Announcing Book Bingo 2019

Welcome to Book Bingo 2019!

It’s our fifth annual Book Bingo event, and we’re so glad you’re here.

Once again, my collaborators and I have pondered categories and themes for the annual bingo card, and we realized we have several categories relating to fire and rebirth… so we’ve got a fiery theme and a hidden Phoenix this year.

Big thanks to the two people who make this possible:

My dear friend, who conspires with me all year long to develop this list of categories. So much fun.

The Dear Man, who goes into his office and then says, “Do you have a minute?” and shows me the most gorgeous design that captures every aspect we wanted (and then a little bit more). I love this.

How to Play

• Read a book that fits the category. Each book can qualify for only one category.
• Complete just one row or column, or go for blackout by reading a book in every category.
• All books must be finished in 2019. Books started in 2018 but finished in 2019 count.
• We’ve provided some definitions, but you can free-style it if you like—as long as you can make a case that the book fits the category.
• All categories can be fiction or nonfiction (your choice), unless otherwise specified.

About the Categories

Edgar Award: First Novel – A mystery that was nominated for — or won — the Edgar Allan Poe Award for First Novel

Heroine –Strong female voice: author, character, or subject

Palate cleanser – A book that refreshes and balances out what you’ve read lately     

Genre-bending – A book that plays with genre — it might break the rules or be categorized in more than one genre

Gen X author – A book written by an author born between 1961 and 1981

Odd couple – A book about an unusual pairing

Classic I’ve never read –A book that’s stood the test of time

Pushing boundaries  –A book that challenges your worldview or awareness. Or a book whose pioneering character or author breaks new ground.

Explore  – A book that takes you or the character to a new place

Place Name – A book with a place name in its title (examples: Looking for Alaska. Or Alaska by Michener)

Life hack –A book with a shortcut that makes makes your life (or a character’s life) easier

Unbelievable – Nonfiction that’s stranger than fiction, or a novel whose premise you’re not buying

Green – A book with a green cover, or a book about nature, money, envy, or any other green thing

Fire –Literal fire, passion, or something burning within

Birth– The beginning or a fresh start

Romantic –Idealistic or passionate

Language –A book with a distinctive voice or a book in translation

LGBTQ –A book by or about someone who identifies as LGBTQ

Novelty Book –A book structured in an unorthodox way

South Pacific – A book set in, or written by, an author from the South Pacific

Folktale –A story incorporating elements of a myth, legend, or fable

Map –A book about a journey, a guide to self-discovery, or simply a book with a map in it

Deep Dive – An investigative, immersive reading experience

Unruly Woman –A book about a woman who breaks out of the mold

Lost & Found – A story of rebirth or redefining a sense of self

To Sign Up…

Add your blog name & URL in the Comments. Easy as that.

Questions? Answers!

If you have any questions about any of the categories, ask your question in the Comments, and I promise to respond.

Printable bingo card