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Books & Reading Updated 1/29/2026

Book of the Month vs OwlCrate: Book Box Comparison

Compare Book of the Month and OwlCrate book subscription boxes. Find out which is best for your reading preferences and budget.

Book of the Month

Choose from 5-7 curated new hardcover releases each month, hand-picked by literary judges.

Starting at $16.99/month
View Book of the Month

OwlCrate Young Adult

Premium YA book subscription with exclusive editions, sprayed edges, and curated bookish merchandise.

Full box (Book Only $29.99) $38.99/month
View OwlCrate Young Adult

Detailed Comparison

Monthly Price
Book of the Month
$17.99/month
OwlCrate Young Adult
$34.99/month
What's Included
Book of the Month
Hardcover book only
OwlCrate Young Adult
Book + 3-5 bookish items
Book Selection
Book of the Month
5 choices, you pick
OwlCrate Young Adult
Curated YA pick
Genre Focus
Book of the Month
Adult fiction/nonfiction
OwlCrate Young Adult
Young Adult fantasy/romance
Exclusive Content
Book of the Month
Some early releases
OwlCrate Young Adult
Signed copies, special editions
Value
Book of the Month
Excellent for book only
OwlCrate Young Adult
Great for collectors

The Bottom Line

These are very different book subscription experiences:

  • Choose Book of the Month if you want affordable hardcovers with the freedom to choose your book each month
  • Choose OwlCrate if you love YA fantasy/romance and want a full unboxing experience with exclusive items

Quick Comparison

FeatureBook of the MonthOwlCrate
Price$17.99/month$34.99/month
Book FormatHardcoverHardcover (often exclusive)
Book ChoiceYou choose from 5Curated for you
Extra ItemsNone3-5 bookish goodies
GenreAdult fiction/nonfictionYA fantasy/romance
Best ForPractical readersBook collectors

What You Get

Book of the Month

  • 1 new hardcover book (your choice of 5)
  • Exclusive early-release titles
  • Option to add extra books for $14.99
  • Skip any month for free
  • No commitment required

OwlCrate

  • 1 new YA hardcover (often signed/exclusive edition)
  • 3-5 bookish items themed to the book
  • Items like candles, bookmarks, art prints, pins
  • Exclusive cover art or special editions
  • Full unboxing experience

Book Selection Process

Book of the Month

  • Expert judges select 5 books monthly
  • YOU choose which book you want
  • Mix of literary fiction, thrillers, romance, nonfiction
  • Add-ons available at member prices
  • See all options before deciding

OwlCrate

  • Curators select ONE YA title
  • Surprise reveal each month
  • Focus on fantasy, romance, and adventure
  • Themes announced in advance
  • Trust the curation

Winner: Book of the Month for choice; OwlCrate for curated surprises.

Value Analysis

Book of the Month

  • $17.99 for new hardcover (retail $25-30)
  • Immediate value: ~$10 savings per book
  • Add-on books: $14.99 (more savings)
  • No fluff, just books

OwlCrate

  • $34.99 for book + items
  • Retail value: $70-100+
  • Exclusive editions worth more to collectors
  • Items add experience value

For pure readers: Book of the Month wins on price. For collectors: OwlCrate’s exclusives and items justify the price.

Who Should Choose Book of the Month?

Choose BOTM if you:

  • Just want good books at great prices
  • Read adult fiction and nonfiction
  • Want to choose your own books
  • Don’t need extra items
  • Appreciate flexibility to skip months

Who Should Choose OwlCrate?

Choose OwlCrate if you:

  • Love YA fantasy and romance
  • Enjoy the unboxing experience
  • Collect bookish merchandise
  • Want signed or exclusive editions
  • Love themed surprises

Can You Subscribe to Both?

Absolutely! Many avid readers do:

  • BOTM for adult reading picks
  • OwlCrate for YA indulgence and collectibles

The total ($52.98/month) is still less than buying 2 hardcovers + merchandise at retail.

Final Recommendation

For budget-conscious readers: Book of the Month delivers excellent value with quality picks and total flexibility.

For YA book lovers: OwlCrate creates a magical experience beyond just reading, it’s a celebration of book culture.

Both services offer easy cancellation, so try whichever matches your reading style.

Research Sources

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