Hosted by The Classics Club blog, the Classics Club Spin is a reading adventure where participants come up with a list of classics they’d like to read, number them 1 to 20, and then read the book that corresponds to the “spin” number that comes up. This will be my 13th time participating — although for the Classics Club, it’s spin #41!
Here are the dates and guidelines from the host blog:
On Sunday 15th June, 2025 we’ll post a number from 1 through 20. The challenge is to read whatever book falls under that number on your Spin List by the 24th August, 2025..
We’ll check in on the 24th August to see who made it the whole way and finished their spin book!
What’s Next?
Go to your blog.
Pick twenty books that you’ve got left to read from your Classics Club List.
Post that list, numbered 1-20, on your blog before Sunday 15th June 2025.
We’ll announce a number from 1-20.
Read that book by 24th August.
My spin lists are usually a mix of books from different decades and centuries, but in 2025, I’m focusing on books that count toward my 20th Century Decades reading challenge (for which I’m aiming to read one book published per decade). All of the books on my list fit the challenge! And they’re all books I’d want to read anyway… so this should be an exciting spin, no matter which number comes up.
Here we go!
Here’s my list of 20 classics for the next Classics Club Spin:
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne DuMaurier
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R. A. Dick
A Damsel in Distress by P. G. Wodehouse
Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart
Peony by Pearl Buck
White Fang by Jack London
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Frederica by Georgette Heyer
Dragonwyck by Anya Seton
The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
Wish me luck! I’ll be back on June 15th to reveal my spin result!
We booklovers tend to spend most of our “just for me” shopping dollars on books… but sometimes, it’s fun to branch out and consider book-adjacent little treats. So today, I’d like to share some of my favorite jigsaw puzzles, which are great in their own right, but also, especially great for book lovers!
Before the pandemic, I probably hadn’t done a jigsaw puzzle in over 10 years (or more). But during the pandemic, I got totally hooked, and ended up doing about one per week (and probably would have done even more, except I tend to get a bit obsessed when working on a puzzle and had to set myself some limits).
I’ve slowed down since then, so now it’s much more of an occasional hobby than a continuous activity — but I’m still always on the lookout for a great puzzle, especially when there’s a book-related angle to it!
For today’s Retail Therapy round-up, I’m focusing solely on bookish puzzles — and in fact, this is only part 1! I have so many bookish puzzles to share that I’ll just focus on one publisher this time around, and will be back with a part 2 in another week or so. I’ll also be sharing yet another post on non-book-related puzzles that I’ve found especially pretty or interesting or unique. There are a lot!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click through a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Onward: Puzzles for Book Lovers, part 1!
Here are some favorites. Why not see if any appeal to you as well?
The puzzles below are all from the world of Laurence King Publishing. They make high-quality puzzles filled with intricate details and eye-catching designs.
These are just a few of their puzzles — they’re all amazing. Each puzzle has a lot of details from the world it portrays, and comes with a fold-out poster than includes a guide to all the places and characters hidden (or not so hidden) in the illustrations. The puzzles themselves have cleanly cut pieces with a satisfying snap, and are high quality and sturdy.
Keep in mind, there are plenty more from this “World of” series to choose from! Of the others I’ve found so far, some are related to books that I don’t particularly care for (The Great Gatsby), some are from worlds/series/books that I just haven’t read in-depth (or at all) yet, and some are on my maybe/someday list. Whether or not I’m interested in the actual subjects, the puzzles themselves look great!
Stay tuned — I’ll be back with more puzzle recommendations in my next Retail Therapy post!
I’m trying something new: I thought I’d start doing a semi-regular/recurring feature to highlight different categories of “stuff” I’ve bought recently and recommend.
Honestly, I’m a little on the fence… I’m not a big fan of consumerism, and I’m definitely pro-library, swapping, sharing, etc. But still, I do shop online for most of my day-to-day needs these days, so why not pass along a few recommendations when I find something worth talking about?
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click through a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Today’s topic: Bookish Delights!
Below is a round-up of book-related goodies I’ve enjoyed in recent months. Any of these would be terrific gifts for a booklover… or why not treat yourself once in a while?
Glocusent USB Rechargeable Book Light:
I love this! It’s a small, portable, book light that clips on to your book (but I also use it with my Kindle). It’s been great for travel, especially for those jet-laggy sort of nights when I can’t sleep and want to keep reading with disturbing my partner!
It comes in five different colors, and is inexpensive too! I originally discoverd this light through a Wirecutter recommendation, and I’m so glad I gave it a try!
Found on Etsy, these bookmark holders don’t take up much space, and they’re just so cute!
They come in a variety of colors, so choose your fave. I got one to sit on my shelf, and another for my Little Free Library so I could have a way to give away bookmarks as well as books.
I bought one of these for my husband a couple of years ago when he first started using a Kindle, and he swears by it! The exact version that I bought him doesn’t seem to be available any longer, but if I had to replace it, I think I’d get this one. It’s a similar shape, plus it has pockets!
This might not seem obviously book-related… but who doesn’t love to be cozy while curled up with a good book? I bought this pack of six for myself, and when my daughter started stealing borrowing them from me, I ended up getting her a pack of her own.
Cute colors, super cuddly, and they hold up well too!
Stickers, T-shirts, notepads, and more for book fanatics via Kingdom of Threads:
This Etsy shop has everything needed to make a book nerd’s heart beat faster. Pictured is one of the awesome stickers I ordered from them (Wolfsong fans will instantly get the reference)… but I couldn’t stop at just one, and bought a LOT of stickers and other goodies. Everything is just so… epic & awesome!
This is a great source for artwork, cards, puzzles, and more!
I love everything on this site, and if I had unlimited funds, I just know I’d go way, way overboard. (I mean, I would like a custom piece of artwork featuring all of my favorite books!)
Meanwhile, for those of us on a budget, there are pins and prints and other fun items to choose from.
The book pictured here makes a wonderful gift for booklovers. Amazon has it available here, and you can also find it on Bookshop.org.
Book sleeves:
I love my padded book sleeves! My daughter gifted these to me a few years ago, and I use them all the time, whenever I want to read on the go. They’re perfect for travel, or even just for days when I’m running around locally but want to have a book handy.
My book sleeves were from an Etsy store called Beyond Booked, but they don’t seem to be active any longer. There are lots of other makers selling book sleeves, in many varieties — different fabrics, some with zippers or pockets, padded or not padded.
My preference is for the simple design, open top, with nice padding. I’ve found an Etsy shop — Carlton Quilts — that seems to have very similar work to the book sleeves I have, with these fabrics plus lots of other really cute patterns.
There are three sizes to choose from:
Small – fits mass market paperbacks
Medium – fits trade paperbacks (pictured above, left)
Large – fits hardcovers (picture above, right)
I’ve found that the medium size is also perfect for my Kindle! Even though I have a Kindle cover, I still prefer to have it cushioned when I travel with it, so I use my medium book sleeve all the time!
I’ve been a fan of the amazing array of bookish goodies sold by Out of Print for a long time now (and can prove it, if you feel like looking inside my t-shirt drawer or checking out my somewhat impressive collection of totebags)!
They carry such a great mix of products featuring book cover images, character images, and all sort of fantastic bookish graphics, and feature themes including everything from classics to hot-this-moment books (like Fourth Wing, Sunrise on the Reaping, and Emily Henry’s books, to name just a few).
Many of their items are available through their Amazon storefront, but you can also shop directly at https://outofprint.com/.
I would be remiss in not highlighting the fact that this weekend is Independent Bookstore Day! While I’ve provided Amazon links for some of the items above, I do encourage everyone to make an effort to support your local bookstores! Stop by in person if you can (I have it on good authority from my favorite local bookseller that they love seeing friendly faces come through their doors!), or if you prefer online shopping, don’t forget that purchases from Bookshop.org support independent bookstores.
On the topic of bookish goodies, do you have any favorite book-related accessories or gifts to recommend?
And — ta da! — that’s it for my first Retail Therapy feature! What do you think? Should I do more of these?
Earlier in the week, I shared a post with my list of books for the newest Classics Club Spin challenge (see it here), and a few days ago, this spin’s number was announced. (For those keeping track, it’s CCSpin #40, and for me personally, #12!)
Hosted by The Classics Club blog, the Classics Club Spin is a reading adventure where participants come up with a list of classics they’d like to read, number them 1 to 20, and then read the book that corresponds to the “spin” number that comes up.
For CCSpin #40, the lucky number is:
And that means I’ll be reading:
Dracula by Bram Stoker (published 1897)
Synopsis:
‘Young lawyer Jonathan Harker journeys to Transylvania to meet with the mysterious Count Dracula only to discover that his nobleman client is a vampire who is thirsty for new blood. After imprisoning Harker in his castle, Dracula travels to England to seduce Jonathan’s fiancée, Mina, and the battle against an ineffable evil begins.
Led by philosopher and metaphysician Professor Van Helsing – Dracula’s most indomitable adversary – Harker, Mina, and a band of allies unite, determined to confront and destroy the Count before he can escape.
Bram Stoker ingeniously modernized gothic folklore by moving his vampire from traditional castle ruins to modern England. With Dracula, which has been interpreted and dissected by scholars for generations, Stoker changed the vampire novel forever.
Okay! This is a good result! What’s funny is that I replaced all but two of the books on my spin list this time around with 20th century classics related to a reading challenge I’ve committed to, and Dracula was one of the only two exceptions. But that’s fine!
I actually have read Dracula before, but it’s been decades, and I’ve been meaning to do a reread for ages now — it’s been on every one of my spin lists since I started participating, and I guess it was time for its number to come up.
I’m excited to dive in. I’m also super tempted to treat myself to a gorgeous hardcover edition with illustrations by Edward Gorey as a little motiviating gift to myself… should I give in to temptation?
I haven’t quite decided on my reading format. There’s a full cast Audible edition of the unabridged text that looks like it would be an amazing listen.
What do you think, read the physical book or listen to the audiobook?
And most importantly: What do you think of my spin result this time around?
The deadline to finish this spin is April 11th. I’ll be back with my reaction to Dracula before then!
Here’s my list of 20 titles for Classics Club Spin #40:
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne DuMaurier
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R. A. Dick
A Damsel in Distress by P. G. Wodehouse
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Peony by Pearl Buck
White Fang by Jack London
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Pat of Silver Bush by L. M. Montgomery
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
I had a somewhat serious post on tap for today… and then decided it was too gloomy for a day that’s all about love!
Wishing everyone a very happy Valentine’s Day! Whether your day is romantic or focused on friendship or spent treating yourself to something special… or just another Friday — I hope you’re spending time doing at least one thing that makes you smile. (When in doubt, there are always books!)
Valentine’s Day… a perfect time to get cozy with a good book!
Hosted by The Classics Club blog, the Classics Club Spin is a reading adventure where participants come up with a list of classics they’d like to read, number them 1 to 20, and then read the book that corresponds to the “spin” number that comes up. This will be my 12th time participating — although for the Classics Club, it’s spin #40!
Here are the dates and guidelines from the host blog:
On Sunday 16th February 2025 we’ll post a number from 1 through 20. The challenge is to read whatever book falls under that number on your Spin List by the 11th April, 2025.
We’ll check in on the 11th April to see who made it the whole way and finished their spin book!
What’s Next?
Go to your blog.
Pick twenty books that you’ve got left to read from your Classics Club List.
Post that list, numbered 1-20, on your blog before Sunday 16th February 2025.
We’ll announce a number from 1-20.
Read that book by 11th April.
Usually, when a new spin is announced, I simply replace the book chosen on the last spin, and otherwise keep the rest of my list intact. This time, though, I’m making several substitutions: I’m participating in a 20th Century Decades reading challenge in 2025, aiming to read one book published per decade. To support that, I’m swapping out almost* all of the books on my list published prior to 1900, and replacing them** with books that fit my challenge.
*Exceptions: Dracula and Frankenstein have both been on my lists since I started participating in these spins, and I’m still waiting for their numbers to come up.
**Have no fear! I’m making note of which books I’m (temporarily) removing from my spin list, and will add them back for future spins, once I make progress on my reading challenge!
All that intro out of the way…
Here we go!
Here’s my list of 20 classics for the next Classics Club Spin:
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne DuMaurier
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R. A. Dick
A Damsel in Distress by P. G. Wodehouse
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Peony by Pearl Buck
White Fang by Jack London
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Pat of Silver Bush by L. M. Montgomery
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Pale Horse, Pale Rider by Katherine Porter
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
Wish me luck! I’ll be back on February 16th to reveal my spin result!
Wishing everyone a peaceful day, good health, yummy food, great companionship… and excellent reading!
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Thank you to all who stop by this blog to visit, share comments, or just to say hi! I appreciate you, and feel so grateful to be part of the wonderful community of book bloggers.
And while I’m giving thanks, here’s a special Thanksgiving shout-out to the authors and publishers who bring so much joy to all of our lives. Thank you!
Earlier in the week, I shared a post with my list of books for the newest Classics Club Spin challenge (see it here), and a few days ago, this spin’s number was announced. (For those keeping track, it’s CC Spin #39, and for me personally, #11!)
Hosted by The Classics Club blog, the Classics Club Spin is a reading adventure where participants come up with a list of classics they’d like to read, number them 1 to 20, and then read the book that corresponds to the “spin” number that comes up.
For CCSpin #39, the lucky number is:
And that means I’ll be reading:
An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott (published 1870)
Synopsis:
‘“An Old-Fashioned Girl” is a novel written by Louisa May Alcott, first published in 1870. It is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of Polly Milton, a young girl from the country who visits her friend Fanny Shaw in the city. The story explores themes of friendship, family, love, and the societal expectations of women during the late 19th century.
Polly is an old-fashioned girl, meaning that she holds onto traditional values and beliefs despite the changing times. She is kind, honest, and hardworking, and her positive traits are in stark contrast to the selfish and superficial lifestyle of the city people. Throughout her visit, Polly faces challenges as she tries to navigate the complex social dynamics of the city and maintain her own beliefs.
One of the central themes of the novel is the importance of friendship and family. Polly forms strong bonds with Fanny’s family and friends, and she uses her down-to-earth nature to bring happiness and positivity to those around her. She also learns the value of forgiveness and understanding, and she uses these lessons to help reconcile relationships that have gone awry.
The novel also explores the societal expectations placed on women during this time period. Polly challenges these expectations by staying true to herself and her beliefs, despite the pressure to conform to the norms of society. This theme highlights the importance of individuality and self-expression, and it encourages women to embrace their own unique qualities.
Overall, “An Old-Fashioned Girl” is a charming and uplifting story that emphasizes the value of friendship, family, and staying true to one’s self. The novel’s portrayal of Polly’s experiences and growth make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain readers today.
What a great result! I would have been happy with any of the books on my spin list, but I’m particularly pleased to finally get the push I needed to read more Louisa May Alcott.
In my youth, I read the Little Women books, plus a few others, but An Old-Fashioned Girl is one that I never picked up — maybe my local library just didn’t have a copy!
There are several other books by this author that I’d like to reread (Rose in Bloom, Eight Cousins, Jack and Jill). For now, I’m looking forward to getting started with my new spin book!
What do you think of my book this time around?
Here’s my list of 20 titles for Classics Club Spin #39:
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne DuMaurier
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R. A. Dick
An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Peony by Pearl Buck
White Fang by Jack London
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Tevye the Dairyman and Motl the Cantor’s Son by Sholom Aleichem
Hosted by The Classics Club blog, the Classics Club Spin is a reading adventure where participants come up with a list of classics they’d like to read, number them 1 to 20, and then read the book that corresponds to the “spin” number that comes up. This will be my 11th time participating — although for the Classics Club, it’s spin #39!
Here are the dates and guidelines from the host blog:
On Sunday 20th October 2024 we’ll post a number from 1 through 20. The challenge is to read whatever book falls under that number on your Spin List by the 18th December, 2024.
We’ll check in here on the 18th December to see who made it the whole way and finished their spin book!
What’s Next?
Go to your blog.
Pick twenty books that you’ve got left to read from your Classics Club List.
Post that list, numbered 1-20, on your blog before Sunday 20th October 2024.
We’ll announce a number from 1-20.
Read that book by 18th December.
It’s always exciting when a new spin is announced! I’ve updated my list, and can’t wait to see where the spin lands.
Here we go!
Here’s my list of 20 classics for the next Classics Club Spin:
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne DuMaurier
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R. A. Dick
An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Peony by Pearl Buck
White Fang by Jack London
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Tevye the Dairyman and Motl the Cantor’s Son by Sholom Aleichem
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
Wish me luck! I’ll be back on October 20th to reveal my spin result!
Bookshelf Fantasies 