Wondering if Book of the Month is worth it? Learn about the cost, book selection, pros, cons, and who should subscribe in this complete guide.
Book of the Month (BOTM) has been a popular subscription box for book lovers for years. But is it actually worth the money? Whether you are a lifelong reader, someone looking to build a reading habit, or curious about whether this subscription will save you money, this guide will answer your questions.
Below, we will break down what Book of the Month offers, how much it costs, the quality of the book selections, and whether it is a good fit for different types of readers. Let’s begin!
Photo by Dom J: https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-books-45717/
What Is Book of the Month?
Book of the Month is a monthly book subscription service that sends readers one hardcover book of their choice from a curated list. Every month, a panel of judges and editors selects around five to seven new releases, spanning popular genres like contemporary fiction, thrillers, historical fiction, romance, literary fiction, and occasionally nonfiction.
Members (I’ve been one for a few years now) select one book for their monthly credit, but they can also add extra books for an additional cost. The service is known for featuring buzzy new releases and debut authors, often before they become widely popular.
Book of the Month has existed in some form since 1926, but its modern incarnation has found popularity with readers who want a convenient way to discover new books without spending time browsing online or in bookstores.
How Much Does Book of the Month Cost?
For most readers, the first question is whether the price is worth it. As of 2025, Book of the Month memberships cost:
- $16.99 per month for one hardcover book.
- $11.99 for each additional book (called “add-ons”) you choose during that month.
- New members often get introductory offers, such as their first book for $5 or discounted bundles.
Since most new hardcover books retail for around $25 to $30, the monthly credit typically saves money compared to buying new releases at full price. However, readers who often buy used books, borrow from the library, or read e-books may find the subscription less cost-effective.
What Kinds of Books Does Book of the Month Offer?
One of the biggest draws of Book of the Month is its curated selection. Each month, the editors handpick a mix of popular genres. Common options include:
- Contemporary and literary fiction – Book club-friendly titles, often featuring diverse voices and emotional themes.
- Thrillers and mysteries – Fast-paced page-turners and psychological thrillers (my favorite category).
- Historical fiction – Stories set in past time periods, often with richly detailed settings.
- Romance and romantic comedies – Lighthearted love stories and emotional reads.
- Nonfiction and memoirs – Less common, but sometimes featured.
While the selection is varied, some readers find it limited. There are usually five to seven choices each month, so if you prefer niche genres like fantasy, science fiction, or nonfiction-heavy reading, the options may not always appeal to you.
Are the Books High Quality?
Most Book of the Month selections are recent releases or soon-to-be bestsellers. The company often features debut authors alongside well-known writers. BOTM has been credited with helping launch careers, as many picks later appear on bestseller lists or become book club favorites.
The physical books themselves are high quality. They are hardcover editions with BOTM branding on the spine. Some readers note that BOTM editions may differ slightly from the standard retail versions, but the content is the same.
If you value owning new hardcover books rather than waiting for paperbacks or library holds, this can make the subscription appealing.
Is Book of the Month a Good Deal for Casual Readers?
Whether BOTM is worth it depends on how much you read. For casual readers who finish only one book every month or two, the subscription can be motivating. Receiving a new book every month might help you establish a consistent reading habit.
However, if you often buy used books, borrow from the library, or use e-book services like Kindle Unlimited, paying $16.99 for a hardcover might feel expensive.
The value increases for readers who take advantage of the $11.99 add-ons, since those prices are far below typical hardcover retail costs. This is especially true for readers who enjoy owning a collection of new releases.
How Does It Compare to Other Book Subscription Services?
Book of the Month stands out from other book subscriptions because you choose your book from a curated list rather than receiving a surprise title. Many subscription boxes send you a mystery book along with bookish extras like candles, bookmarks, or snacks, which can make them more expensive but less practical if you only want the book itself.
BOTM focuses solely on the books, so it is a better value for readers who do not need the extra items and want control over what they receive each month.
What If You Skip a Month?
One of my favorite benefits of BOTM is flexibility. If none of the monthly picks appeal to you, you can skip the month without being charged. Your credit will roll over, so you do not lose your money. You can later use your credit on future picks or backlist titles from previous months.
This feature makes the service low-risk, especially for readers who do not want to commit to a book every single month.
Can You Cancel Book of the Month Easily?
Yes, Book of the Month allows members to cancel anytime. You can cancel through your account settings online without having to call customer service. If you cancel, any unused credits remain in your account, so you can still redeem them for books later.
Many readers appreciate that there are no hidden fees or complicated cancellation steps, which is not always the case with subscription services.
Who Is Book of the Month Best For?
Book of the Month tends to be the best fit for:
- Readers who enjoy discovering new releases without spending hours researching.
- People who like hardcover editions and want to build a personal library.
- Readers who finish at least one book per month, making the cost worthwhile.
- Book club members looking for current, buzzworthy titles to discuss.
It may not be ideal for readers who:
- Rarely buy new books or prefer e-books and audiobooks.
- Want a wide variety of genres like fantasy, sci-fi, or niche nonfiction.
- Prefer shopping for discounted paperbacks or library books.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Book of the Month?
Pros
- Affordable compared to retail hardcover prices.
- Curated selections save time searching for books.
- Flexible skipping policy with no penalties.
- High-quality editions of popular titles.
- Discounts on additional books each month.
Cons
- Limited monthly selection, especially for niche genres.
- Costs more than borrowing books or buying used.
- BOTM editions sometimes lack features like dust jacket pricing or special endpapers.
Comparison Table (BOTM vs Other Book Subscription Services)
| Feature | Book of the Month (BOTM) | OwlCrate | Once Upon a Book Club | Audible (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (per month) | $16.99 for 1 hardcover book | $32.99 for 1 book + extras | $49.99 for 1 book + gifts | $14.95 for 1 audiobook credit |
| Book Selection | Choose 1 of 5–7 curated new releases | Surprise YA or adult fantasy pick | Surprise pick + themed gifts | Thousands of audiobooks |
| Format | Hardcover only | Hardcover with exclusive cover | Paperback or hardcover | Digital (audiobook) |
| Extras | None (books only) | Bookish items, exclusive merch | Themed gifts tied to story | None |
| Skipping Months | Yes, credits roll over | Limited flexibility | Limited flexibility | Pause or cancel anytime |
| Ideal For | Readers who want new hardcovers at a discount | Fans of YA/fantasy + collectibles | Readers who love immersive experiences | Listeners or multitaskers |
Is Book of the Month Worth It for You?
Ultimately, Book of the Month is worth it for readers who enjoy discovering new books, prefer hardcover editions, and want a consistent flow of fresh reads. It offers good value for the cost, especially if you take advantage of add-ons or introductory deals.
However, if you primarily read e-books, borrow from the library, or prefer waiting for paperback releases, you may find that BOTM is not as cost-effective.
Before committing, consider trying the service for a month using one of the common $5 introductory offers. This trial can help you decide if the book selections and pricing align with your reading habits.
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