Monthly Book Subscriptions Worth Trying

Imagine this: It's Friday evening, you're finally ready to relax after a hectic week, and you realize you've got nothing exciting on your bookshelf. You've read your favorites multiple times, and the process of browsing through endless options online feels overwhelming. Sound familiar?
This is where monthly book subscription services step in—delivering handpicked books straight to your doorstep each month. Whether you're an avid reader or just love discovering something new, these services remove the guesswork, ensuring you always have something interesting to dive into.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Book Subscription
Before you dive into choosing a monthly subscription, it helps to ask yourself a few simple questions to ensure you're signing up for something you'll genuinely find valuable and enjoyable:
- Genre Preferences: Do you lean toward fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of both? Consider if you prefer expanding your knowledge or escaping into a fictional world.
- Budget: Book subscriptions range from affordable monthly setups to pricier premium boxes featuring hardcover exclusives, bookish items, and special editions. Decide what monthly budget comfortably fits your lifestyle.
- Shipping Options and Availability: Always check if a subscription ships to your location and at what cost. Some subscriptions offer international shipping, while others stay domestic.
Once you've given these points a little thought, let's look at different subscription styles available.
Informational Book Subscriptions
If your reading preferences revolve around personal growth, self-improvement, or staying informed on various topics, informational book subscriptions are an ideal match. They provide a curated selection of books covering diverse and enriching subjects.
Book of the Month
Who's it for? Readers interested in staying informed with highly regarded nonfiction alongside contemporary fiction choices.
Why you'll love it: Every month, you receive carefully curated new-release titles recommended by literary experts. You choose one or more titles from a broad selection, ensuring your bookshelf stays engaging and diverse.
How it works: You select a monthly book choice, with the option to skip or add additional titles anytime. It’s a flexible and affordable way to continuously enrich your personal library.
Nonfiction Book Club
Who's it for? Curious minds eager for personal development, world insights, or deep dives into fascinating subjects.
Why you'll love it: Nonfiction Book Club delivers thought-provoking and educational reads straight to your house, helping you explore new perspectives and immerse yourself in real-world topics. A subscriber described it perfectly:
"I used to wonder how to pick informative yet engaging nonfiction—I was always overwhelmed by options. Now, Nonfiction Book Club does the hard work for me, and every book has opened my eyes to something incredibly valuable." — Alyssa, subscriber.
How it works: Simply sign up and let the experts choose engaging nonfiction gems for you monthly. Perfect if you're looking to consistently expand your understanding of the world.
Fiction Book Subscriptions
Looking for literary escapism, gripping thrillers, or romantic tales? Fiction book subscription services carefully select stories guaranteed to captivate your imagination and whisk you away from everyday stress.
OwlCrate
Who's it for? Fans of young adult fiction who appreciate immersive reading experiences and exclusive book-related items.
Why you'll love it: OwlCrate beautifully combines curated novels with exclusive bookish goodies, character merch, and collectible items related to your favorite fiction worlds.
How it works: Each month centers around a unique theme, featuring one brand-new YA hardcover novel and related literary gifts. It’s a fantastic way to not only receive intriguing new reads but also visibly show off your excitement for literature.
Once Upon a Book Club
Who's it for? Fiction lovers looking to elevate the experience of reading by bringing books to life in an interactive, fun manner.
Why you'll love it: Once Upon a Book Club adds immersive elements to reading—each subscription box includes wrapped gifts labeled with page numbers. As the story unfolds, you're prompted to open gifts at key points, making reading truly tactile and engaging.
How it works: Select your preferred genre (adult or young adult), and each month you'll receive a beautifully packaged book and curated gift items beautifully integrated with the storyline. For those wanting more discovering and fun, this service is incredibly delightful.
Hybrid Book Subscriptions
Feeling indecisive or simply craving balance between fiction and educational books? Hybrid subscriptions answer perfectly by delivering a little bit of both worlds.
My Thrill Club
Who's it for? Readers hungry for a dose of excitement—thrillers, mysteries, horror novels—and craving adventurous variety without genre limitations.
Why you'll love it: Each month, My Thrill Club surprises subscribers with two thrilling selections that alternate between captivating fiction and exciting nonfiction, guaranteeing diversity and excitement.
How it works: Subscribers select their preferred "thrill" category, and the club curates books that perfectly balance entertainment and discovery.
The Book Drop
Who's it for? Eclectic readers preferring surprises and thoughtful mixtures of fiction and nonfiction from independent and lesser-known authors.
Why you'll love it: Supporting indie bookstores and discovering smaller authors is personally rewarding, and The Book Drop excels in delivering handpicked, delightful titles that might not yet be mainstream but certainly deserve discovering.
How it works: Choose your preferred category or let yourself be surprised—every box brings local bookstore charm straight to your home.
Conclusion
Monthly book subscriptions solve the common problem of having nothing engaging on hand or facing choice overload. By matching your reading preferences with expert-curated selections or interactive experiences, these services consistently make your reading time something truly special.
The key is to understand your own preferred genres, price points, and expectations from a subscription. Whether you crave enriching nonfiction, immersive fiction, or a mix of both, you're sure to find something that feels like a special gift arriving monthly that you genuinely look forward to.
If you're intrigued, explore some of the monthly book subscriptions we've covered here—your next favorite read might already be on its way to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I gift a book subscription?
Absolutely! Nearly all subscription services offer gift options readily available on their websites, including flexible lengths of time and thoughtful extras.
Can I pause or cancel a monthly subscription if I change my mind?
Almost all book subscription companies offer flexible cancellation or pausing options—they understand life's rhythms and generally make membership adjustments easy for subscribers.
Are these subscriptions suited for children and young readers?
Several subscription companies specialize in children's literature. OwlCrate, for example, offers "OwlCrate Jr" designed for younger readers aged 8-12, delivering age-appropriate engaging books and delightful surprises.
Have you tried a monthly book subscription you love? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
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About the Author
This article was written by our editorial team to help online shoppers make better decisions. We regularly publish in-depth product guides, expert insights, and online deal breakdowns to help you shop smarter every day.