Quarterly is a special subscription box. It is… well… quarterly.
Another thing that makes quarterly so different is that they work together with a curator—in my box it was Beth Revis, but there are tons of other boxes apart from books—that helps choose the different items of the box.
It’s a pretty sweet deal if you’re a fan of someone. If its a literary box—like mine—it will include the author’s latest release. But there are also chefs, musicians, and celebrities.
Every box costs $50 + shipping. For me, the shipping cost was $30 and it was shipped with FedEx. Although, without tracking so I had to wait over 2 weeks for it to arrive with no way of knowing where it was. (Although, since I was lucky enough for it to pass customs, I am totally okay with that)
So… The box?
The first thing I saw was this little folder thingy. Thinking it was the ever popular spoiler card, I didn’t reas it until after I unboxed everything.
It is so much more than a spoiler card, though. Its a five page letter from the curator—Beth Revis—explaining her thoughts behind chosing the contents along with her inspiration for her latest book.
In comparison to other boxes, I like that a lot. It gives an insight into the meaning behind the box, and for someone who analyse and make up systems like myself, it was gold.
I’m starting to undedstand book plates a whole lot more now. Basically, it’s a sticker with an autograph on. I can choose to stick it in the book, or on something else if I so desire.
The first item I noticed after that was a magnetic photo holder string. I’ve never seen one before, but since I’ve been m trying to find a way to showcase some of the art prints I’ve received, I thought it was pretty cool.
Beth Revis also offered an explanation to the choice, saying it was like a red string connecting everything.
The next item was a note card with sticker quotes. Beth Revis wrote that she wanted us to write the card to someone we hold dear, trusting them with our confidence and heart.
Pretty sweet, right? The quotes on the w stickers are awesome, as well.
The first book I found was Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer.
It’s about a group of teenagers who deal with their own sorrow and mental illnesses with the help of stories.
The thought behind chosing this books makes sense to me. However, since I already have another edition of this book, I’m not sure what to do. It is my first duplicate.
Maybe a giveaway? Or a booksfortrade? We’ll see.
Luckily the other books were delightfully new to my shelves.
The End or Something Like That by Ann Dee Ellis is a book that highlights the way we deal with sorrow.
After the Main Character loses her best friend, she tries to contact her friend through spiritualism. It’s not the traditional way of processing feelings, but I fully understand how someone can find solace in it.
Obviously, I’m super excited to read this.
And finally…
Beth’s latest release: A World Without You in Hardback.
It’s about a boy who thinks he can travel in time, and with the help of his adventures in the past, he confronts his own mental illness.
As something special, the book is annotated with tons of little post-it notes with Beth’s own thoughts, inspiration and explanations.
The verdict?
I think this box is perfect for fans. The different curators also promises something vastly different every time.
Even though I own two of Beth Revis’ books, I have yet to read any. But after reading several interviews I found myself intrigued by A World Without You. And in the end, that was what made me order the box.
Of course, I’m sad that I got a duplicate book. But at the same time, it’s a confirmation that there was a reason I picked that book—even though I haven’t read it yet.
My favorite item is the photoholder. I think it’s a practical thing that also fits the overall theme of the box.
Would I order this box again?
I honestly don’t know. Maybe if the box was curated by one of my favorite authors.
For someone who simply wants a new reading experience with bookish goods, this box doesn’t offer much. Not for the price and added threat of customs fee.
Note: I wrote to Quarterly suggesting that they look into adding the taxes at checkout. Generally, I’d be hesitant to recommend this box to my European friends, and Quarterly fully understood that. They said they were looking into a new shipping partner, so hopefully something will change.
I have to admit; I am partial to the bookish goods included in many other book boxes. And this book just didn’t offer that many.
Though, I loves that there was three books.
😆
Have you tried Quarterly before? Who should the curator be for you to consider it?
Don’t be a stranger.
(also… I think that I’ve added my blog to Bloglovin, but I honestly have no clue.)
Bookish Addicted 
I like the idea of this box, but as you said I wouldn’t do it unless it was one of my favourite author’s, which is why I haven’t ordered this.
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The idea is definitely good. And I am excited to see what they come up with in the future. But at the same time, the special content IS for fans.
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I love how the last book has some sticky notes in it, that’s so interesting. The theme seems a little bit grim though, death and mental illness. These two are always smashed together and it somewhat bothers me, as if there’s not enough stigma already. But the books look interesting enough, although it’s a shame you already had one. It doesn’t seem as exciting as the other ones I saw you review, although I can’t really put a figure on why. Some details were nice, like the thought leaflet. I’d like that to be included in all of them hah x
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In the letter, Beth Revis explained that she was afraid that the box would be a bit too doom and gloom, and that she originally planned to skip “The End or Something Like That” after reading the blurb.
But apparently the narrative of that book is funny rather than gloomy, which brings a bit of cheer into the whole box.
The annotations and the letter is definitely a big bonus, because if I’d just opened the box I’d be like: it’s nice… But why did I get a magnetic string?
I don’t think the themes death and mental illness is the main point here though. From what I could gather, it seems to be more an exploration of exactly HOW different people handle different problem where emotions run deep (such as sorrow)
For me, personally, I spent four years churning out Fiction online as a form of self therapy, and that worked for me. Rather than stigma, I feel like this opens up a dialogue about these things, without romanticising it. Which is something I appreciate.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure that stories like “The Fault in Our Stars” has opened the eyes of many to the horror of cancer, but at the same time I’m hesitant to read that book because I know it’s also a romance.
It’s probably beautifully done, though. 😊
– and I think my excitement faltered a bit because I usually gush over the goods before getting to the books. And since there was only two I didn’t get the excitement up.
Had I been a diehard fan of Beth Revis, though… Phew. This post would have been much longer. I can still get there, though xD
Now… Give me a quarterly box with a new Brandon Sanderson, Sarah J Maas, or Rosamund Hodge book, curated by them? I’d fill PAGES of gushing. Lol.
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Oh no I absolutely love reading books about mental illness, I just don’t like them to be presented next to the books about death. But besides the point really, if it’s a bit lighter then it might be quite fun.
I haven’t read the fault in our stars yet either though probably will as I heard that the character is presented as more than just her illness, which is what so many books lack. I heard it doesn’t focus on that fact, it’s just something there but completely in the background. But then again, it might not be true, need to read it.
Yeah, I imagine if this was a book of someone I adore I would gladly pay the customs and would trade my soul for it haha x
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I totally get what you mean. Parallels can be quite harming. Its like how a lot of LGBTQA books always get stuffed with bullying books (and while there ARE places where those intercept, it just bugs me when they’re looped together all the time)
I try to stay away from books that are too gloom and horror-ish. I am legit the biggest chicken there is, and I get super affected when I read something.
That’s why I like the premise of these three books. Instead of sounding too angsty they give thay magical element that I love in Fantasy.
We should totally talk about tfios when we’ve both read it!
And yes! No price is too high for a diehard fan xD… Now… If Brandon Sanderson could make a box with warbreaker 2 I’d gladly order again.
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Exactly what I meant, I don’t like these connections being formed, especially if the younger generations pick those up and read them one after the other. I know I was defianately affected on what I read as I was growing up. It’s just so easily avoided and unecesary, whilst I am completely supportive of providing books about mental illness, as long as it’s not shown as this mysterious state of mind that makes people crazy and is made clear that you have as much control over this as people with a common flu or cancer. Anyway, I need to stop or I’ll write a whole rant in your comments haha.
As for being scared, I never liked scary movies or books, I mean..life is scary as it is why do you voluntarily inflict more fear to yourself? Hahah never understood that. So I avoid those as a plague too.
Yes! We should definitely talk about tfios once we’re done (though I need to get this and read a few other ones first but we’re so late to the hype that it really doesn’t matter much when I get to it haha).
If Patrick Rothfuss would make a box with the Doors of Stone I would fly to USA myself to collect it just in case it might get lost in the mail haha No joke though, I would do it.
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Haha. Rant away. I tend to do the whole “essay long” emails myself. Plus, I think that it’s an important topic.
And yes, the influence of kids. I don’t find myself to be… Nitpicky when it comes to problems in books. There are tons of different ways to have portray something and each one deserves a spot. Whether it’s to parallel mental issues with death because of trauma, ptsd, suicidal thoughts, paranoia etc. Or if it want to highlight the ways a person overcomes the problems having a frail mental health gives. Both are equally important.
But for everything holy… Rate the books appropriately. Nothing bugs me more than when I see a book that clearly deals with mature content be labelled as being appropriate of 12+. Like… The ratings on movies are there for a reason. Books shouldn’t be any different, and if a parent then decides to ignore the warning (or a kid does) then at least they know they should find an adult to talk with.
I never try to limit my sister’s reading. But she also has to know that if she reads something she doesn’t understand, finds weird or anything like that, she can talk to me about it. I can’t stop her from being affected, but I can help how it influences her.
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Also, I am still to read Brandon Sanderson books (as basically every other author since I was in the biggest book slump in history for like 5 years) so I’m so looking forward to it!
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Warbreaker is my favorite + he’s made it free online. Its what introduced me to his works xD
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