Book of the Month (BOTM) is a subscription service that provides members with a curated selection of new hardcover books each month. While the core service requires a paid membership, the platform offers a variety of rewards, perks, and alternative methods to acquire books at a reduced cost or through promotional incentives. These benefits function as a loyalty program, providing members with free books, credits, and merchandise based on their engagement and subscription status. This article details the structure of these rewards, their eligibility requirements, and other cost-saving strategies associated with the service, based exclusively on the provided source material.
The service operates on a credit-based system. Members pay a monthly fee for one credit, which can be redeemed for one book from a curated selection of five newly released or soon-to-be-released hardcover books each month. Alternatively, members can choose from a selection of popular books as an alternative or choose to skip a month entirely. Skipping requires a manual action through the member's account; failure to skip results in a charge. The subscription cost is $15.99 per credit as of the provided information. The service also offers an option for audiobooks or physical books.
Book of the Month Rewards and Perks
Book of the Month provides several loyalty-based rewards for active members. These are designed to enhance the value of the subscription and encourage long-term membership.
- Referral Program: Members can earn rewards by referring new users. According to the source, referring someone results in the member receiving a selection of pins.
- BFF Status: Members can achieve "BFF" status, though the specific criteria for attaining this level are not detailed in the provided material. Upon reaching BFF status, members receive a package of benefits, which includes:
- A free tote bag.
- A free book of the year finalist book.
- Discounts in the BOTM store.
- A free book credit during the member's birthday month.
- BOTM Challenges: The service periodically offers challenges. If a member completes these challenges, they receive a small bonus, which is typically applied to their next box.
Cost Considerations and Alternative Access Methods
While the subscription includes a monthly book, the source material notes that the cost may not be worth it for all consumers, especially since the price has increased by several dollars since the reviewer's membership began. For consumers seeking lower-cost or free alternatives, the source suggests several methods that do not involve the BOTM subscription.
- Library Services: The reviewer frequently uses the library to check out books, including those by authors that are not consistently featured in the BOTM selection. The reviewer specifically mentions using the library to read Riley Sager's books that are not part of the BOTM catalog.
- Libby App: The source recommends the Libby app as a way to check out audiobooks or ebooks for free through a local library.
- Book Format Choice: The reviewer notes that paperback books are typically cheaper than hardcover books, suggesting that purchasing paperbacks may be a more cost-effective alternative to the hardcover books offered by BOTM.
- Direct Purchase: For readers who prefer to own books without a subscription, purchasing books directly from retailers or second-hand is presented as a cheaper alternative to the subscription model.
Eligibility and Selection Limitations
The BOTM service has specific limitations that affect which books are available to members, which can influence the perceived value of the subscription.
- Genre and Author Selection: The selection is curated by BOTM judges and focuses on new releases, debut novels, and popular books. However, the source indicates that the selection may not cover all genres equally. For example, there are reportedly not many memoirs, science fiction, or horror novels added to the selection. The most common genres are contemporary novels and historical fiction. Consequently, readers who favor niche genres or wish to read all books by a specific author may find the available options limiting.
- Physical Book Branding: All books received through BOTM are marked with the service's branding on both the side and front. While some members appreciate the uniform appearance on a bookshelf, this permanent branding may be a drawback for others who prefer unmarked books.
Conclusion
Book of the Month offers a structured loyalty program that provides members with tangible rewards, including free books, credits, merchandise, and store discounts, based on their subscription activity and referral success. The BFF status and challenge programs are key components of this reward system. However, the service's value is contingent on the member's reading preferences, as the selection is limited to specific genres and newly released hardcovers. For consumers seeking free or lower-cost books, the source material emphasizes alternative methods such as using the Libby app, accessing library resources, and purchasing paperbacks directly. The decision to join and remain a member should be based on an evaluation of these costs, selection limitations, and the availability of these alternative access methods.