Book subscription for mum's 70th birthday

[User57713]

Any suggestions?

She's pretty mainstream in her tastes, doesn't read crime or non-fiction, prefers books about 'real' people rather than Greek gods for example. Will read a bit of light historical fiction but won't read Wolf Hall type stuff. Enjoyed The Fair Botanist recently, loved Fern Brittan's book about the Queen's nanny, can't remember what it was called.

I need to choose and set it up for her, she'll think it's an odd idea so if she has to organise it or fill in a questionnaire she won't do it.

Can anyone suggest anything? I'd like to order from an independent bookshop and were lucky enough to have one on our doorstep, but its monthy choices can be a bit worthy and that wouldn't suit. She very much reads for fun.

Thank you for your ideas

Hmm … The first place that springs to mind is Persephone Books but I’m afraid your DM might think them twee. They’re absolutely not! (Marghanita Laski’s Little Boy Lost is an astonishing and very tough read.) And not retrospective historical fiction, either - those I’ve read were written about the times in which they were written.

Will try to think of some more. Or at least, ask Google! Here’s a list of options:

www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2021/07/best-book-subscription-boxes-adults

I came on to say Persephone and somelne has beaten me to it!

Daunt books various locations, you tell them what you like reading and they send a book a month, i loved the surprise

I don’t know much about these subscription services. Possibly silly question but what’s the benefit over a library?

You get to keep your books! (That is, the monthly subscription or one-off payment buys a certain number of books per month.) It’s not a lending service.

Try the Teatime Bookshop. They do both new and second-hand subscription services. I bought my dd the toddler one for her first birthday and kept it for tye seconds year. Although second hand in our case the books have all been in great condition (though I'm sure you'd probably want new for your mum!).

The charity Shelterbox have a monthly book subscription Here

Mr. B's emporium in Bath.
You fill in the questionnaire for your recipient and they receive the most beautifully packaged book.
I did it last Christmas for my daughter and she has loved it. Every book has been a hit. As an 18 year old finding her feet in politics and feminism, but still enjoying YA dystopian fiction and HP, I can honestly say the choices sent out to her have been genius.

Mr B's is fantastic. I've had two and they've been brilliant. They really listen to what you like and carve something out unique to your taste.
mrbsemporium.com/gifts/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4omaBhDqARIsADXULuUQ6WXHXOHLbfuDWANrNC07KcCebI0Q63i0chR_VEWtWv2rjEs2404aAvxCEALw_wcB#reading-subscriptions?utm_term=book%20subscription&utm_campaign=Subscriptions&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=2073676860&hsa_cam=1702068867&hsa_grp=69048685671&hsa_ad=330499757644&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-16170846&hsa_kw=book%20subscription&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3

I came to recommend Mr B's and Persephone Books but see that pps have got there before me. Both wonderful places staffed by lovely, knowledgeable people with excellent taste.

That's not the best thing though, the best thing is someone chooses the books for you. Not a friend or family member who might have a vested interest (!) but someone who can find books that you wouldn't have heard of but are right up your street!

I've used Willoughby Book Club in the past but now use Mr B's which have been a bit more on the mark.

Also plenty of places do a one off or 2/3 books that are surprises. Can be a bit hit & miss though.