So I have been testing out a few different book subscription boxes over the past few months. I wanted to have a good idea about the items included, prices, shipping, packaging and my enjoyment before telling you about these boxes so I could give you my best opinion. As I am sure you know, subscription boxes really started picking up steam a year or two ago and when I originally wanted to receive a book subscription box each month the only one available was BookRiot that was way out of my price range at the time. Most subscription services sent you a monthly box in the interest of your choice, mine is obviously books, for a fee. They select the items that you receive and they are often a complete surprise. So anyway enough of my chatter let me share my boxes with you, I have subscribed to 3 different services over the past 3 -5 months but I am only going to show you the most recent boxes. (Just as a note: none of this sponsored, I paid for each of these subscription services from my own pocket. I was never contact by any of these services to post a review or promote anything, these are all my own opinions).
This was the first subscription I started receiving. There is a limited amount of boxes each month and it took me a couple of months on the email/waiting list to snag a subscription. The subscription is $39.99 for the box and I think $11.00 or so for shipping. The box includes at least 2 signed books and some book swag and bookworm box swag. All proceeds go to charity. The books are I believe donated as is the author's time for signatures. The Bookworm Box is organized by author Colleen Hoover
In my July box I received The Perfect Life by Erin Noelle and Unseen Messages by Pepper Winters both signed by the authors. The box also included a little preview book from Roman Crazy which was a great idea. There are also little cards and bookmarks from other authors. As far as the Bookworm Box goodies, there is a stress reliever book, pen, sticker and socks (the goodies vary each month but there is always a pen and some really unique items).
I like all the goodies you get in this box and I enjoy the fact that the books you receive are signed and especially that the proceeds are donated to a variety of charities (you receive a note telling you where the money is going). I am a little disappointed in the book selections though, they seem to really revolve around contemporary books, which I don't often read. I have only once received a book that I had heard of and was on my TBR/Wishlist and I have received 5 boxes I think. A few of the books do sound interesting but they are definitely not a priority for me to read. I have cancelled my subscription to the Bookworm box because of the selection of books and the high price. I do think you get a good value for your money if you enjoy the books being selected.
Previous Boxes I have received
The next service I decided to try out was Novel Tea Club, I happened to stumble and loved the idea of a book and a different tea each month. There was no waiting list at the time I signed up, I don't know if there is one now. The subscription is $27.50 USD (this is a Canadian subscription service) which I believe includes shipping cost. There are also almost always promo codes to find on their facebook or website (I had a limited time code for 10% off for life). Included in the box each month is a book, a tea (either loose leaf or bagged) and a few other goodies that often include a snack and/or some locally or small business made/produced items. You can also select the genre for your subscription, the options currently are Romance, YA and Fantasy/Sci-Fi. You can also change your selection throughout your subscription.
I subscribed to the Fantasy box and while most of the books are new to me, they all sound very intriguing. In my July box I received Once Again by Liz Braswell and Cameron Dokey, a pair of fairytale retellings, some Macha Macaroons, some bath fizzies, chapstick, a pair of magnetic bookmarks and 3 types of tea (a berry green tea, green rooibos and red rooibos). I do know that they are changing the format slightly come next month and there will be a theme (Night Owl).
I have really enjoyed this box every month, I have never been able to finish all the tea before a new box arrives. When they send loose tea there is usually a tea infuser and/or bags to fill included. The goodies are intriguing to try, there have been handmade marshmallows in the past, maybe not my favorite things to eat but still fun to try. I really love that you can select a genre of books, a few of the ones I have received have been on my TBR/Wishlist already. At only about $25 a month this has been a great box to enjoy.
Past boxes I have received
The Bookcase Club is my newest subscription box that I have tried out. It is more of a straight up book subscription. Each month you receive 2 books in your selected genre. The genre choices have a wide variety and include: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, YA, Mystery/Thriller, Children's, Romance and even options for cookbooks and history books (these two are quarterly books). The cost is $9.99 a month and $5.00 shipping (if you pre-pay for several months or use promo codes it can be cheaper - I pre-paid for 6 months and had a 10 or 15% off code so it works out to be less than $8 a month).
I subscribed to the Romance Subscription and in my July box I received Read Bottom Up by Neel Shah & Skye Chatham and How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky by Lydia Netzer. I haven't read either of these books but I really can't wait to read Read Bottom Up, it looks like a really unique format.
I really have enjoyed this subscription and you can't beat the price. I like how there is such a selection of genres to choose from and I believe you can change it. I haven't heard of most of the books I have received so far but so many of them have sounded fantastic and I am clearing out a lot of my TBR for this year so I can read these books. I am thinking if I can get another fantastic code like last time I might get Munchkin his own book subscription.
Past boxes I have received
Do you have a book subscription box you like? Have you received any of these before? Did you enjoy the books you have gotten?
I'm always tempted to sign up for one but as fun as getting a box full of goodies would be my tbr pile is out of control as it is. The 9.99 one is tempting though.
ReplyDeleteHAHA yes my TBR pile is really out of control already so I figured why not add to it LOL! I am super happy with the BookCase club box, I actually read one of the books over the weekend it was so great. I am definitely getting this box for Munchkin soon, I am curious if I will get some new children's books I have never heard of before too.
DeleteIf you don't want books and just book/ reading related items there is a subscription box called Bookish I think that is just strictly items like mugs, bookmarks, etc. relating to reading and books.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such a great article.Book for love is another level of hobby. I got Book Subscription UK and get amazing books monthly.