No, I haven't been living under a rock. Yes, I do know we're already 1/4 of the way through 2015. I'm still celebrating the new year. Why? Because I finally finished reviewing all the books I read last year. So, yay for me! Now, I can move on and start talking about what I've read in the last three months. Which still means writing 30+ reviews. Yikes. I'll catch up eventually, right?
Since we're partying it up here at BBB today, I thought I'd do something a little different. As much as I love writing book reviews, I also really enjoy trying out new, bookish products. A few weeks ago, Jennifer at Book Buckles contacted me about giving the product she, her sister, and her mom invented a whirl. I enthusiastically agreed.
What is this cool, new product, you ask? Book Buckles are fabric bookmarks that attach to your book using a belt-like D-ring system. It's a secure way to mark your place. Available in bright patterns, with a fun charm attached, they're also super cute. You can customize your Book Buckles by choosing size, fabric designs and charms. Prices run from $4.99 (sale items) to $8.99. Shipping is always free.
Using a Book Buckle is pretty simple, although I did have to watch this video a few times (I'm slow like that):
So, what did I think of Book Buckles? It's an innovative product for people who not only love books, but also using pretty bookmarks. If you've ever purchased a bookmark with a fluffy tassle or a shiny charm just to have it fall apart after a couple uses, you'll appreciate how well made these bookmarks are. If you get frustrated by paper versions that flutter out of your book, get lost, or bend/fray after a short amount of time, you'll like the security and permanence of a Book Buckle.
Personally, while I love the concept of this product, it's a little too complicated/fussy for me. I gave up on fancy bookmarks awhile ago and now just use those I grab for free at bookstores or receive from authors/publicists as swag. For me, $8.99 is spendy, even for a bookmark that will likely last years. The ladies at Book Buckles were kind enough to send me three different bookmarks for free (Thank you!) and I'll definitely enjoy using them. I just don't think it's a product I would buy on my own. However, because of the cuteness factor, I can see myself buying them as gifts for other people, either to give along with a special book or on their own as stocking stuffers, Easter basket fillers (hint, hint), or as part of a book lover's bundle.
So, what do you think? Are Book Buckles a good idea? Something you would use? Would you like to try them out for yourself? The generous ladies who make Book Buckles are offering a great prize to one lucky BBB reader: a $20 Barnes&Noble gift card, plus two Book Buckles (one small, one large) that you can customize with your choice of fabric and charm. Nice! All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is open to those with U.S. mailing addresses only. You have until midnight on Easter Sunday (April 5) to enter. Good luck!
I love the concept of the Book Buckle. I gave up on fancy bookmarks a few years ago and have moved to just pieces of paper. I would love to give a Book Buckle a chance but it seems like it would be too much work to change from one book to the next. Maybe that is just me being lazy. Thanks for sharing this. Amanda
They are cute and, like you, I could see including them with a gift book. For me, however, I don't think they would be quite as useful. Plus, I read a big portion of my books on my Kindle. No need for a bookmark. Clever idea though.
The Book Buckle is attractive, practical and lovely and I would use it since it is better than a paper bookmark and very special. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
It's definitely a cool product, and I like to collect bookmarks in general -- I'd just like to see a few more simple, monochromatic design to fit my personal taste.
I would use this when traveling for sure! I hate taking a book to the beach or on airplanes when you are moving around alot and losing your place in a book addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com Ashley C
I love the idea, but i am pretty sure I would never use them. I would be too worried about losing it (I lose all bookmarks), so it would end up on my nightstand. But, I love the idea for gifts!
They are actually really easy to use and once you put it on the book, mere seconds, you have a Built-on bookmark, just like a journal has. Takes me longer to look for my bookmark that either fell off or got misplaced while reading.. After losing flimsy bookmarks and spending money on these long term, I prefer these any day. Love my Book Buckle
Alright. Second attempt at commenting and Google cooperating! (Hopefully?)
Anyway, I'm sure the bookmarks are fabulous, but I'm more excited to tell you how much I appreciate this blog in a non-stalkery way. :) I love this site; it determines whether or not my piddly student income will be spent on yet another book. I love that you live in my neck of the woods (and feel the same way I do about these darned summers), you correct inaccurate information with your Mormon mentions, and that your reviews are so detailed and good. That takes effort and quite a bit of thought/time. So, thank you!! Also, silly question, but a quirky goal of mine: will you please be my friend on Goodreads? I had to ask, even if it is slightly embarrassing. :) I think you're brilliant! And again, thanks for creating this great go-to venue for all of us. It's something I utilize a lot.
Carolyn Rachel -- Sorry, I forgot to say that of course I will be your friend on GR. I'm not very active on there, but just send me a request and I'll approve it!
I would use the book buckle to prevent losing my place in the book. I like the idea that you attach it to your book so you will never misplace your bookmark.
Comments make me feel special, so go crazy! Just keep it clean and civil. Feel free to speak your mind (I always do), but be aware that I will delete any offensive comments.
P.S.: Don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away. I have to approve each one before it posts to prevent spam. It's annoying, but it works!
I am always interested in receiving great books to review. Before contacting me, however, please take a look at my review policies. If it all sounds good, send me an email: blogginboutbooks@gmail.com.
My mountain of review books grows daily. To see a list of those currently in my possession (physical copies only—e-copies are not listed), click here.
The Children's Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2021
- About a war other than World War II
- Takes place before 1800
- Set in a country you do not live in
- Main character travels on a ship, train, or covered wagonEsperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- Set in a decade you don't usually choose to read about
- A major holiday is celebrated
- Takes place in a city or region where you have livedThe Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
- Features time travel to the past
- About a historical disaster, natural or otherwise
- With a proper noun in the title
- Features a real female hero from the past
- Book that relates somehow to your own family history (the main character emigrates from the same country your ancestors did, the MC participates in a historical event your family member did, about someone you're related to, etc.)
- Written by a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) author
- Features a main character with a different ethnicity, religion, or culture than your ownThe Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman
- Has an animal on the cover
- A ghost story
- Features a castle or an old house
- Set in South or Central America
- A mysteryThe Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
- Set in the decade that one of your parents was born in
- Concerns an event of historical significance that happened during your lifetime (or your parents' lifetimes if you were born after 2000)
- Features a search for gold or other kinds of treasure
- A person in period clothing on the cover
- Based on a true story
- A main character who is Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian
My Progress:
4 / 25 books. 16% done!
2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge
- A book that's published in 2021The Caretakers by Eliza Maxwell
- An Afrofuturist book
- A book that has a heart, diamond, club, or spade on the cover
- A book by an author who shares your zodiac signThe Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner
- A dark academia book
- A book with a gem, mineral, or rock in the titleMurder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
- A book where the main character works at your current or dream job
- A book that has won the Women's Prize for Fiction
- A book with a family tree
- A bestseller from the 1990s
- A book about forgetting
- A book you have seen on someone's bookshelf (in real life, on a Zoom call, in a TV show, etc.)Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
- A locked-room mystery
- A book set in a restaurant
- A book with a black-and-white coverDeath in the Family by Tessa Wegert
- A book by an Indigenous author
- A book that has the same title as a song
- A book about a subject you are passionate aboutThe Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
- A book that discusses body positivity
- A book found on a Black Lives Matter reading list
- A genre hybrid
- A book set mostly or entirely outdoorsAlone by Megan E. Freeman
- A book with something broken on the coverStrike Me Down by Mindy Mejia
- A book by a Muslim American author
- A book that was published anonymously
- A book with an oxymoron in the titleDark August by Katie Tallo
- A book about do-overs or fresh startsThe Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- A magical realism bookBeginners Welcome by Cindy Baldwin
- A book set in multiple countriesIn the Deep by Loreth Anne White
- A book set somewhere you'd like to visit in 2021Toxic Toffee by Amanda Flower
- A book by a blogger, vlogger, YouTube video creator, or other online personality
- A book whose title starts with "Q," "X," or "Z"
- A book featuring three generations (grandparent, parent, child)Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- A book about a social justice issue
- A book in a different format than what you normally read (audiobooks, ebooks, graphic novels)Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (audiobook)
- A book that has fewer than 1,000 reviews on Amazon or GoodreadsThe Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman
- A book you think your best friend would like
- A book about art or an artistVeiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green
- A book everyone seems to have read but youA Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins
- Your favorite prompt from a past POPSUGAR Reading ChallengeWhen the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
ADVANCED:
- The longest book (by pages) on your TBR list
- The shortest book (by pages) on your TBR list
- The book on your TBR list with the prettiest coverShadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green
- The book on your TBR list with the ugliest coverOn These Magic Shores by Yamile Saied Méndez
- The book that's been on your TBR list for the longest amount of time
- A book from your TBR list you meant to read last year but didn'tEgg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien
- A book from your TBR list you associate with a favorite person, place, or thing
- A book from your TBR list chosen at randomThe Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
- A DNF book from your TBR list
- A free book from your TBR list (gifted, borrowed, library)The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
My Progress:
24 / 50 books. 48% done!
2021 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
Books Read:
1. Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell 2. The Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman
3. The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
4. The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
5. When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
6. The Stills by Jess Montgomery
7. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
8. The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner
9. A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins
10. Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green
11. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
12. Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green
13. The Family Ship by Sonja Yoerg
14. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
2021 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge
Cozies Read:
1. Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
2. Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien
3. Toxic Toffee by Amanda Flower
4. To Kill a Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid
The 52 Club's 2021 Reading Challenge
1. Set in a school
2. Featuring the legal profession
3. A dual timeline
4. An author that is deceased
5. Published by PenguinWhen the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
6. A character with the same name as a male family memberToxic Toffee by Amanda Flower
7. An author with only 1 published book96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
8. A book in the 900's of the Dewey Decimal System
9. Set in a Mediterranean country
10. Related to the word "fire"Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green
11. Book with discussion questions insideThe Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
12. Title starting with the letter "D"Dark August by Katie Tallo
13. Includes an exotic animalThe Missing One by Lucy Atkins
14. Written by an author over 65 (when published)
15. A book mentioned in another book
16. Set before the 17th Century
17. A character "on the run"Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien
18. Author with a 9-letter last nameThe Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths
19. Book with a deckled edge
20. Made into a TV seriesThe Cold Dish by Craig Johnson
21. Book by Kristin Hannah
22. A family sagaThe Family Ship by Sonja Yoerg
23. An ending that surprises youDeath in the Family by Tessa Wegert
24. A book you think they should read in schools
25. A book with multiple character POVStrike Me Down by Mindy Mejia
26. An author of colorOn These Magic Shores by Yamile Saied Méndez
27. First chapter ends on an odd page numberTo Kill a Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid
28. Includes a historical event you know little aboutThe Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
29. Featuring the environment
30. Watch out for dragons!
31. Shares a similar title to another bookA Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins
32. A selfish characterMurder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
33. Featuring adoptionThe Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman
34. A book you'd rate 5 stars
35. Set in a country that starts with the letter "S"
36. A nameless narrator
37. An educational read
38. Recommended on BookBub
39. An alternate history novel
40. Found via #bookstagramHome Before Dark by Riley Sager
41. An endorsement by a famous author on the cover
42. An epistolary
43. A character with a pet catThe Midnight Library by Matt Haig
44. Includes a garden
45. A coming of age novelEsperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
46. Winner of the National Book Award - any year
47. A character with a disabilityInsignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
48. A cover with a woman who is facing awayThe Stills by Jess Montgomery
49. A flavour in the title
50. A shoe on the coverAlone by Megan E. Freeman
51. Published in 2021The Caretakers by Eliza Maxwell
52. Re-do one of the previous 51 categories from this 2021 challengeThe Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner (#48 - Woman on Cover Facing Away)
My Progress:
28 / 52 books. 54% done!
Booklist Queen's 2021 Reading Challenge
1. A Productivity Book
2. Book Becoming Movie in 2021
3. Goodreads Winner in 2020The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
4. Biography
5. About a Pressing Social Issue
6. A Book About BooksTo Kill a Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid
7. Set in the 1920sThe Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
8. An Author Who Uses Initials
9. Poetry
10. A 2020 BestsellerHome Before Dark by Riley Sager
11. Recommended by a ColleagueDeath in the Family by Tessa Wegert
12. With a Number in the Title96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
13. Bottom of Your To-Read List
14. Reread a Favorite Book
15. Own Voices StoryOn These Magic Shores by Yamile Saied Méndez
16. Published in the 1800sLittle Women by Louisa May Alcott
17. Local AuthorInsignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
18. Longer Than 400 PagesDark August by Katie Tallo
19. A Book Turned Into a TV SeriesThe Cold Dish by Craig Johnson
20. A Book That Makes You Think
21. A WWII StoryThe Length of a String by Elissa Brent Weissman
22. A Highly Anticipated BookThe Caretakers by Eliza Maxwell
23. Eye-Catching CoverThe Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
24. A Summer ReadA Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins
25. Coming of Age StoryAlone by Megan E. Freeman
26. Bestselling Memoir
27. Book Club Favorite
28. A Book About FriendshipBeginners Welcome by Cindy Baldwin
29. An AudiobookEsperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
30. Set in AustraliaIn the Deep by Loreth Anne White
31. By a Nobel Prize winner
32. About an ImmigrantThe Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner
33. Time Travel Novel
34. An Author You LoveEgg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien
35. Childhood Favorite
36. Classic Read in High School
37. Borrowed from the LibraryMurder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell
38. Nonfiction New York Times Bestseller
39. From an Indie Publisher
40. Fantasy
41. A SequelThe Stills by Jess Montgomery
42. Recommended by a Librarian
43. Psychological ThrillerThe Missing One by Lucy Atkins
44. Oprah Winfrey Book Club Pick
45. A Book About Technology
46. Title with Three WordsStrike Me Down by Mindy Mejia
47. Debut Novel of Famous Author
48. Genre You Don't Usually Read
49. A Book Everyone Is Talking About
50. You Own But Haven't Read
51. Borrowed from a Friend
52. A 2021 New ReleaseWhen the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
My Progress:
26 / 52 books. 50% done!
Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge
Books Read:
1. Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell (2 toe tags)
2. The Caretakers by Eliza Maxwell (11 toe tags, 1 unknown COD)
3. Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien (1 toe tag)
4. Strike Me Down by Mindy Mejia (3 toe tags)
5. The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill (4 toe tags)
6. When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (8 toe tags)
7. Toxic Toffee by Amanda Flower (3 toe tags)
8. Dark August by Katie Tallo (14 toe tags)
9. The Stills by Jess Montgomery (7 toe tags)
10. The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner (6 toe tags)
11. To Kill a Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid (2 toe tags)
12. A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins (8 toe tags, 1 unknown COD)
13. Death in the Family by Tessa Wegert (9 toe tags)
14. Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green (3 toe tags)
15. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager (6 toe tags)
16. In the Deep by Loreth Anne White (2 toe tags)
17. The Family by Louise Jensen (4 toe tags)
18. The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson (5 toe tags)
19. The Missing One by Lucy Atkins (5 toe tags)
20. The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths (4 toe tags, 1 unknown COD)
Pioneer Book 2021 Reading Challenge
- Popular book published in 1981 - Modern Library 100 Best (fiction) - Bestseller non-fiction display* - Pulitzer Prize winning author - Philosophy book - Green coverBeginners Welcome by Cindy Baldwin - Customer Pick* - Re-read book from high school - TearjerkerLittle Women by Louisa May Alcott - Travel guide/memoir - Popular book published in 1991 - Banned book list - Wildcard upstairs (500+ pages)* - Native American author - Poetry book - Title starts with letter 'A'A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem by Manda Collins - New arrival display upstairs* - Reese's Book Club pick - Nature/ecology book - Science book - Popular book published in 2001 - Newbery winner or honor book - Bestseller fiction display* - Nobel Prize winning author - MysteryToxic Toffee by Amanda Flower - Book from your to-be-read pileDeath in the Family by Tessa Wegert - Employee pick* - Pioneer Book all-time bestseller list - Something intimidating - US History - Popular book published in 2011 - Hugo and/or Nebula winner - Wildcard downstairs (500+ pages)* - Author from southern hemisphereIn the Deep by Loreth Anne White - Historical fictionThe Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner - Translated from another language - New arrival display downstairs* - Book recommended by a friendInsignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling - Topic you know nothing about - Cookbook (make 2 recipes)
* Must be purchased from Pioneer Book
My Progress:
8 / 40 books. 20% done!
Want Another Opinion? Search 600+ Book Blogs Here ...
Love this idea. So often, I loose the bookmark I'm using, or it drops out of the book I'm reading and I loose my place.
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of the Book Buckle. I gave up on fancy bookmarks a few years ago and have moved to just pieces of paper. I would love to give a Book Buckle a chance but it seems like it would be too much work to change from one book to the next. Maybe that is just me being lazy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this.
Amanda
I'm not sure if I would use this or not. One advantage that I can see is that it can't fall out of your book
ReplyDeleteThey are cute and, like you, I could see including them with a gift book. For me, however, I don't think they would be quite as useful. Plus, I read a big portion of my books on my Kindle. No need for a bookmark. Clever idea though.
ReplyDeleteThe Book Buckle is attractive, practical and lovely and I would use it since it is better than a paper bookmark and very special. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe book buckles look interesting. I would certainly give them a try!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a cool product, and I like to collect bookmarks in general -- I'd just like to see a few more simple, monochromatic design to fit my personal taste.
ReplyDeleteGeoff K
gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com
It's a cool neat way to keep your spot in books. I would definitely use it! Brittney House
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very inventive idea!
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I lose my bookmark all the time. Fun idea. :)
ReplyDeleteNew-fangled ideas always appeal to me. However, I agree this may be a bit "fussy" for me. I'm willing to give it a try, though. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. Totally worth trying!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I'd love to try (:
ReplyDeleteThe book buckels are a giant leap from the tissues I use as bookmarks!
ReplyDeleteI would use this when traveling for sure! I hate taking a book to the beach or on airplanes when you are moving around alot and losing your place in a book
ReplyDeleteaddictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
Ashley C
This is a wonderful idea. A wonderful idea for gifts and also a good for traveling. It would be used
ReplyDeleteI love the idea, but i am pretty sure I would never use them. I would be too worried about losing it (I lose all bookmarks), so it would end up on my nightstand. But, I love the idea for gifts!
ReplyDeleteI like this idea, my kids could definitely put them to use
ReplyDeleteNot sure I'd use it. It seems like more work than it needs to be.
ReplyDeleteThey are actually really easy to use and once you put it on the book, mere seconds, you have a Built-on bookmark, just like a journal has. Takes me longer to look for my bookmark that either fell off or got misplaced while reading.. After losing flimsy bookmarks and spending money on these long term, I prefer these any day. Love my Book Buckle
ReplyDeleteI might use it. It looks secure. It's annoying to lose your place in a book because your marker falls out.
ReplyDeleteAlright. Second attempt at commenting and Google cooperating! (Hopefully?)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm sure the bookmarks are fabulous, but I'm more excited to tell you how much I appreciate this blog in a non-stalkery way. :) I love this site; it determines whether or not my piddly student income will be spent on yet another book. I love that you live in my neck of the woods (and feel the same way I do about these darned summers), you correct inaccurate information with your Mormon mentions, and that your reviews are so detailed and good. That takes effort and quite a bit of thought/time. So, thank you!! Also, silly question, but a quirky goal of mine: will you please be my friend on Goodreads? I had to ask, even if it is slightly embarrassing. :) I think you're brilliant! And again, thanks for creating this great go-to venue for all of us. It's something I utilize a lot.
Flattery intended, but it's sincere. :)
You're too kind! Thanks for saying such nice things -- I needed to hear them today :)
DeleteCarolyn Rachel -- Sorry, I forgot to say that of course I will be your friend on GR. I'm not very active on there, but just send me a request and I'll approve it!
ReplyDeleteI have a bookmark that my granddaughter made that I use. I might use them if I had one but I doubt I would purchase one.
ReplyDeleteI think it's useful that they won't fall out and getting to customize them is nice, I wouldn't mind trying it.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is old school and would never pick up a Kindle. However, she would probably like the buckle so as not to lose her book mark.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a buckle that doesn't lose the page on the book you're reading.
ReplyDeletertrexel@gmail.com
im always dropping my book and my bookmark falls out and then i cant find my place. i would lOVE this
ReplyDeleteYes, it looks like something I could use for the girls and their books.
ReplyDeleteI think they are cool. I'd like to try it and compare it to just a normal book mark.
ReplyDeleteThey sound like they would be perfect as a bookmark. yes i would use them
ReplyDeleteyes i like it, seems very sturdy unlike paper bookmarks
ReplyDeleteI would use the book buckle to prevent losing my place in the book. I like the idea that you attach it to your book so you will never misplace your bookmark.
ReplyDeleteI like the concept of giving these as a present when you give someone a book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
I like the Book buckles, I would definitely use them.
ReplyDeletevikki.billings@yahoo.com