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?
I usually do Top 10 Tuesday posts, but wasn’t feeling the topic this week… so this time around, I’m going with Top 5 Tuesday! This weekly was meme originally created by Shanah @ Bionic Book Worm, and is now hosted by Meeghan Reads.
This week’s topic is reading accessories:
Be it lamps or bookmarks, tabs or pens, headphones or cloth jackets ― what are the things you like to use or have when you’re reading?
1. Cozy pillows and blankets — because really, what’s better than curling up someplace comfy with a good book?
2. My reading glasses –just can’t live without ’em!
3. My phone and headphones — for long walks in the company of a good audiobook.
Listening to audiobooks wherever the path may take me…
4. Bookmarks galore! I collect paper bookmarks wherever I go. They’re not fancy or expensive, but they contain good thoughts and memories, and make me happy.
5. A place in the sun — OK, this isn’t really an accessory, but sitting in our window seat in the afternoon sunshine or out on my back porch on a beautiful day is my idea of a perfect reading situation.
What are your favorite reading accessories?
As always, if you have a TTT or T5T post this week, please share your link!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
Three-day weekends rock! It’s so nice to get that extra day to sleep in, wear pajamas past noon, and (of course) read all the books.
What did I read during the last week?
The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire: The sequel to Sparrow Hill Road, both of which have a tangential connection to the InCryptid series. My review is here.
Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce: Book # 1 in The Immortals series. Continuing my journey through the world of Tortall! I enjoyed the audiobook, once I got used to the full cast recording.
Nothing like getting a little carried away by YA love! After watching the Netflix movie last week, I decided to read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han… and couldn’t stop until I’d read the whole trilogy! Sweet, light, and surprisingly touching. My thoughts on the book and movie are here.
Pop culture goodness:
I saw Crazy Rich Asians! Loved it, of course… and now I need to read the books.
Fresh Catch:
I had a big old Amazon credit to spend, so I treated myself to the new Harry Potter boxed set! Sooooo pretty.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch: Creepy and time-twisty. So close to the end — I hope to finish today.
Now playing via audiobook:
Wolf-Speaker (The Immortals, #2) by Tamora Pierce: This series is growing on me! I really like the main character, and I’m interested to see where all this leads.
Ongoing reads:
Book group reads:
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Slow but steady!
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Continuing our group read of the Lord John works, it’s lovely to revisit The Scottish Prisoner, which stars Lord John Grey and everyone’s favorite Scottish laird, Jamie Fraser. Want to join in? Ask me how!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
What did I read during the last week?
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells: It’s the return of Murderbot! My review is here.
Fatal Throne (by a whole list of authors): My review of this YA take on the Tudors is here.
Competence (The Custard Protocol, #3) by Gail Carriger: I just adored the audiobook! My thoughts are here.
And a late addition — just finished over the weekend:
You Me Everything by Catherine Isaac: Sweet, heart-centered contemporary fiction. My review is here.
Pop culture goodness:
I watched the Netlix movie version of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before — adorable! Question for all my bookish friends: Since I enjoyed the movie, should I read the book?
Fresh Catch:
I bought a business-y book. Can you believe it? I’ve made a vague commitment to a few folks at work to read this… but I have a hard time using my precious reading moments for non-pleasure reading.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire: It’s Seanan McGuire! Of course I’m going to read this book!
Now playing via audiobook:
Back to Tamora Pierce and Tortall! I’m starting The Immortals series, which begins with Wild Magic. I’m not loving the full-cast recording so far (those rarely work for me), but I’m sticking with it to see if the story itself grabs me.
Ongoing reads:
Book group reads:
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Slow but steady!
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Continuing our group read of the Lord John works, it’s lovely to revisit The Scottish Prisoner, which stars Lord John Grey and everyone’s favorite Scottish laird, Jamie Fraser. Want to join in? Ask me how!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
It’s back-to-school day here in San Francisco — so despite what the calendar may say, in my mind, that’s the end of summer. Ah well, it was nice while it lasted! Back to the parental duties of nagging about homework, doing school drop-offs, and worrying about grades.
What did I read during the last week?
Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire: The 12th October Daye book is brilliant and powerful, demonstrating that this series is going strong even 12 books in! I’m just upset now at the idea of waiting a full year for book #13! Check out my review of Night and Silence, here.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: Once again, my book group’s book of the month turned out to be a terrific read! My review is here.
In children’s books…
I came across a reference to the ballad of Tam Lin in my reading this week, and realized that while I’d heard of it before, I didn’t actually know the story. Children’s books are a terrific source of fairy tale knowledge! My local library had a copy of Jane Yolen’s telling of Tam Lin, and I loved it. The story is enhanced by Charles Mikolaycak’s beautiful illustrations, and this book turned out to be exactly what I needed — much better than reading a dry synopsis on Wikipedia!
Pop culture goodness:
I watched the Netlix movie version of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society over the weekend. Just lovely! It’s been many years since I read the book… and now I’m thinking I should read it again.
Fresh Catch:
While I was at the library, I picked up a couple more books that caught my eye. Because apparently I don’t already have enough to read?
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells: Murderbot is back! I’m justing starting the 3rd novella in the series, and Murderbot is as fed up with humanity as ever. Such fun.
Now playing via audiobook:
Competence (The Custard Protocol, #3) by Gail Carriger: I’m so close to the end! Loving every moment.
Ongoing reads:
Book group reads:
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. Slow but steady!
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Continuing our group read of the Lord John works, it’s lovely to revisit The Scottish Prisoner, which stars Lord John Grey and everyone’s favorite Scottish laird, Jamie Fraser. Want to join in? Ask me how!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
Tomorrow is my baby boy’s 16th birthday! Where has the time flown? I couldn’t ask for a better, funnier, more amazing human being as a son. Just imagine, if he were actually a reader, he’d be perfect!
What did I read during the last week?
It’s been a slow reading week, due to crazy times at work and a bit too much TV binge-watching. But, what I’ve read, I’ve loved!
It’s been all about the re-reads this week. I don’t know about you, but for me, re-reading the previous book in a series gets me super-psyched and ready when there’s a new release, so that’s what I’ve been doing.
Imprudence by Gail Carriger: I listened (again) to the 2nd book in the adorable Custard Protocol series, and loved it completely. Narrator Moira Quirk is amazing.
The Brightest Fell by Seanan McGuire: I decided to re-read the 11th October Daye book before starting #12. I love this series and these characters so, so, so much — but #11 is such a heart-breaker. It’s been a rough week. My thoughts from my original read of this book are here.
Fresh Catch:
It’s the new Kopp Sisters book! An amazing package of goodies arrived — read more about it here.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire: As I mentioned above, I did a re-read of the previous book in the series to get read for Night and Silence, and now I’m diving in! I’m almost too excited to be actually reading this book. I love Toby. And I want her to be happy. That is all.
Now playing via audiobook:
Competence (The Custard Protocol, #3) by Gail Carriger: This series is just so much fun, and the audiobooks are amazing.
Ongoing reads:
Book group reads:
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week. I think we’ve finally passed the halfway point!
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Continuing our group read of the Lord John works, it’s lovely to revisit The Scottish Prisoner, which stars Lord John Grey and everyone’s favorite Scottish laird, Jamie Fraser. Want to join in? Ask me how!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
What did I read during the last week?
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: Powerful and thought-provoking. My review is here.
Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley: Another delicious read by a favorite author. My review is here.
Fresh Catch:
No new books this week. Yay, me! Finally, a little restraint when it comes to my bookish habits. Although I did check out a few from the library…
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
Night and Silence by Seanan McGuire: I just got this ARC, and have pretty much dropped everything else to read it! It’s the 12th book in the October Daye series, which is only my favorite thing ever. SO EXCITED TO HAVE THIS IN MY HOT LITTLE HANDS.
Now playing via audiobook:
Imprudence (The Custard Protocol, #2) by Gail Carriger: All of my audiobooks lately seem to be re-reads. I’m revisiting the world of Imprudence before I start reading the newly released 3rd book in the series, Competence.
Ongoing reads:
Book group reads:
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and we have a long way still to go.
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Continuing our group read of the Lord John works, it’s lovely to revisit The Scottish Prisoner, which stars Lord John Grey and everyone’s favorite Scottish laird, Jamie Fraser. Want to join in? Ask me how!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
Life.
Where did the summer go? Suddenly, it’s the end of July, soon to be August. My kiddo goes back to school in just three weeks, and let’s face it, that means my summer will be over too. Sigh.
What did I read during the last week?
Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe, #2) by Neal Shusterman: Terrific follow-up to Scythe. My review is here.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate: A book group selection — moving and tragic. My review is here.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang: A sweet and engaging YA graphic novel.
In audiobooks, I finished the 4th book in the Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce. What a great adventure! I can’t wait to read more of the Tortall books.
Pop culture goodness:
I wrote a post about my favorite summer TV viewing, here.
And… I finally got around to watching The Greatest Showman, and thought it was so much fun! I’ll definitely want to watch it again. Who else is a fan?
Fresh Catch:
I treated myself to one completely decadent book purchase, which arrived this week. It’s the Easton Press edition of Voyager by Diana Gabaldon. So pretty. And it’s signed.
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: I know I”m late to the party, but at least I’m finally reading it!
Now playing via audiobook:
Imprudence (The Custard Protocol, #2) by Gail Carriger: All of my audiobooks lately seem to be re-reads. I’m revisiting the world of Imprudence before I start reading the newly released 3rd book in the series, Competence.
Ongoing reads:
Book group reads:
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and we have a long way still to go.
The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. Continuing our group read of the Lord John works, it’s lovely to revisit The Scottish Prisoner, which stars Lord John Grey and everyone’s favorite Scottish laird, Jamie Fraser. Want to join in? Ask me how!
My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.
What did I read during the last week?
The Lido by Libby Page: Such a lovely story about friendship, community, and connection. My review is here.
The Custom of the Army by Diana Gabaldon: For my book group, another reread — continuing our group discussions of the Outlander-adjacent stories about Lord John Grey. So much fun.
In audiobooks, I finished two terrific books from the same series:
In the Hand of the Goddess and The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (Song of the Lioness, books 2 and 3) by Tamora Pierce: Can’t wait to wrap things up with #4.
Pop culture goodness:
My two new TV obsessions this week are:
Harlots — currently in its 2nd season on Hulu. Powerful, entertaining, and visually a treat. Amazing women characters. Check it out!
CB Strike: The TV series based on the Robert Galbraith/J K Rowling books. I feel like this one snuck onto TV screens really quietly — I had no idea it had even been released until a friend mentioned it. The production is great, and really quick to get through. All three “seasons” are available, each based on one of the books from the series. I’ve watched seasons 1 (The Cuckoo’s Calling – 3 episodes) and 2 (The Silkworm – 2 episodes) so far. All are excellent.
Fresh Catch:
More new books! Now to find time to read them all…
So many shades of blue…
What will I be reading during the coming week?
Currently in my hands:
I’m bouncing between two books right now:
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate: For this month’s book group discussion. Maybe it’s just because I had an intense, busy week last week… but I’ve been having a hard time getting into this one.
Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe, #2) by Neal Shusterman: Loving the sequel to Scythe.
Now playing via audiobook:
Lioness Rampant (Song of the Lioness, #4) by Tamora Pierce: Just starting the final book in the Alanna quartet! I’ve really enjoyed my Alanna reread… and I think I’ll follow it up by delving into more of Tamora Pierce’s world of Tortall for the first time.
Ongoing reads:
Book group reads:
Classic read: My book group’s current classic read is Middlemarch by George Eliot. We’re reading and discussing two chapters per week… and we have a long way still to go.
We’re continuing our way through all of Diana Gabaldon’s Lord John works. This week, we’ll be starting the novel The Scottish Prisoner, starring Lord John Grey and everyone’s favorite Scottish laird, Jamie Fraser. Want to join in? Ask me how!
Bookshelf Fantasies 