The Ultimate Guide to Book of the Month: Is It Worth It?
Book of the Month is a subscription service that allows readers to discover new and exciting hardcover books at an affordable price. Whether you’re a seasoned subscriber or just exploring your options, this guide answers key questions about the service while shedding light on its features, benefits, and drawbacks.
What Is Book of the Month?
Book of the Month is a subscription service offering one hardcover book each month from a selection of 5-7 editor-curated titles. These include early releases, debut authors, and critically acclaimed works across a variety of genres. Subscribers can also add up to two additional books for $9.99 each, making it a cost-effective way to build a personal library.
How Does Book of the Month Select Its Titles?
The editorial team at Book of the Month chooses its monthly picks through a careful curation process. They consider literary quality, popularity, trends, and member preferences. The team often collaborates with publishers to highlight early releases and debut novels, ensuring a diverse mix for readers to enjoy.
What Happens If I Don’t Like the Book of the Month Selections?
If you’re not interested in any of the monthly picks, Book of the Month allows you to choose from their “Members Most Loved” backlist, which features popular titles from previous months. This ensures you’ll always find something that suits your taste.
Can I Skip My Book of the Month Subscription for a Month?
Yes, skipping your Book of the Month box is simple and penalty-free. You can skip any month, and your credit will roll over to the next month, allowing you to save it for a book you’re excited about. This flexibility ensures you only pay for books you truly want.
What Happens If I Forget to Choose My Book of the Month?
If you don’t select a book by the 6th of the month, Book of the Month will still charge your account. However, your unused credit will roll over and remain available for future use, so you never lose the value of your subscription.
Can I Return a Book of the Month Title If I Don’t Like It?
Book of the Month doesn’t accept returns for personal preference, but they do replace books that arrive damaged or defective. If you receive a damaged book, simply contact their customer service team for a replacement.
Are Book of the Month Editions Collectible?
Book of the Month editions come with a signature embossed logo on the cover and spine, along with the release month. While some readers love this branding for its uniformity, others may prefer unbranded editions for their collections. Either way, these editions maintain the same content as retail versions.
Does Book of the Month Offer Audiobooks or eBooks?
Book of the Month primarily focuses on physical hardcover books. However, they’ve recently added audiobooks to their offerings, which can be purchased with credits. As of now, eBooks are not available through the service.
How Does Book of the Month Compare to Kindle Unlimited?
Book of the Month is ideal for readers who love physical books and enjoy building a personal library of hardcovers at discounted prices. On the other hand, Kindle Unlimited offers access to a vast digital library, making it better suited for eBook enthusiasts. Your choice depends on whether you prefer tangible books or digital convenience.
Can I Gift a Book of the Month Subscription?
Yes! Book of the Month offers gift memberships that allow recipients to select their own books. This makes it an excellent option for thoughtful and personalized gifts for book lovers. You can also choose to gift specific titles as standalone presents.
What Are the Perks of Long-Term Book of the Month Membership?
After 12 months, Book of the Month rewards its members with “BFF” (Best Friend Forever) status. This loyalty program includes:
A free book during your birthday month.
Discounts on merchandise in the Blue Box Boutique.
A free selection from the "Book of the Year" finalists.
Pros and Cons of Book of the Month
Pros
Affordable hardcover books compared to retail prices.
Early access to new releases.
Flexible skip policy with no penalties.
Exclusive perks for long-term members.
Cons
Limited to physical books, which may not suit everyone.
Monthly selections may not always include niche genres.
Embossed branding on editions might not appeal to collectors.
Is Book of the Month Worth It?
Book of the Month is a fantastic subscription service for readers who love physical books, enjoy discovering new authors, and want early access to exciting titles at discounted prices. Its flexibility, affordability, and long-term perks make it a great choice for many book enthusiasts.
However, it might not be ideal for those who prefer digital formats or need a broader range of niche genres. Overall, Book of the Month is an excellent way to build a personal library and explore highly anticipated new releases without overspending.
What do you think about Book of the Month? Let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments below!