It's no secret that I love to read.
I tend to go through phases with my reading.
In 2018, I was just getting back into reading after a long stretch of not reading much of anything unless it was for work.
In 2019, we were full time traveling and I was full time reading a ton.
In 2020, the pandemic hit and for some reason that really messed with my attention span. You'd think quarantine would have given me more time to read, but I found myself unable to concentrate and didn't read very much that year.
In 2021, I learned to stop reading a book when I wasn't enjoying it (I used to force myself to finish no matter what!)
Now, in 2022, I am reading a lot on my Kindle and am working my way through a stack of physical books I have had for a while. But there is one new thing that is making me enjoy reading even more this year, and I want to share it with all of you!
Introducing.... The End of the World Reading Club!
I have to thank our robot overlords for introducing me to this one. You know how our electronics track everything we say and do so they can target us with micro ads? I know some people find that to be an annoying invasion of privacy...but I kind of love it. Especially when it leads to things like an ad for The End of the World Reading Club showing up in my Facebook feed.
What is TEOTWRC?
Straight from their website, it is "a unique, monthly reading experience for lovers of apocalyptic & dystopian fiction."
What does that mean?
It is a subscription box! Like many subscription boxes, once you sign up, you receive a monthly shipment. In this box you get: 1 book (apocalyptic or dystopian themed), 1 bookmark (custom designed to go with the book), 3-5 story gifts (items that go along with the story, with directions to open each one at a certain point in the book), 1 "how-to" card (teaching you a survival or self-suffiency skill related to the story), and bonus content including Spotify playlists, QR codes to extra information, and more.
Why would I want this stuff?
Well, first, because it's awesome! It is so fun to be reading a book and have the added incentive of little gifts/presents to open when you reach certain points in the story. Second, I like that they commit to making sure every gift is either consumable, educational, or useful. They promise to never send any useless tat. Because it is "end of the world" themed - most of the items are something that would be useful were the end of the world to come! (So far I've received a knife sharpener, water bottle, travel mug, microfiber towel, among other things.) It also all comes wrapped in recyclable packaging so it isn't bringing about the end of the world any faster!
Do you really think the end of the world is coming?
I mean, have you read the news lately? (haha, lolsob) Everytime Joel and I watch a disaster movie (which we enjoy doing) we talk about how we need to be prepared were disaster ever to strike. We talk about it in terms of being "apocalypse ready." It is actually one of the things that most motivates us to work out and get in shape! Joining this book club has been a fun way for me to read good books, chat with like-minded people online, and start preparing some resources that, who knows, might come in handy someday.
You mentioned chat with like-minded people?
Yes, once you have signed up, you can join the exclusive Facebook group where people chat about the books/boxes and we get first dibs on things like limited edition boxes and online chats with some of the authors. As the group grows I'm sure the community here will, too!
I'm interested, where do I sign up?
Well first off, a bit of bad news - at the moment this is only available to people in the UK. But, if you are in the UK, here is some good news! I have a discount code for you! Follow the link below and you will get £5 off your first box. (Full disclosure: I will also get £5 off my next box.)
What if I'm not sure about committing?
Committment issues? I got you! You can sign up for the trial box for only £15. If after trying it you don't want to continue, you can cancel your subscription very easily. Personally, I recommend doing the trial box even if you know you are committing because it's an extra book you get! Mine even came with a signed copy!
HERE'S YOUR £5 DISCOUNT CODE:
https://checkout.theendoftheworldreadingclub.com?r=834489&s=12860
If you decide to join the club, let me know so we can be book buddies!
XOXO, Bethany