Let’s Discuss…Book Boxes | Discussion

Categories Discussion, , , , 26 Comments on Let’s Discuss…Book Boxes | Discussion

I didn’t know book subscription boxes were a thing before I joined Bookstagram. Once I became a part of that community, I saw them everywhere. The concept seemed cool, but I couldn’t justify purchasing one as a grad student. I finally caved in October 2017 and purchased my first box. Sadly, I was disappointed. The knickknacks were kind of cool, but I didn’t like the books. I tried again in March 2018 because I was interested in the theme for that upcoming box. To my dismay, I was disappointed again. At that moment, I determined that book boxes are just not for me. So, why are book boxes not for me? Grab a cup of tea, coffee, get comfortable, and let’s discuss.

Reasons Why Book Boxes Are Not For Me

  • Disappointed with the books. I purchased my first book box because of theme. I gave away both of the books that came in that box and I’m still trying to get rid of the book that came in the second box.
  • Price. I shared the tweet below almost two weeks because book box subscriptions are overpriced. Some of the more popular boxes are overseas and shipping is quiet high. It doesn’t make sense financially because shipping is almost as much as the box itself.

  • Swag/goodies are just okay. I can honestly tell you that in the two boxes that I purchased, I haven’t used any of the goodies that were included. I don’t know what to do with buttons. I live in Florida and can’t wear a scarf until December or January. I don’t like chocolate so I have no desire to burn a chocolate scented Harry Potter candle. See? No use for the goodies.

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I Wish They Were For Me But…

This past summer, I noticed a few book boxes were curating boxes inspired by a few young adult releases. I felt the urge to buy one for A Reaper at the Gates, but I resisted. It’s a good thing I did. Sometimes, when I see other people unbox a couple of good items from the boxes, it makes me wish that I had given in. But I always come back to my two experiences and remember they’re just not for me. I could put that money towards buying books, bills, food, or other things that interest me.

What about you? Do you subscribe to book boxes? What’s the best item you’ve ever received in your box? Let me know in the comments!

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Published by Merline

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26 thoughts on “Let’s Discuss…Book Boxes | Discussion”

  1. I like the idea of book box subscriptions, but I think the books were really hit or miss for me with the one I had tried. Also, the price, yes. For that price I could just buy a book out-right, one that I like. I think I just don’t enjoy surprises very much when it comes to certain things too…lol.

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  2. I completely agree with you. They’re all so expensive and I’m just not a trinket person, so I’ve never justified spending that amount of money. The only subscription I do have is Book of the Month which I love because you can pick the book you want each month, and if you don’t like the options you can skip the month without a charge. It’s still pricey, but I’ve talked myself into because it’s cheaper than buying a hardcover every month! 😅

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    1. I haven’t tried BOTM, but I want to when my budget allows it. I’ve seen a few BOTM titles at my used bookstore though. I like the idea of selecting the books you want because paying for a book I may or may not like is not it for it.

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    1. Thanks Kaya! The cost isn’t worth it when you think about what a hardcover costs. But sometimes they have exclusive editions of books or sprayed edges and I’m a sucker for sprayed edges. Lol.

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  4. Totally agree with you on the price. That is probably why I haven’t tried them so far. Maybe when I have some more money to spare and if I really do my research on to which subscription is really the best for me.

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  7. I’ve only subscribed to Book of the Month. They let you choose your book, there’s only a bookmark with the book, and it’s cheaper than the other mainstream subscription services for physical books. The only thing is that I wish they had more options for genre. I would like a section for nonfiction, YA, romance, etc., but they mostly focus on adult and kind of what’s most popular. Idk how they pick the options. But I enjoyed it for a couple months.

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  8. I have been thinking about getting one but the price is what is stopping me. I love the idea of getting cute goodies and book in the mail that I don’t have to shop for, but I am worried I’ll get books I don’t enjoy.

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  10. Couldn’t agree more with this post and all the points you made! Plus, even if you don’t like the book, you may not like the items either considering that most subscription boxes just put in the same fandoms again and again. Where is the variety?

    I did however get my first subscription box this month. It’s a relatively new one called Crate Expectations and you know what you are getting because their themes are the author instead of the book. Like October’s YA Box is Laura E. Weymouth and her book, The Light Between Worlds. Haven’t gotten the box yet but I hope its good!

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  12. I feel you. I want to like book boxes, but the thing that gets me the most is price. I can’t justify it when I can get JUST THE BOOK for less. And the books I have read from these boxes (that I’ve usually got from the library) I tend to not be a fan of. 🤷🏾‍♀️

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