Callisto Crate is a Canadian subscription box that features a strong woman read paired with several items related to the book. Their mission is to share and promote books where women are strong protagonists and stand up for themselves; where they keep going against the odds; where they encourage us, in their own way, to see the value in ourselves and or others; books that have themes that push our boundaries; or authors who are strong women themselves. These books may be inspirational, tragic, funny, sad, or magical and will represent different genres.
Cost: $49.95/month
Shipping: Canada only - $15
Coupon Code: GIRL10 - Save 10% off your first order.
The September theme is "Radical Rebels".
Women Talking by Miriam Toews
The sun rises on a quiet June morning in 2009. August Epp sits alone in the hayloft of a barn, anxiously bent over his notebook. He writes quickly, aware that his solitude will soon be broken. Eight women--ordinary grandmothers, mothers and teenagers; yet to August, each one extraordinary-- will climb the ladder into the loft, and the day's true task will begin. This task will be both simple and subversive: August, like the women, is a traditional Mennonite, and he has been asked to record a secret conversation.
Thus begins Miriam Toews' spellbinding novel. Gradually, as we hear the women's vivid voices console, tease, admonish, regale and debate each other, we piece together the reason for the gathering: they have forty-eight hours to make a life-altering choice on behalf of all the women and children in the colony. And like a vast night sky coming into view behind the bright sparks of their voices, we learn of the devastating events that have led to this moment.
Acerbic, funny, tender, sorrowful and wise, Women Talking is composed of equal parts humane love and deep anger. It is award-winning writer Miriam Toews' most astonishing novel to date, containing within its two short days and hayloft setting an expansive, timeless universe of thinking and feeling about women--and men--in our contemporary world.
Zack’s Coffee Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans - not quite the instant coffee the characters drink constantly int he book, but certainly a decadent alternative.
Dragonfly Scarf
The dragonfly scarf represents two things: the kerchief the women wear around their wrists; and the dragonfly which symbolizes the hope of migration for the children.
Journal & Pencil
The lovely, inspirational journal and the pencil are for the notes taken that record the minutes of the women talking. They are a reminder to use our voices.
Bookmark & Artwork
The bookmark again echoes the dragonfly theme as the women talk about whether they should migrate or not. The beautiful artwork on this card was done by Tara Pastro.
I like the cohesiveness of this month's Callisto Crate. They did a great job with the theme and items they chose to include in the box. Callisto Crate's goal is to not only highlight books with strong women but to help women to be strong at a time when they need it. They also donate a portion of their profits Kamloops Y Women's Emergency Shelter.
What do you think of Callisto Crate?
