March 2026 Literary Road Trip Box: California

March takes us to a state that feels almost larger than life. California holds the record for the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth—134°F. It’s home to the oldest known tree, a Great Basin bristlecone pine over 4,900 years old, and the tallest, a Coast redwood soaring more than 380 feet. Oh—and wetsuits, skateboards, and popsicles? All invented here, too.

So yes, I’m especially excited about this month’s box. It’s centered around my home state, which makes this one feel a little more personal than usual.

For March, I partnered with Octavia’s Bookshelf, an incredible indie bookstore in Pasadena that opened in February 2023. The shop is named after Octavia Butler, one of the most important voices in science fiction and speculative fiction—and a local legend. This store is truly one of my favorites, and I love being able to share a piece of it with you. You’ll find their sticker and pen tucked inside your box.

I couldn’t feature this store without choosing Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler as the book of the month. It was written in 1993 but set in 2024–2027, and somehow it feels more relevant than ever. The story explores climate crisis, wealth inequity, and societal breakdown—and what’s especially haunting is how closely the fictional setting mirrors the Pasadena/Altadena area, which was devastated by fires last year. It’s a powerful, unsettling, and unforgettable read.

I also wanted to highlight something quintessentially Californian: almonds. The state produces 80% of the world’s supply, which still amazes me. Inside the box, you’ll find rosemary garlic almonds from Giddy Up Nuts, a small-batch company founded in Los Angeles that sources seasonings from other California businesses. It doesn’t get more local than that.

For a softer touch, I included Honey & Lavender hand cream from 123 Farm in Cherry Valley—the largest organic lavender farm in California. Fun fact: the farm has hosted guests like Einstein and Hemingway, which feels very on-brand for this box.

And finally, there’s a greeting card from Madi Can’t Stop Reading, a one-woman, book-themed design shop based in Philadelphia. I love including pieces like this that celebrate creativity and small businesses in the book world.

This box feels like a love letter—to California, to indie bookstores, and to stories that stay with you long after you turn the last page.