Several months ago I signed up for the  Bookish Box. It’s a subscription box from Appraising Pages in which every month they mail a box with a literary T-shirt and 3-5 bookish items, like bookmarks, candles, or jewelry. I’ve been pretty happy with it so far, but I’ve been inconsistent about reviewing them. (Rather, I’ve been bad about remembering, in my excitement, to take pictures as I open it.) I remembered this time though.

This month’s theme was musicals and we had representations form Hamilton, Les Miserables and Wicked.

I’ll start with the T-shirt, since that’s generally the big ticket item. This month it has a quote from Hamilton on it: “The plan is to fan this spark into a flame.” I’ve yet to see the play, but I like the quote quite a lot and the fact that the print is simple, so the shirt’s not too flashy. But I also just think it’s really timely, with the events of the world recently.

Also from representing Hamilton is a pair of clay earrings, by Tanglewood Lane. Cute and so very wearable.

I know I’m old school, but Les Miserables is still one of my favorite musicals of all time. I think it alone got me through high school. So, a Les Mis bookmark? Oh, yes please.

Representing Wicked is a “Wicked Diva” bath bomb, by Michael Kelly. And yeah, there’s totally a naked person in that second picture, but I cropped it so you only get to see the effect of the bomb on the water. It smelled lovely, if you’re into that sort of thing. I have to admit, I’m not a huge fan of strong smelling…well, anything really. But really the dramatic effect was a lot of fun.

Lastly, there was a lovely “Bookish Notes” book to keep 2017’s favorite book quotes in and a set of planner stickers. I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a bullet journal and these would be perfect for that.

Yet again I have to say I’m all around pleased with my box. I went ahead and renewed my subscription, in fact, which really should tell you everything there is to know about my opinion on the matter.

I bought one of The Book(ish) Boxes, tag-lined “The Bookish Box Monthly subscription box for stylish bookworms.” Seriously, how could I pass that up? If you’ve not heard of it, It’s a subscription service in which “Every month you will receive a shirt by Appraising Pages Shop and 3-5 home, beauty, and fashion items. The shirts will be exclusive to The Book(ish) Box and many items will be a contribution from other shops.” The cost is $29.99 month and I just received my first one, which is fun. It’s like getting to open a present to yourself but still not know whats inside.

I don’t usually review anything but books, but as this is so…well, so Bookish, I thought I might go ahead and write about it anyway.  The first thing I found was  prettily packaged cluster of items and a list. Isn’t that helpful? 

I’ll go in the order of the list, shall I? Though that’s not the order I pulled items from the box. First, the shirt. I’m a little iffy on the color, as I tend toward the duller end of the scale, but I still like it well enough. It says, if you can’t read it, “We read to know we are not alone.” I’m a 12/14 and ordered an XL. Ordering clothing online is always questionable, when it comes to sizing, but it fits, so no complaints. Honestly, I’m quite pleased with it.

Next came the cool pashmina covered in ampersands. That’s right up my alley and I’m sure I’ll get plenty of wear out of it this fall/winter.

Then came a candle, made by Cherry Pit Crafts. This is one of those things that will sit cutely on my self, but I’m unlikely to ever burn. It’s, I think, hazelnut coffee scented (or something along those lines) and it’s a bit too strong for me. But I fully admit I’m outside the norm in my preference for unscented things. As an aside, the shop’s tag line is “Escentually Geeky Bath and Body Products,” which I think is too cool for words.

Last came the bookmark made by Lexi Olivia. While obviously the shirt and the pashmina are the big winners of the box, as they are the big items. This is actually my favorite thing. I’m a sucker for bookmarks and this one is just so darned pretty.

So, final thoughts. It took a lot of faith to invest $30 without knowing what I’d be getting in the end. But I’m quite pleased. I’m especially thrilled that it’s not fandom based. I know they do themed boxes. I’ve seen them modeled on certain books/movies and maybe next month’s box will be, but I prefer this more general theme and am super happy with it. I consider it money well spent. Can’t wait for the next one.