Curate: Inspiration for an Individual Home

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Our world is hardly a simple place to navigate, even (and often especially) for kids. It’s huge, diverse, and filled with people who all experience life in different ways, facing different obstacles. The Equal Opportunity Book Box is all about preparing children to live in this bright, colorful world by sharing with them fun, engaging picture books about diversity. Whether they feature characters of color, LGBTQIA+ characters, and/or characters with disabilities, the picture books in this box will hugely help you in your quest to raise kind, open-minded kids. 32. Bookroo

If you wanted to get something off your chest or initiate a conversation with a stranger, but you didn’t have the courage, then put it to paper and see where your imagination takes you — hopefully to your next book idea! When you’re on the hunt for a book idea, society gives you a free pass to indulge in a bit of eavesdropping — and if you pay close enough attention, you’re bound to find the seed of an idea. But if you’ve been keeping your ears peeled and only tuning in to boring conversations, then it might be time to head to TED.com, where some of the most interesting people in the world speak on everything and anything from business, to activism, to personal growth. Here are few book ideas inspired by our favorite TED talks: For Aquino, she dedicates a shelf specifically to the books she’s reading throughout the year. “I love finishing a book and immediately adding the book to that shelf. Watching it grow makes me so happy.” Many bestselling authors have found inspiration in works of art. Tracy Chevalier, for example, built her brand around historical novels that take a behind-the-scenes peek at iconic paintings. Of course, your book idea doesn’t need to feature a work of art or its artist: musing over a painting by asking, “who is that person, and what are they doing there?” can also be a fun way to generate book ideas. What’s in each box? A newly released hardcover book & related goodies to stimulate all five senses.

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A young adult romance about a character who discovers a love of painting (Eight of Pentacles) and the love of their life (The Lovers) during the summer before college (The Sun). What’s in each box? A book chosen by the community, 3-5 products, access to discussion groups and live chats. But for a truly unique library? I’m dazzled by Aquino’s method. She keeps two shelves with the spines turned in. “I find that it’s actually a very interesting conversation starter.”

Inside a Fairyloot box you’ll find a special edition hardcover of a recently released young adult fantasy book, as well as four or five high-quality, bookish goodies all themed around that month’s magical title. The stunning artwork used on the custom book covers and all the Fairyloot gifts — including cutlery sets, pillow cases, mugs, and notebooks — really brings each world to life, making this box the perfect gift for any fantasy-obsessed reader. (Just make sure they’re okay with sprite labor, as each box is delivered via the flutter of fairy wings.) 25. Coffee and a Classic Every three months — about as often as one typically wants to take a vacation — you can count on The Wordy Traveler to send you a traveler-approved book guaranteed to fulfill your wanderlust. You’ll also find some premium tea that evokes the book’s setting, as well as a fine art print to capture its beauty. You can even customize your travels by choosing to add more books to your box, or by switching up the genre, or by adding a selection of souvenirs, bookmarks, and charms. Build your own itinerary and get globetrotting! 27. Feminist Book Club Get to know yourself better with questions like, “Do I have a secret hunch about how I’ll die?” or “What would constitute my perfect day?”. These might unearth a creative gem you didn’t know you had within you. A person dictates who they will date based on quantitative measures, such as horoscopes, how they perform on a test, etc. A magical realism novel about someone who gradually learns that they can do incredible things. Inspired by How I held my breath for seventeen minutes (David Blaine).

For those days when you’d rather enjoy the company of fictional friends than real ones, there’s Introverts Retreat — a book subscription box that helps you make the most of your precious time alone. Each box contains everything you need for a blissful day to yourself: your choice of novel from a great selection; a candle, bath salts, and scented soap; coffee, tea, or cocoa; and a sweet treat lovingly made by an indy baker or chocolatier. With this box at your disposal, you’ll never want to leave the house again. 17. Chocolate and Book You're sitting in a coffee shop watching someone type on their computer. They type the words, "It begins raining outside," and it instantly starts raining. A sci-fi novel about a community trying to live in harmony with Mother Nature. Inspired by The ancient, earth-friendly wisdom of Mongolian Nomads (Khulan Batkhuyang). For Williams, her books “tend to be well worn, usually dog-eared and graced with coffee stains”—which is honestly much more my speed. Some of my favorite books are filled with notes and highlighter markings from book clubs and graduate school. However works best! Fool readers into thinking your silver-haired authority figure is a wise, benevolent mentor, only to reveal that they’re cowardly and selfish.