Your passport to global literature.
Join us as we travel the world through the stories. Each month, you’ll receive a handpicked book originally published in a different country. A mix of classics and contemporary reads, these will be stories that open a window into new cultures, perspectives, and ways of being.
It’s a little adventure by mail.
Here’s what’s included:
One handpicked book each month
A keepsake literary passport (included with your first book) to document your journey
A personalized note with background on why we chose the book, plus historical and cultural context to deepen your experience
A collectible passport sticker each month to mark your travels
Exclusive access to our Read Around the World Book Club — join fellow readers online to discuss each selection
A special birthday surprise if your subscription overlaps with your birthday month
Pricing
Pay monthly or save by paying quarterly, every 6 months, or once a year! Pause or cancel at any time.
Monthly - $30/month
3 months of books - $85/charged once every three months. Save $5 compared to paying monthly.
6 months of books - $150/charged once every 6 months. Save $30 compared to paying monthly!
12 months of books - $300/charged once every 12 months. Save $60 compared to paying monthly!
Important Note
You are choosing In Store Pick Up. This means that each month, you will pick your subscription up at Chapter House Books (225 Franklin St, Fayetteville, NC 28301). We will not ship it to you. If you would like us to ship you your books, please click here.
FAQ
What kinds of books will I get?
Mostly fiction -- novels that have been translated or published in English from their home country. Occasionally, if it feels essential, we may include a memoir or nonfiction title, but that's rare (think 1% of the time).
Are the books country "representatives"?
No. Each book offers just a glimpse into another country or a single slice of life rather than trying to stand in for a whole culture.
Do I get to choose the book or the country?
No. Part of the fun is the surprise! Each month is completely randomized. But all subscribers get the same title, so you can discuss and share the experience with others.
What if I already own the book you send me?
That's the nature of mystery subscriptions. It's rare, but possible. We recommend gifting your duplicate to a friend or donating it to your local library.
Is this a way to get cheaper books?
No. This subscription is about the experience, not discounts. You're not just paying for the physical book, but for the curation, the surprise, and the joy of having someone else pick out a book you might never have chosen for yourself. (Plus the other fun stuff -- reading passport, stickers, & monthly book club!)
When will my box ship or be ready for pick up?
All boxes will ship by the 15th of each month. If you are picking up your subscription in the shop, it will be ready on the 15th. If you sign up after the 1st, your subscription will be rolled into the following month.
How do you decide which country to choose a book from next?
We have a numbered list of every country in the world. Each month, we'll use a random number generator to give us our next pick, so it will truly be random!