readers' choice awards

Scary Mommy 2026 Readers' Choice Best Book Subscription Box

For the bibliophiles and night owls among us.

by Team Scary Mommy

There is nothing better than getting completely immersed in a good book. That is, unless you can get immersed in a series of good books thanks to subscription boxes. These readers’ choice finalists run the gamut from genre-specific (think romantasy, horror and more) to the niche (think books to read in the bathtub and first editions only. So if you are — or know and love — a bibliophile, take note of these!

Voting is over, and the Scary Mommy community has spoken. Congratulations to all of our top vote-getters!

1. The Literary Book Club Box

What Scary Mommy readers love about The Literary Book Club Box:

  • Wonderful customer service, excellent choices of curated books (with beautiful covers) each month, and thoughtful reading surprises. I’m a huge fan!
  • I came for the books and stayed for the backbone. The owner speaks up for justice, equality, and peace without hesitation, even when it would be easier to stay silent.
  • The Literary Book Club introduced me to classics that I never had the time or inclination to read before, and the box is always filled with wonderful surprises!

2. Aardvark Book Club

What Scary Mommy readers love about Aardvark Book Club:

  • Aardvark book box has a diverse selection and always presents books not on my radar! And the customer service is PHENOMENAL–more like friends than a company.
  • They always feature books that have heart, depth and aren’t books I would likely stumble upon on my own. Love the inclusion of diverse and up-and-coming authors!
  • Not only are their monthly picks the BEST, but their social media game is STRONG. Big ❤️ for the fun monthly hints (even if I don’t figure out the books until they drop!)

3. Banned Books Box

What Scary Mommy readers love about Banned Books Box:

  • Let’s be honest. This is all the stuff “they” don’t want you/us to read. And I LOVE IT.
  • The books are always thought–provoking, and they focus on subjects like racial injustice, LGBTQ, and REAL women’s health issues.
  • My subscription is a commitment to my self-care. The titles are always so well curated, and I appreciate the deep dives into topics that make me a better, more informed human.

Photos courtesy of Aardvark Book Club, Bite Me Box, The Book Drop, CrateJoy, Feminist Book Club, Introverts Retreat/Winter Caplanson, The Literary Book Club, The Strand Bookstore