Book of the Month October 2016 Subscription Box Review + Coupon

Bookspan’s Book of the Month Club is a monthly book subscription box. Each month, their panel of Judges selects 5 books, which they announce on the first of the month, and members have six days to decide which book (or books) they would like to receive. All books are shipped at the same time, so members can read and participate in their discussion forums as a group. One book per month is included in the membership fee, and members can purchase up to two additional books each month for $9.99 per title. The monthly price is $16.99 per month, $11.99 per month on a year-long subscription.

Book of the Month Club has a new deal – try just one month for just $5 with code READ5!

Or: For a limited time when you join Book of the Month Club you’ll get a Book of the Month Tote as shown above AND save 30% on a 3-month subscription! Just use the code 30TOTE when you sign up for their 3-month subscription.

Here are the choices for October!

The Wangs vs the World By Jade Chang – GUEST JUDGE: Constance Wu
The Mothers By Brit Bennett- Judge Morgan Jerkins
The Fall Guy By James Lasdun – Judge Steph Obitz
The Wonder By Emma Donoghue – Judge Nina Sankovitch
Good as Gone By Amy Gentry – Judge Liberty Hardy

I love to read and am ecstatic that Book of the Month sent me three books to review. I also added Good as Gone By Amy Gentry to my reading list because I noticed that I enjoy reading Liberty Hardy’s selections.

In a media driven world that tells us to define ourselves by our accomplishments or material possessions, it’s so important to have a novel that, instead, explores who we are when we have nothing. It is our most vital, most sacred self. Very grateful to have gone on that journey w/ the Wangs in this funny, tender, human novel.

Constance Wu

The Wangs vs the World By Jade Chang – GUEST JUDGE: Constance Wu

Charles Wang (pronounced Wong) was a very successful Chinese businessman who was able to provide for his family in ways he never imagined. His children enjoyed a luxurious life until one bad investment changed everything. First, there was the madcap journey of traveling across America with his second wife, Barbara, to retrieve his children from boarding school and college with a final destination of reaching his oldest daughter’s house. There he reunites his family to bring them over to China to reclaim family land. Will it all work out as he planned?

Here’s a quick, humorous takeaway that beauty box subscribers can appreciate. Wang made his money by imported urine from his father’s factory and using it in makeup. I always check my beauty product ingredients and had to resist a strong urge to put the book down and recheck them for urine right away.

I found the novel to be light-hearted, humorous, and full of love for family. I was a little lost in the beginning due to my lack of knowledge of Chinese American culture which I was able to understand better as I went through the book. It was a well-written book with characters that grow while traveling on the road trip. I enjoyed reading a book that was about family, their love for each other, and their togetherness through a journey that changes their life.

Reader,

You are in for a very special treat with THE MOTHERS. Sex. Family history. Secrets. Betrayal. This is a novel that you will not want to put down. As you read it, you might began to question the actions – and mistakes- you’ve made that have lead you to this point in your life. If you had the chance to undo some things, would you?

Enjoy this highly charged story.

-Morgan

The Mothers By Brit Bennett- Judge Morgan Jerkins

The Mothers is about three friends, a coverup, and the consequences that continue to haunt them for years. The question “What if” continues to loom over their lives leading to a betrayal and the aftermath. Nadia Tuner, a senior in high school with a bright future, secretly dates 21-year-old Luke Shepperd, the pastor son with a football injury. Nadia doesn’t tell anyone the secret, not even Aubrey, her best friend. The secret from Luke and Nadia’s relationship has unintended consequences throughout Nadia, Aubrey and Luke’s lives.

I’m vague because I do not want to give away the plot! The story is written in a way that reminds me of real life, the hard choices people make, and the unforeseen consequences that continue for years afterward. All three main characters suffered in their own ways. Yet throughout the book there was hope expressed by the characters.

For me, it was a heart-wrenching book that made me wanted to scream at the characters don’t do this at their various choices throughout life. It was well-written with contemporary insights. It’s a book that will draw out feelings in you which is a sign of an excellent author.

 Prepare to be taken in by The Wonder – once again Emma Donoghue has created unforgettable characters and a human drama that will have you gasping, crying, and raising your hands in thanks – and in joy! Open the book and rediscover the miracle of reading.

Nina Sankovitch

The Wonder By Emma Donoghue – Judge Nina Sankovitch

It’s 1859 and nestled deep in Ireland’s farmlands is eleven-year-old Anna O’Donnell who hasn’t eaten in four months. Lib Wright, an English Nightingale Nurse, and Sister Michael, a Catholic Nun, are assigned to watch the child for two weeks to see if she eats. Is it a hoax or is a miracle?

At first, I was wondering why anyone would put a spoon on the cover. I understood why near the end of the book. I read this book in one night and loved Lib’s observations of not only Anna but the people around her. The book is steeped with Catholic prayers intertwined with Irish folklore which is central to the story. Lib realizes something during the second week and struggles whether to be an observer or interfere which goes against her training.

Her training has me wanting to read more about the Nightingale Nurses. It was a book that was easy to read and transported me back to 1859 Ireland.

Book of the Month kindly sent three selections which I appreciate because I love to read and it pushes me to read books outside my comfort level. My favorite book is The Spoon because of the love that Lib shows towards Anna. The binding and pages stood up to reading and cats lying on the books.  Book of the Month also offered Poweredhouse stories for $9.99 a book. This month the selections were Ready Player One, Secret History, and The Nightingale. It is exciting to read new books such as The Mothers which was released on October 11, 2016.

Book of the Month  is an easy-going subscription. The introductory price of $5.00 can’t be beaten. You can skip a month. You can add up to two extra books at $9.99 a book.  Can’t wait to start reading? Hit the ship it early button in your account by 8pm ET on the second of the month. Then join the  discussion group and share your opinion. Select a book by October 21!

What book did you pick this month? Share below and let us know!

Haven’t tried Book of the Month? Get your first book for $5 with code READ5! Or free tote + save 30% on a 3-month subscription with code 30TOTE!

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