As a reader and a Bookstagrammer, one of my favorite activities to do is a Blind Date With a Book event that is hosted by Bookish Babe and Brews. I’ve gone to two events with one of my bookstagrammer friends, and have had magical experiences with both. That community is amazing, and something that I look forward to; from picking out a book that is gorgeously wrapped to getting a sense of community.
Caroline and Alyssa have grown their business and now travel across the state to bring a cozy atmosphere to all. I got the chance to chat with Caroline and Alyssa, the girls behind @ BookishBabeandBrews to learn their story, and of course, get some spooky recommendations if you’re looking for some.
1. How did you get started with Blind Date with a Book?
We met in grad school in January of 2020. When we found ourselves stuck at home during quarantine, we decided to start buddy reading, or what we like to call our two person book club. Our first buddy read was The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab! We are both lifelong readers, but quarantine had us reading more than ever. Our buddy reading turned into our Bookstagram in 2023. We shared what we were reading and our bookish adventures. In the fall of 2023, we had the idea to turn our love of reading into a small business. We love discussing books, and Blind Date with a Book is our way to do that and create a community of bookish friends.
2. What do you guys do when you’re not hosting events?
When we aren’t hosting events, we are reading books, selling books, and teaching kids to read. Caroline is the lead kids bookseller at an indie book store and Alyssa is a special education teacher and yoga teacher! We are also theater kids at heart and love going to see shows together. In August we saw Cabaret, which will definitely stick with us forever.
3. What kinds of books do you like to read?
Alyssa is a lit fic girl at heart, but does read a bit of everything.
Caroline is truly a mood reader, but is always down for fantasy and contemporary romance. Just like Alyssa, she reads a bit of everything.
4. What is the process of getting a book ready for Blind Date with a Book?
Our living rooms consist of so many stacks of books! First we make sure that each book is in good condition to sell. We add them to our spreadsheets that track our inventory and our blurbs. Then we get to do the fun part which is to write the blurbs and decorate the books! We often watch a musical or listen to music while we work. What used to be a long slow process moves pretty quickly now! Sometimes we finish 30-40 books in one session.
5. Where do you get the books from?
Many of our books come from our own shelves and donations! Donations mean so much to us and we really appreciate them. We also thrift books as needed.
6. What events do you have coming up?
10/27 – Perkatory in Middletown 11:00-3:00 pm
11/17 – No Worries Brewery in Hamden 2:00-4:30 pm
12/15 – New Haven Silent Book Club 12:00-2:00 – All are welcome! @silentbookclubnewhaven
7. What are you reading now?
Alyssa – Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
Caroline – Heir by Sabaa Tahir
8. What is your favorite spooky book recommendation?
We both recommend our buddy reads from January: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio. Spooky Shakespeare! But Caroline recommends The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig and Alyssa recommends Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas!
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