Book Subscriptions: Indiespensable Volume #59

The Indiespensable subscription is Powell’s subscription club. Boxes ship out every 6-8 weeks at a cost of $39.95 per box including shipping. The website advertises these boxes as featuring “the best new books with special attention to independent publishers.” The boxes include a signed first edition, a booklet that explains the items, and a few extra goodies. I started the service in October 15. Yesterday week I received my fifth box. I’m starting to think that Powell’s staff is sneaking into my house at night and stalking my bookshelves in order to send the perfect box. Here’s what we got this month and my review:

1. A signed first edition of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. This book has gotten lots of buzz in the literary world. It is Gyasi’s debut novel and it has received glowing reviews almost across the board. I snagged a signed copy at book expo this year so I’ve already read and loved it — did I mention that Powell’s staff might be stalking my bookshelves?  You can read my review here. Powell’s also includes a booklet with each box. This month’s booklet includes some facts about Gyasi and an interview with her about the book.

2. Blank Journal. I love journals. This one has a black hard cover with really nice quality paper inside. It’s perfect for sketches or just random musings.

3. A five-piece black illustration pen set from Pentalic. These pens are great! They use pigmented (black) water-based ink that is acid free and water proof. The set includes a variety of sizes including 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and a brush tip. I don’t really sketch as I lack the artistic talent but I can imagine that these pens will appeal to people who do enjoy sketching and they are a perfect match for the journal.

The Verdict? I love this box! While I have already read the book (and own a signed copy), I was excited to get another copy to  give away to a lucky reader of our blog (congrats to Anna for winning). The Indiespensable subscription is by far my favorite book subscription. It this is the perfect box for the literary fiction lover. Books are first editions and are sent out shortly after they are released. I’ve tried other boxes that send books that have been out for several years (cough, cough Book Riot).  Thus far, I’ve received 5 boxes and have read and really enjoyed three of them (Homegoing, Mr. Splitfoot, and Did you Ever Have a Family). I plan to read the other two (City on Fire and The Doubter’s Almanac) this year. Many of the subscription services out there come with chotskies but Powell’s includes good quality items. I’ve received coffee (that became a new favorite), two artisan chocolate bars, a sturdy water bottle, and the journal and pen set. For me this works so much better than other boxes that include lots of smaller and often junky items.

So what do you think of this service? Do love it as much as I do, or would you pass? The downside is that the subscription service is usually full. To get a subscription you need to get on the waiting list. It took me about 2-3 months to go from the waiting list to subscription. You can find out more about the club here.