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I absolutely love Book of the Month – it’s my favorite book subscription! Each month, I get to pick from their specially chosen book selections, and soon enough, a blue box arrives right at my doorstep, holding one (or even two or three) fresh new books for me to enjoy.
Although, there was a surprise twist in March 2022 when they decided to mix things up by offering a different number of book choices. I guess they enjoy keeping us pleasantly surprised!
Nevertheless, every single month, I’ll be sharing the spotlight on the selected books and sharing my thoughts about each one. Whether you’re a Book of the Month member or not (at least not yet), I believe you’ll find real value in exploring this handpicked list of new releases.
So, keep scrolling to discover all the exciting details about the Book of the Month August 2023 selections and to uncover which book I’m eagerly adding to my subscription box.
Common Questions | August 2023 Selections | Member Favorites
What is Book of the Month?
Book of the Month is a really popular book club that sends you a special book every month. It’s a cool way for book lovers to discover new stories.
Every month, a group of people picks at least five different books for you to choose from. These books cover all kinds of topics and come in special hardcover editions. You can even choose audiobooks now. Sometimes, the books they pick haven’t even come out yet, so you get to read them before most people do!
At the start of the month, you pick one book that you really want, and then a blue box with your book arrives at your house. If you’re not excited about any of the books they picked, you can skip that month and save your choice for later. After you’ve gotten three books, you can even pick from a list of five favorite books from other readers.
But if you want more than one book, you can add up to two more at a lower price. These extra books can be from the current month’s list, books from past months that people really liked, or even new books that they offer as extras. It’s a fun way to get new books delivered to you and enjoy lots of reading!
Pricing
Book of the Month has two ways to pay. With the monthly plan, you get one credit every month for $17. If you want to pay for a whole year at once, the yearly plan gives you 12 credits for $168, which makes each book around $14. That’s a great deal for new hardcover books!
And guess what? If you want more books in your box, each extra book is just $10!
If you want to give Book of the Month as a gift, they have gift cards for 3, 6, or 9 months.
If you’re new, you can often get your first book for $10 on their website.
Book of the Month Selections for August 2023
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo
“Family Lore” is a special book about a Dominican American family with magical powers.
Flor, one of the family members, can tell when someone will pass away. She wants to have a big party to celebrate her life, but her sisters are surprised and curious about her reasons. Each sister has their own secrets, and even the young cousins, Ona and Yadi, have their own challenges.
The story takes place over three days and shows how the family’s past and present come together in a beautiful way. It’s a book about family, secrets, and how people help each other through all the adventures life brings.
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
“The book ‘The Many Lives of Mama Love’ tells the real-life story of Lara Love Hardin. She started off as a regular mom but got caught up in some serious problems, like stealing money from people. This led her to end up in jail, where she had to learn how to survive and even became a leader among her fellow inmates.
Once she was out of jail, Lara turned her life around. She became a successful writer and had the chance to meet famous people like Oprah and The Dalai Lama. Despite her successes, she struggled with the guilt of her past actions.
The book is about Lara’s journey to forgive herself, become a better person, and overcome the challenges of her past. It’s a story of redemption, friendship, and personal growth.”
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
“Happiness Falls” by Angie Kim unfolds the tale of a Korean American family in Virginia, whose lives are upended when the father and younger brother mysteriously vanish after a walk in a nearby park.
As the family grapples with the unsettling disappearance and the unique challenge posed by the younger brother’s inability to speak due to Angelman syndrome, they embark on a journey that uncovers hidden truths, tests their bonds, and prompts a profound exploration of love, language, and familial connections.
Through unexpected twists and poignant moments, the story delves into the intricate dynamics of the family, painting a poignant picture of their quest for understanding and unity amidst the uncertainty surrounding the missing father.
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
“Shark Heart: A Love Story” is a special book about a lady named Wren and her husband Lewis. They just got married, but something unusual happens – Lewis starts turning into a great white shark! He can still think and remember, but his body changes.
Wren has to decide what to do. The story goes back and forth between their life together and Wren’s memories. She thinks about her own past, her mom’s difficult experiences, and her own choices. It’s a book about love, changes, memories, and making hard decisions.
Even though it might sound strange, it’s a beautiful and unique story about life and how we find happiness.”
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
“None of This Is True: A Novel” is a thrilling story about a lady named Alix who makes podcasts about true crime stories.
One day, she meets another woman named Josie who shares the same birthday as her. Josie seems mysterious, and Alix decides to make a podcast about her. As Alix gets to know Josie, she realizes that Josie has some dark secrets.
Josie becomes a part of Alix’s life and home, but then she suddenly disappears. Alix discovers that Josie has done some scary things, and now Alix’s own life is in danger. The book is about uncovering secrets, facing danger, and figuring out who Josie really is.”
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
“Vampires of El Norte” is a tale set in the 1840s along the Texas-Mexico border. Nena, a tough rancher’s daughter, knows about dangers from both humans and supernatural forces.
When Néstor, her childhood love, returns, they find themselves entwined in the chaos of the U.S.-Mexico war. Nena, striving to prove her abilities, and Néstor, now a vaquero, must confront their past and team up against a terrifying vampire-like creature.
As they face this dark threat and their own emotions, they’re pushed to their limits in a battle for survival that holds the key to their futures.”
August’s New Add-Ons
Lately, Book of the Month has been adding some extra books along with their regular monthly choices. After you pick your main book, you can also choose to add one of these new books (or any older book) to your box.
New Books for August:
Don’t Like the August Books?
Sometimes, the books for August 2023 might not be what you’re looking for. But don’t worry! After getting three boxes, you have a new choice!
Before, if you didn’t like any of the five choices, you had to skip the whole month. But now, you can pick a book that other members like and then add up to two more books if you want.
Member Faves:
My August 2023 Picks
I’m excited to share my August book choices with you! Last month, I picked just one book, but this time I’m going back to my usual routine and selecting three books for my August box.
Choosing my main book was easy this time. I’ve already read “None of This is True” and “Happiness Falls,” and they were both okay for me with three-star ratings. So, I decided to go with “With the Fire on High.” since it’s the GMA Book Club pick for August, and I’ve liked other books by Elizabeth Acevedo, like “The Poet X” and “Family Lore.”
For the rest of my box, I wanted some lighter reads. I’m a fan of thrillers, so I’m hoping “Just Another Missing Person” will give me an exciting mystery to enjoy. And I couldn’t resist adding “The Five-Star Weekend” to my selection – it seems like a perfect book to read on the beach and wrap up my summer reading.
Common Questions
How does Book of the Month work?
Every month, a panel of judges picks a variety of books across different genres. Subscribers can then select one book from the choices offered. If none of the options appeal, you can skip that month without losing your credits.
When can you pick your book for Book of the Month?
Book of the Month usually opens its selection window at the beginning of each month, giving you the chance to pick your book from the curated options.
How does Book of the Month pick their books?
Book of the Month’s panel of judges, which often includes authors, editors, and book experts, carefully selects the monthly book choices. They consider factors like diverse genres and upcoming releases.
How many books can you pick from Book of the Month?
Subscribers typically have at least five books to choose from each month. These selections cover various genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s reading preferences.
Are the Book of the Month selections hardcover books?
Yes, the Book of the Month selections are special edition hardcover books. They also offer audiobook versions for those who prefer listening.
Can I get more than one book in a month?
Yes, you can! After selecting your main book, you have the option to add-on up to two additional books at a discounted rate.
What if I don’t like any of the books for the month?
If none of the monthly selections catch your interest, you can skip that month. Your credits will then roll over to the next month. Alternatively, after receiving three boxes, you can choose from a list of member favorite books for your selection.
Is there a way to give Book of the Month as a gift?
Absolutely! Book of the Month offers 3, 6, and 9-month gift card options, making it a great present for fellow book enthusiasts.
Are there special offers for new subscribers?
Yes, Book of the Month often provides special offers for new subscribers. Check their homepage for details.
Which books from the Book of the Month August 2023 selections are you excited about?
Are you planning to skip this month’s choices? Let me know in the comments! Happy reading! ✨