After visiting New York, my husband gifted me a subscription to The Strand’s The Book HookUp. We’d visited New York City for the first time at Christmas in 2018, stopping in at The Strand bookstore, of course, so it was the perfect gift. What I love about this subscription is that it’s quarterly, so not a huge commitment.

• Boxes ship out in March, June, September, and December—or Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
• The box comes with two books—typically one is a signed currently hyped book and the other is an advanced reader copy.
• It also includes other bookish and local goodies.

December’s box seemed a little sparse. The box usually includes three additional items with the books, but this time there were only two items. BUT I’m very excited about the books. 🥰

Let’s wander in!

My box is a young adult box, but you can choose from a variety of boxes, including fiction, classics, and sci-fi. However, the prices differ for some of the boxes. There’s also a spoiler link on the website where you can see what the main title will be in your next box. I can never resist a peek!

What I found inside:

The Books

(Link to Goodreads synopsis through book title.)

• The new release signed copy included in the box was Didn’t See That Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Although, there was a note included that the books didn’t get signed in time and a signed book plate would be mailed later on… It hasn’t shown up yet. 😃 This book wasn’t even on my radar, but several book friends have enjoyed it. While it’s the second in a series, from what I understand, it can be read as a standalone. It’s a You’ve Got Mail-inspired story with a gaming theme.
• Also included was an ARC (advanced reader copy) of Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo. I think I’m most excited for this one. A novel in verse, it’s about a teenager’s introduction into the slam poetry scene.

Didn’t See That Coming Synopsis:

A hilariously fresh and romantic send-up to You’ve Got Mail about a gamer girl with a secret identity and the online bestie she’s never met IRL until she unwittingly transfers to his school, from the bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties, The Obsession, and Well, That Was Unexpected.

Seventeen-year-old Kiki Siregar is a fabulous gamer girl with confidence to boot. She can’t help but be totally herself… except when she’s online.

Her secret? She plays anonymously as a guy to avoid harassment from other male players. Even her online best friend—a cinnamon roll of a teen boy who plays under the username Sourdawg—doesn’t know her true identity. Which is fine, because Kiki doesn’t know his real name either, and it’s not like they’re ever going to cross paths IRL.

Until she transfers to an elite private school for her senior year and discovers that Sourdawg goes there, too.

But who is he? How will he react when he finds out Kiki’s secret? And what happens when Kiki realizes she’s falling for her online BFF?

Published on November 28, 2023

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Bright Red Fruit Synopsis:

An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager’s journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY

Bad girl. No matter how hard Samira tries, she can’t shake her reputation. She’s never gotten the benefit of the doubt—not from her mother or the aunties who watch her like a hawk.

Samira is determined to have a perfect summer filled with fun parties, exploring DC, and growing as a poet—until a scandalous rumor has her grounded and unable to leave her house. When Samira turns to a poetry forum for solace, she catches the eye of an older, charismatic poet named Horus. For the first time, Samira feels wanted. But soon she’s keeping a bigger secret than ever before—one that that could prove her reputation and jeopardize her place in her community.

In this gripping coming-of-age novel from the critically acclaimed author Safia Elhillo, a young woman searches to find the balance between honoring her family, her artistry, and her authentic self.

Expected on February 6, 2024

Tangram Pocket Puzzler

Included in my box was a Tangram Pocket Puzzler by BePuzzled. It includes 7 puzzle pieces with over 50 possible challenges to complete.

Snack

There’s always a fun snack included, and this time it was a 6 oz. bag of Martin’s Handmade Honey Mustard & Onion pretzel pieces. I’ve already snacked on these, and they are yummy! Also available: Cheddar Cheese and Buffalo Wing flavors.

Have your read any of these books? Tried any of the other items? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Wandering!