Each season we like to speak to someone from an independent bookstore, but this can be especially challenging during the December holiday shopping crush. We’re very glad Amanda Zirn Hudson from Bethany Beach Books in Delaware was able to make time to speak with us.

Bethany Beach Books started its own book subscription program several years ago called The Book Drop. Amanda tells us all about how she began the program and explains the process for selecting books and getting them out to members. Unlike other book subscriptions, this one is run by an independent bookstore, and the books they pick are what they consider “hidden gems.” Their program has been recommended by BuzzFeed, NPR, The New York Times, and USA Today.

The good news is that you still have time to order a subscription for yourself or a book-loving friend or family member before the holidays!

You can find Bethany Beach Books on social media at @bethanybeachbooks or their website at www.bethanybeachbooks.com.

Their subscription book service The Book Drop can be found on Instagram @the.book.drop or the website www.thebookdrop.com.

For show notes for any episode, go to our website at www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. We are also on Instagram @perksofbeingabookloverpod and on FB Perks of Being a Book Lover

Books mentioned--

2- The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson

3- The Inheritors by William Golding

4- Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel

5- Lark Ascending by Silas House

6- The Road by Cormac McCarthy

7- Southernmost by Silas House

8- Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close

Movies mentioned--

1- Elf (2003)

2- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

3- Spirited (2022)

4- The English (Prime 2022)

5- Wednesday (Netflix 2022)

6- The Bear (Hulu 2022)

7 - Outlander (Netflix 2014- present)