Read Dog is a monthly book subscription box that sends something to read along with other goodies in each box.
You can get or gift a Read Dog subscription. When you sign up, you'll tell the company a little about yourself, like your age, favorite genres, and your ideal reading experience. Then Read Dog will send a monthly book and surprises that fit your preferences. The company is still small enough that they can be thoughtful about choosing the perfect book for individual subscribers. According to the founders, their most popular genres are fantasy, young adult, thriller, children's, nonfiction, and contemporary literature.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: Read Dog
The Cost: $31.99 per monthly box (less if you sign up for multiple months up front)
The Products: One book per month and small gifts, too.
Ships to: US for free, Canada for $8.00, and the rest of the world for $15.00
Check out all of our Read Dog reviews and the Books Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Aw, there's a handwritten note on the back of the info card! What a kind, personal touch.
The front of the card has a sincere, typed note from the founders, focusing on the impact that stories we read have on our lives. It's neat that these founders really take their business to heart!
Little, Big by John Crowley - Value $10.49 on Amazon (retail price $16.99)
The book this month is Little, Big by John Crowley. Both the book and the author are totally new to me, so I'm curious to see what this fantasy paperback has to offer.
Here's the back cover. And here's a book summary to give you the gist:
John Crowley's masterful Little, Big is the epic story of Smoky Barnable, an anonymous young man who travels by foot from the City to a place called Edgewood - not found on any map - to marry Daily Alice Drinkawater, as was prophesied. It is the story of four generations of a singular family, living in a house that is many houses on the magical border of an otherworld. It is a story of fantastic love and heartrending loss; of impossible things and unshakable destinies; and of the great Tale that envelops us all. It is a wonder.
One of the coolest parts of this book are the little "margin notes" and other flourishes that add a romantic, fantastical flair to the story.
Unlined Blue-Covered Paper Notebook - Value $1.00?
As mentioned on the info card, the Read Dog team included some special gifts to help their readers get in touch with their inner child. The first is an unlined bright blue notebook. The cover is paper, though maybe a tad bit thicker paper than the pages.
I'm a doodler, so I love the idea of having some paper on hand to scribble on. I'm also a school supplies nerd who loves the idea of a fresh new notebook, no matter how simple it is! If you're not a fan, I bet you can find a youngster who'd love decorating the front of this notebook with stickers and other crafty items.
7 Crayola Crayons - Value $0.40
5 Crayola Markers - Value $0.99
Wooden Ruler - Value $0.29
Read Dog Card - Value $0.20?
Keeping with the theme, Read Dog also included a bunch of elementary school drawing supplies. There wasn't much rhyme or reason to the colors picked for the markers or crayons (it reminded me of going to restaurants and getting two very random crayons with my kids menu, haha!), but in that, there's some creativity to be had. And gosh, how long has it been since I've seen a wooden ruler? If just for sentimentality, that was a fun surprise. It's something I might not have ever bought myself, but for that reason, I bet in the next week, I find some practical task that calls for an old-school ruler!
The little Read Dog coloring card is cute, too. I just adore that logo.
3 Starburst Candies - Value $0.25
More kid stuff! Who doesn't love a little candy to chew on while they read?
George R.R. Martin Quote Bookmark - Value $0.50?
Read Dog loves including custom bookmarks in their boxes. This one has a quote from George R.R. Martin, creator of Game of Thrones. Especially since the book this month tells the story of generations of people, this quote about living many lives through books definitely feels relevant.
Read Dog Sticker - Value $0.12?
Seriously, though, how cute is the Read Dog logo?
Verdict: What a fun and playful Read Dog box! I'm excited to read this intriguing paperback and do some doodling with the supplies included. I wonder if the drawing supplies have any connection to the book, or if they're mutually exclusive (though just as fun)... I'll have to find out and report back! In terms of value, things feel a little unbalanced (the value was only about $14.00, while the box costs $31.99). I'm not such a die-hard explorer of literature that the recommendation alone makes up for the difference, but what do you think? For me, I wish there was something else (maybe a second book?) to help this box reach its price point.
Do you dig Read Dog? Would you put the art supplies to work, or do they feel too kidsy for you?
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