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September 8, 2020 Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by Allison
Should you buy a Book of the Month subscription box? I am giving you the full 411 on this bookish subscription service today and I have a special link for new subscribers if you decide you want to try Book of the Month!
I have mentioned before that I love the beginning of the month. Not only because you get a fresh start to work on your goals, but also because Book of the Month releases their new monthly book picks for that month! I have been a subscriber to Book of the Month for over five years now, and I’m always excited to see what books they choose each month.
What is a Book of the Month Subscription Box?
Book of the Month is a monthly book subscription box with 5-7 carefully curated book selections. The book selections are from all genres, but you can almost guarantee there will be literary fiction, contemporary fiction, romance, and a mystery/thriller each month. The fifth selection may include nonfiction, historical fiction, memoir, fantasy, or young adult. Sometimes the monthly book selections include an early release so you can read a book before it is available in stores!
In addition to the main book selections, Book of the Month has started offering additional new add-on books each month. These books cannot be chosen without having one of the main picks for the month in your box.
How does a Book of the Month subscription work?
Each month, you get to choose one of the 5-7 book selections for your book of the month. That’s right-you get to choose which book you want!
If you don’t like any of the book selections, you can choose to skip that month. Skipping a month is super easy too-it is literally an option on the screen with the five books, so no calling customer service to let them know you want to skip the month! Your credit rolls over to the next month and you will not be charged again until you use that credit.
Once you have been a member for a few months, you will have the option to pick a member’s favorite book in place of one of the monthly selections.
If you forget to log in and choose a book or skip that month, you will be charged for another credit. I learned this lesson the hard way!
If you are interested in more than one book, you can opt to add-on up to four of any of the other book selections from that month or choose from any available titles from previous months! Some subscribers have multiple subscriptions because they will be interested in so many titles each month!
How much does a Book of the Month subscription cost?
The cost for Book of the Month is honestly the best part. You get a brand new hardcover book for only $16.99. That’s an amazing deal, as brand new hardcovers are usually at least $28 in stores. Shipping is always free! You can also purchase a yearly subscription for $199.99.
You can also choose add-on books for your box after a main pick. You will unlock a lower add-on book price after you reach Friend status.
What is the Book of the Month Relationships program?
You earn some great perks when you reach Book of the Month Friend and BFF status.
To become a Friend, you have to choose 3 boxes. Once you have shipped 3 boxes, you will unlock a lower price for add-on books and get the option to have up to 4 add-on books in your box.
To become a BFF, you have to choose 12 boxes. When you pick your 12th box, you get a free Book of the Month tote! You also get a free add-on book during your birthday month once you are a BFF. You will lose this add-on if you don’t choose a main book selection for that month though.
And finally, you get a free book when Book of the Month announces their Book of the Year finalists. Book of the Month members vote and you can choose one of the five finalists for free!
Are there any downsides to a Book of the Month subscription?
If you are someone who enjoy extra bookish merch, like candles, fandom items, etc., then you may not find a Book of the Month subscription box very exciting.
If you stick to one or two genres (like me), then you may be disappointed in the selection occasionally. But the good news is you aren’t required to choose a book. You can skip and save your credit for the next month!
If you decide you want to cancel your subscription, you do have to call their customer service to do so, which I always find inconvenient.
The only other downside I can think of is needing more shelf space for all the books you will end up with because some months you will want three (or more!) books. If you want more than three books for the month, you will need to create a new subscription, which is totally allowed!
If you love the idea of trying a Book of the Month subscription box, I have a special link for my blog readers to sign up with! You will get your first book for only $5 using this link.
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