Kindle+ (Formerly Kindle Unlimited): The Only Reason I Can Afford My Reading Habit

I read a lot. And when I say a lot, I mean I typically finish a book every two or three days. Some people have expensive hobbies. Apparently, mine is falling in love with fictional men at an alarming rate. Which is exactly why Kindle+ might be the best money I spend all year.

The majority of the books I read are available through Kindle+ (or KU, as you’ll still see it mentioned all over social media when authors are promoting their books). With my annual subscription, what I pay each month works out to less than the cost of buying just a couple of the books I read. And for that, I can read as many Kindle+ books as I want.

Let’s do some quick math. If I’m finishing a book every two or three days, that’s roughly 10–15 books a month. Even if every book only cost $5—and let’s be realistic, plenty of Kindle books are $10 or more—I’d be spending $50–$75 a month just to keep up with my reading habit.

Instead, I’m spending a small fraction of that.

That’s not even bargain pricing. That’s below-the-basement bargain pricing. And there’s absolutely no way I’d be reading as much as I do without it.

If Your Facebook Reels Look Anything Like Mine…

You know those book reels? The ones with a random paragraph highlighted, some mainstream song playing dramatically in the background, and you have to dig through the caption or comments to figure out what book you’re actually looking at?

Welcome to my Facebook feed.

I swear, most of the books that catch my attention this way end up being on Kindle+. Especially if you’re into romance, hockey players, billionaires, motorcycle clubs, or the kind of fictional men who would be walking red flags in real life. The number of books I’ve added to my reading list because of a fifteen-second reel is honestly ridiculous.

But when they’re included in my subscription, I don’t have to talk myself into spending another $5 or $10 every time something catches my eye. I can just borrow one and start reading.

It’s Basically a Library You Pay For

The only real downside to Kindle+ is that you’re technically borrowing the books, not buying them. You can only have a certain number borrowed at one time, and once you hit that limit—which I am constantly at—you have to return something before you can borrow another. Think of it as a library you pay for, except it’s available day or night, and you don’t have to leave your couch.

But here’s something I really appreciate: Amazon keeps a history of the Kindle+ books you’ve borrowed. So when you’ve hit your limit, returned a book, and six months later find yourself craving that story again, you can go back through your borrowing history, find it, and borrow it again, assuming it’s still available through Kindle+.

And believe me, I need that feature. I’ve read so many books at this point that sometimes I’m trying to remember one based on a description like, “It was about a single mom with two kids who reconnects with an NHL hockey player she met at camp.” That’s apparently how my brain catalogs literature now. And if you’re curious, it’s Seal the Deal, and definitely worth the read! It’s the first book in a series, because of course it is. I love a good series! And this one is great. NHL hockey, found family, a possessive MMC (male main character)—what’s not to love?

Another little trick I’ve picked up is creating an Amazon list specifically for books. I literally named mine Books. When I see something interesting, I add it to that list instead of immediately borrowing it. That way, I’m not taking up one of my limited Kindle+ borrowing spots with something I might not read for another three months. When I’m ready for my next book, I just open my list and see what caught my attention.

It’s a surprisingly effective system for someone whose reading list grows significantly faster than she can actually read.

And No, You Don’t Actually Need a Kindle

This is something I think a lot of people don’t realize. You don’t have to own a Kindle device to use Kindle+. You can download the free Kindle app on your phone, iPad, or tablet and read right there. So if you’ve been thinking about trying it but don’t want to invest in an e-reader, you don’t have to.

Now, do I personally love my Kindle? Absolutely. The battery lasts me days, even with how much I read. I’m not draining my phone battery every time I get sucked into a book, and the adjustable light means I can read in bed without lighting up the entire room while my husband is trying to sleep. And can we talk about Kindle covers?

There are so many cute ones. Does my Kindle need an adorable cover? Technically, no. Does having one make me happy every time I pick it up? Absolutely.

Sometimes it’s the little things.

My Kindle: Shop my Kindle

Is Kindle+ Worth It?

For me, it’s not even a question. If you read one book every couple of months, you might not get the same value out of it. And not every book or author is included in the subscription, so it’s worth checking whether the kinds of books you enjoy are available. But if you’re someone who always has another book lined up, who can’t scroll past a book reel without adding something to your reading list, or who finishes a book and immediately needs the next one?

It’s absolutely worth looking into. I’ve gotten to try authors I probably wouldn’t have taken a chance on if I had to purchase every single book. I’ve discovered entire series, found new favorites, and read more books than I could ever justify buying individually. And considering how quickly I go through them, I genuinely can’t imagine my reading life without Kindle+. So if you’ve been considering it, let this be your sign.

Check Out Kindle+ on Amazon →

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you sign up or purchase through one of my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Kindle+ pricing, eligibility, and available titles can change.