We invited one of the featured businesses in our August box to write a guest post. Huge thanks to Homebody MN Candles for the excellent #FBCReadathon suggestions!
Our August boxes include an 8 oz. Books on the Beach candle from Homebody MN. Reserve your box today!
Who doesn’t love books and candles? I’m definitely a lover of both, and I’ve got some book and candle combos just for you, handpicked from my little trans-owned candle company Homebody MN!
1. The Power + Burning the Patriarchy
The Power is a dark reckoning with gender and power. In this fantasy world women are the dominant gender. The deep earthy tones of Burning the Patriarchy is a perfect pair for this matriarchal book
2. The Fifth Season + J.K. Rolling My Eyes
Want a deep fantastical world without supporting a transphobic author? The Fifth Season is the gripping first book in this trilogy that has a creative geology-based magic system. Enjoy the sparkling grapefruit scent of J.K Rolling My Eyes and bask in the glory of characters that aren’t nearly all white, cisgendered, and straight.
3. She Said + Shut Up I'm Reading
She Said tells the story behind the New York Times spreading the truth of Harvey Weinstein to the world. It’s a fascinating peek behind the scenes of journalism and exposure of predatory power dynamics. Light up your Shut Up I’m Reading candle for this one, because you aren’t going to want to be interrupted once you begin this book.
4. Red, White, and Royal blue + Cheers, Queers
This book is a joy. If you are looking for something fun, engaging, and gay, this is your next read. This light book goes well with the light and summery smell of cucumber water and melon, and you will definitely be cheering for these queers. Note: While this book cover looks like a YA book, it has some very steamy scenes. Cheers, Queers.
5. A People's Future of the United States + Warm Breeze & Vitamin D
Warm Breeze & Vitamin D is a sunny blend of jasmine and honeysuckle. Things that aren’t so sunny? The future of the United States. This collection of short stories will push you to imagine a variety of future realities of the United States.
6. Redefining Realness + Trans Proud/Trans Ally
Trans Pride Y’all! Whether you are a part of the trans community, or an ally of it, Redefining Realness is an eye opening read. Janet Mock brings you into her world, and it’s a world we all benefit from better understanding. The smells of Rosemary and Lavender in the Ally or Proud candle are perfect to help soothe some of the challenging realities that this book brings to light.
7. The Future Earth + Let's Play Outside!
Let’s Play Outside! Because the outdoors are wonderful, right? The Future Earth outlines what we humans have to do in order to preserve the health of our planet. This radical vision is humbling in the extremes that will be required to protect the environment so that we can continue to play outside.
8. Name of the Wind + Surprise Pack
Want to take a risk? Read an unfinished series? Try some candles in testing? Name of the Wind and a Surprise Pack are perfect for you. Name of the Wind is a trilogy with the first two books out, and they are great. It’s unclear what is more universal: the love of these books or the anger that the third book isn’t out yet.
9. Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow + 2021... Finally
2020 was tough. Broken Open is a great book to help find groundedness and insight in struggle. We are all still healing. Enjoy the sweet smell of 2021… Finally with spiced honey and the wisdom of Broken Open.
10. Just Mercy + I'm Cold
Just Mercy is an account of the brokenness of the criminal justice system in the United States. This book masterfully intertwines the story of a wrongfully convicted prisoner with the macro failures of the system. The woodsy frasier fir smell of the I’m Cold candle nicely accompanies the chilling journey of this book.
11. Leave the World Behind + Blank Page
Leave the World Behind is a compelling story about friendship, family, and the bonds created through enduring the unknown. Don’t want to be distracted by the scent of a candle? Well, you can truly leave the world behind with the unscented Blank Page candle, and dive deeply into this book.
Homebody MN is a small, trans-owned business handmaking candles out of their home in Minneapolis. All of their candles are 100% soy and they donate 5% of profits. The current recipient of this donation is Family Tree Clinic, an incredible sexual health clinic providing everything from affirming hormone care to HIV and STI testing.
![This #bookmail had us getting into the holiday mood!
🌴 Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander (coming out December 5!)
"A trans man returns to his Florida hometown for Christmas after his career goes up in flames, only to cross paths with his high school ex in this charming rom-com about family and second chance"
👩❤️💋👩 Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
"A festive romantic comedy about a woman who fakes an engagement with her landlord…only to fall for his sister"
🗝️ The Key to My Heart by Lia Louis
"A heartwarming novel about hope after loss as a young widow receives mysterious messages of love"
What other books do you pick up around this time of year?
Thank you @atriabooks for sending this package our way.
[alt text: 3 books lay on a blanket with a rope light spread around it.]](https://www.feministbookclub.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)