Book of the Month

Book of the Month (BOTM) offers members the power of choice - each month, select from 5-7 newly released hardcover books curated by a panel of authors and literary experts. Unlike blind subscription boxes, you pick the book that speaks to you. Many selections are early releases or buzzy debuts you can't find anywhere else yet. Skip any month and your credits roll over, add extra books at member prices, and unlock perks as you build your reading history.

Book of the Month has been connecting readers with great books since 1926, making it one of the oldest subscription services in existence. After a 2015 relaunch, BOTM has grown to over 400,000 members, primarily millennial and Gen Z readers who love the power to choose their monthly read. Unlike mystery book boxes that send random selections, BOTM puts you in control - ensuring you only receive books you actually want to read.

The modern iteration of BOTM combines nearly a century of literary curation expertise with contemporary reading preferences. Their panel of judges includes bestselling authors, critics, and publishing professionals who read hundreds of advance copies to identify the most compelling new releases each month. This expert filtering saves members countless hours of research while introducing them to books they might never discover on their own.

Pricing Plans

Book of the Month offers competitive pricing that makes hardcovers affordable:

Plan	Price	Per-Book Cost	Best For
Monthly	$16.99/month	$16.99	Trying the service
Annual	$149.99/year	$12.50	Committed readers (save 26%)

Additional Options:

• Add-on Books: $9.99-14.99 each (member pricing on extra selections)
• Skip Months: Free - your credit rolls over indefinitely
• Audiobook Add-On: Available in the BOTM app for select titles

Gift Memberships:

• 3 months: $59.99 ($19.99/book)
• 6 months: $99.99 ($16.66/book)
• 12 months: $199.99 ($16.66/book) - includes bonus items

All plans include free shipping within the United States. International members pay additional shipping fees. There are no cancellation fees - you can pause or cancel anytime without penalty.

What’s Included

Every Book of the Month membership includes:

Monthly Book Selection: Choose one hardcover from 5-7 expertly curated new releases. These aren’t backlist titles or remainders - they’re brand new books, often early releases or debut novels that haven’t hit bookstore shelves yet. BOTM frequently secures exclusive editions with unique cover designs not available elsewhere.

Member Add-Ons: Want more than one book? Add extra selections at member pricing ($9.99-14.99) instead of retail prices ($26-30). You can also browse past BOTM picks and add them to your monthly shipment at discounted rates.

Free Shipping: All deliveries ship free to US addresses, typically arriving within the first week of each month. Books are well-packaged to prevent damage during shipping.

Digital Extras: Access to the BOTM mobile app includes audiobook versions of select titles, author interviews, reading guides, and discussion prompts. Join reading challenges and track your progress over time.

Loyalty Rewards: As you accumulate boxes, you unlock member tiers with increasing perks - early access to limited add-ons, surprise bonuses, free Book of the Year selections, and exclusive merchandise.

Skip Flexibility: Not interested in any month’s selections? Skip with one click by the selection deadline. Your credit rolls over to the next month with no expiration. Some members save up credits to order multiple books at once.

Community Access: Connect with other BOTM members through the app and online forums. Participate in buddy reads, vote for Book of the Year, and share reviews and recommendations.

How It Works

The Book of the Month experience follows a predictable monthly rhythm:

Week 1 of Month: BOTM announces the new month’s selections, typically 5-7 books chosen by their judging panel. You’ll receive an email notification with descriptions, judge commentary, and early reviews for each selection. The BOTM website and app showcase cover art, book summaries, author information, and comparison titles.

Selection Window (First 3 Weeks): You have until the selection deadline (usually the 6th of each month) to make your choice. During this window, you can:

• Choose your main selection (included in your monthly credit)
• Add extra books at member pricing
• Browse and add past BOTM picks from the archive
• Skip the month if nothing appeals to you
• Change your selection as many times as you want before the deadline

Deadline Day: If you haven’t made a selection by the deadline, BOTM will either skip you automatically (if you’ve set this preference) or select the month’s most popular title for you. You’ll receive an email reminder a few days before the deadline.

Shipping (End of Month/Start of Next Month): Books ship in the final days of the month or first days of the following month. Most members receive their books within the first week of the new month. You’ll get a shipping notification with tracking information.

Reading Time: Enjoy your book throughout the month while anticipating next month’s selections. Use the BOTM app to track your reading, write reviews, and connect with other members reading the same title.

Loyalty Progression: Each box you receive counts toward your loyalty tier. After 12 boxes, you become a “Friend” member with perks. Continue accumulating to reach “BFF” status for maximum benefits.

Who It’s For

Best For:

• Fiction Lovers: 80% of selections are fiction across genres (literary, thriller, romance, fantasy, historical)
• Readers Who Value Choice: Unlike blind boxes, you select every book you receive
• Bargain Hunters: Hardcovers at $12.50-16.99 vs $26-30 retail prices
• Debut Discovery: 75% of picks feature up-and-coming authors before they hit bestseller lists
• Social Readers: The community aspect appeals to those who love discussing books
• Gift Givers: One of the best subscription gifts for book lovers
• Busy Professionals: Let experts filter through new releases to find the best

Not Ideal For:

• Non-Fiction Exclusives: Only 20% of selections are non-fiction, so dedicated non-fiction readers may skip frequently
• Genre Specialists: If you only read mystery or only read sci-fi, you may not find enough options monthly
• Paperback Preference: BOTM only offers hardcovers, which some readers find less portable
• International Readers: Additional shipping costs make it less economical outside the US
• Immediate Gratification: Since books ship once monthly, you can’t get instant access like digital books

The service excels for readers who devour 1-4 books per month, appreciate expert curation, and enjoy the anticipation of monthly book mail. BOTM members often describe it as having a knowledgeable friend who hand-picks books perfectly suited to their tastes. The 4.1 Trustpilot rating (110 reviews), A+ BBB rating with accreditation, and 100-year legacy speak to the enduring appeal of this curated reading experience.

With Book of the Month, you’re not just buying books - you’re joining a community of 400,000+ readers, supporting debut authors, and ensuring you always have something exciting on your nightstand.