Book of the Month Review: What It Is, How It Works, and Is It Worth It

Short version: Book of the Month is a monthly book subscription that sends you a curated pick of new hardcovers to choose from, starting around $17.99 a month with a discounted first box, and after a year as a member I’d say yes, it’s worth it if you read even semi regularly.

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I have a TBR list that could probably be seen from space if it was physically manifested, and I still add new titles to it every week from a wander through the bookstore or a scroll through BookTok. Joining Book of the Month has been one of my better book related decisions, mostly because it solves a very specific problem: too many books, not enough decision making energy.

What Is Book of the Month?

Book of the Month, often shortened to BOTM, is a monthly book subscription box that’s been around since 1926, which is a genuinely wild number to type out for a company that still feels current. Each month, five to seven new hardcovers are revealed, spanning thriller, romance, literary fiction, contemporary fiction and more. You choose one, add extras at a discount, or skip the month if nothing grabs you. No candles, no mystery trinkets, no themed stationery, just the book.

How Does Book of the Month Work?

You sign up, get access to that month’s five to seven picks between the first and the fifth, and choose one as your main selection. If you’re on the fence between two, you can usually add a second at a discounted add-on price instead of agonizing over it (a personal specialty of mine). Skip any month you’re not feeling and your credit rolls over, so nothing gets wasted. After five boxes you can vote on The Lolly, their reader’s choice award, and after twelve you get a free birthday book credit, a tote bag, and one free Lolly pick a year.

The selections lean heavily on debut authors, early releases weeks before they hit shelves, and BOTM exclusive editions, which is the part that keeps me subscribed. Getting a hardcover before it’s in stores anywhere else scratches a very specific itch.

How Much Does Book of the Month Cost?

New members typically get a discounted first box, often $9.99 to $14.99. After that, the standard monthly rate runs about $17.99 USD per book as of 2026. Add-on books, the extras you can toss in alongside your main pick, run between $9.99 and $14.99 USD each. If you commit to a full year upfront, the annual plan works out to roughly $12.50 USD per book, which is the best per book value if you know you’ll stick with it.

Book of the Month Pricing at a Glance (USD, as of 2026)

You can cancel or pause anytime, so there’s no pressure to keep it running through a slow reading month.

Is Book of the Month Worth It?

For me, yes. Between wishing I’d won the lottery every time I’m in a bookstore and scrolling recommendations until my list is unmanageable, I hit decision fatigue fast. BOTM narrows it down to five to seven genuinely good options and lets me pick one, or opt out entirely. You’re also paying less than most new hardcovers cost at full retail, so even a mediocre pick still feels like a fair trade.

FAQ: Book of the Month

What is Book of the Month?
Book of the Month is a monthly subscription that curates five to seven new hardcover releases, letting members pick one, add extras, or skip the month.

How does Book of the Month work?

Members choose their monthly hardcover pick between the first and the fifth of the month, can add discounted extra books, and can skip any month without losing their credit.

How much does Book of the Month cost?

New members usually get a discounted first box between $9.99 and $14.99 USD. After that, the standard rate is about $17.99 USD per month, or roughly $12.50 USD per book on the annual plan.

Is Book of the Month worth it?

For regular readers, yes. You’re paying less than full retail for new hardcovers, getting early access to buzzy releases, and can skip any month that doesn’t interest you.

Can you skip a month with Book of the Month?

Yes, you can skip any month for free, and your credit rolls over so it isn’t lost.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go stress about this month’s selections. In the best way possible.

To try your first box at the current promo price, use my referral link. You can skip or cancel anytime.

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