17. The Strand can deliver hand-picked books right to your door

Another testament to the Strand’s thriving growth is its subscription service, called “The Book HookUp.” As the Strand’s first subscription program, the Book HookUp brings subscribers signed, first-edition versions of highly anticipated titles right to their mailboxes, along with other “literary goodies from people and places we love to sweeten the deal.” These mailings are delivered quarterly, with all books hand-picked by the Strand’s expert staff, meaning you can’t choose the books you want delivered. However, the selected books always cover an array of genres and interests, and you can choose from nine different subscription “boxes” to receive, which cover genres from Political Nonfiction to Sci-Fi & Fantasy. In addition to the books, you’ll receive “bonus goodies” from the Strand’s partners, from snacks to literary journals and mugs.

Subscribers receive emails announcing the selected title for the next release, and if you don’t like the subscription book, you can receive store credit for that amount.