What Book of the Month Sends You Each Month
Book of the Month is a subscription service that sends you one book per month, selected from a curated list you choose from. You pick which book you want before each shipment, or you can let the service choose for you. The books arrive at your home, and you keep them — there is no return requirement.
The service operates on a monthly cycle. Early each month, Book of the Month releases its selection of available titles. You log into your account and pick the book you want shipped that month, or you can skip the month entirely without penalty. If you do not make a selection by the important date (usually around the 5th of the month), the service sends you its staff pick automatically.
Books arrive within one to two weeks of the selection important date. The physical books are hardcover first editions in most cases, though some months include paperback or special editions. You own the books outright once they arrive — there are no shipping them back or monthly rental fees beyond the subscription cost.
Key Takeaways
- Book of the Month costs between $15 and $20 per month depending on your membership tier, and you choose which book you receive each month from a curated list.
- You can skip any month without cancelling your subscription, and skipping does not carry over as a credit toward future months.
- New members often receive a discounted first month (such as $10 for the first book) before the regular monthly rate begins.
- The service includes access to bonus books and special offers throughout the year, with pricing that varies by membership level.
- You can cancel at any time without penalty, and cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
Monthly Cost and Membership Tiers
Book of the Month offers two main membership levels: a standard tier and a premium tier. The standard tier costs around $15 to $17 per month and includes one book selection per month. The premium tier costs around $20 to $22 per month and includes two book selections per month, meaning you can pick two different titles or receive two copies of the same title.
New members typically receive a promotional rate on their first month — often $10 or less for the first book — before the regular monthly price takes effect on the second billing cycle. This introductory rate applies only once per account and does not stack if you cancel and rejoin later.
Book of the Month occasionally runs limited-time promotions for existing members, such as discounted months or bonus book credits. These offers appear in your account dashboard and in email notifications, but they are not may provide every month.
How to Choose Your Monthly Book
Each month, Book of the Month releases between 5 and 10 curated selections across different genres: fiction, mystery, romance, nonfiction, and others. You can browse descriptions, read excerpts, and see cover images for each option in your account or on the website.
The selection window typically opens on the first of the month and closes around the 5th. You log in, review the available titles, and click to select the one you want. If you do not make a choice by the important date, the service automatically sends you the staff pick for that month — the book the editors recommend most highly.
If none of the month's selections appeal to you, you can skip that month. Skipping means you will not be charged and will not receive a book that month. However, skipping does not roll over as a credit; you pay only for the months in which you receive a book.
Shipping, Delivery, and Book Condition
Book of the Month ships books via standard mail, typically USPS or a similar carrier depending on your location. Delivery takes one to two weeks from the selection important date. The service provides a tracking number once your book ships, which you can use to monitor its progress.
Books arrive in protective packaging to prevent damage during transit. If a book arrives damaged or defective, you can contact Book of the Month's customer service to report the issue. The service will usually send a replacement or offer a refund for that month's charge.
International shipping is not available through the standard subscription. Book of the Month currently ships to addresses within the United States only.
Bonus Books and Special Offers
Beyond your monthly selection, Book of the Month members receive access to bonus books and special pricing throughout the year. These are additional titles you can purchase at a discount — typically $10 to $15 per book instead of the full retail price of $25 to $30.
Bonus book offers rotate monthly and appear in your account dashboard. You are not required to purchase them; they are optional additions. Premium tier members sometimes receive exclusive access to certain bonus books or deeper discounts.
The service also occasionally runs seasonal sales or themed collections where you can buy multiple books at reduced rates. These promotions are announced via email and in-app notifications.
Cancellation and Account Management
You can cancel your Book of the Month subscription at any time without penalty or early termination fees. Cancellation is processed through your account settings online — you do not need to contact customer service unless you encounter a technical issue.
When you cancel, your subscription ends at the conclusion of your current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you will still receive the book you selected for that month, and no further charges will occur after that shipment.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily rather than cancel, you can skip multiple months in a row. This keeps your account active and your membership status intact without incurring charges. You can resume selecting books whenever you choose.
Comparing Book of the Month to Other Book Subscriptions
Several other book subscription services operate on similar models. Scribd offers unlimited digital books and audiobooks for around $12 per month, but you do not receive physical books. Kindle Unlimited provides digital books only for roughly $12 per month. Libro.fm focuses on audiobooks and costs around $15 per month for one credit per month.
Book of the Month differs because it sends physical hardcover books and lets you choose from a curated list rather than browsing an entire catalog. This means fewer decisions to make each month but also fewer total titles to choose from. The trade-off is that you pay more per book than you would through a library or used bookstore, but less than full retail price.
If you prefer digital reading or audiobooks, those services may suit you better. If you want physical books delivered to your door with curation built in, Book of the Month's model may align with your reading habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not pick a book before the important date?
Book of the Month automatically sends you the staff pick — the book the editors recommend most for that month. You are still charged the full monthly fee. If you want to avoid this, you must actively skip the month before the important date passes.
Can I change my book selection after I have chosen it?
Most changes must be made before the selection important date closes (usually around the 5th of the month). Once the important date passes and your book ships, you cannot swap it for a different title. Contact customer service if you have a specific situation; they may make exceptions in rare cases.
Do I have to commit to a certain number of months?
No. Book of the Month is month-to-month with no minimum commitment. You can cancel after your first month if you choose, though new members typically receive a promotional rate only on the first shipment.
Are the books new or used?
Book of the Month sends new books. They are first editions in hardcover format (with some exceptions for special releases). The books come in their original packaging and have not been read or owned previously.
What if I want to gift a Book of the Month subscription?
Book of the Month offers gift subscriptions that you can purchase for a set number of months (typically 3, 6, or 12 months). The recipient receives a code to set up the gift, and the subscription begins when they set up their account. Gift subscriptions are usually priced lower per month than a standard monthly subscription.