Gin Fizz Gummies from SugarSin.

“We chose these coasters because they reminded us of time taken by Nathaniel’s mother once she stepped away from being a spy,” say the Sweet Reads Box curators. The coaster is from a Canadian company called Cedar Mountain.

Bookmarks are always useful. This one was designed by London’s leading museum of art and design, Victoria & Albert Museum.

Next, Sunflower Microgreens by Canada’s Gift-a-Green.

“Nathaniel’s journey takes him to Marsh Felon as he works to piece together his mother’s life. We chose these greens as they represent mailed letters, growing and gifts.”

And finally a vanilla-scented candle for cozy evening reading by Etsy shop FromthePage.

July’s Sweet Reads Box was my first in a couple of months and it came at the perfect time. For everybody, I think. 😀 I’m excited to read Warlight and I think the selection of items Sweet Reads Box included to go with it is just brilliant.

Monthly Sweet Reads Boxes are $58.99 for a single box, with a discount for three- and six-month subscriptions. They’ve also got a special right now where you’ll get a Limited Edition Christmas Box for free when you order a six-month subscription using the code JULYBONUS. But hurry! The offer ends tonight! (July 15)

To hear about upcoming boxes, bookish news, and special discounts, be sure to follow Sweet Reads Box on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

To see more Sweet Reads Boxes, check out my reviews here.

What do you think of July’s Sweet Reads Box? Are you a fan of Michael Ondaatje? What authors would you like to see?