Welcome to Book Bingo 2020!
It’s our 6th year of producing a bookish bingo card, and every year the best part is that more people are joining in the fun.
The Theme
This year’s bingo card has a calendar theme, thanks to my dear friend and bingo collaborator, who suggested it.
So you’ll find the names of months in ghosted text, and the categories on the card are arranged strategically so they can carry us through the seasons of the year. We start out with Icy (for winter), then move to Longing (for spring), then a Road Trip (for summer), and finally Horror (for fall). Every category on the card is placed in its spot for a seasonal reason.
I won’t be reading books in category order, but if you’re looking for an added level of challenge, you could attempt to read through the year by category — to fully experience the seasonal tone we’ve built in. If you try this, please let me know how it goes!
The Gratitude
Book Bingo is possible because of two of my most favorite people on earth:
- My dear friend, who loves bingo category creation every bit as much as I do (so much that she created an amazing spreadsheet this year to help us with the planning process; there are few things more pleasing than a good spreadsheet).
- The Dear Man, who creates the beautiful design of each year’s book bingo card. I love the work that comes out of our home graphic design office. Every year: happiness.
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 2020. Books started in 2019 but finished in 2020 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.
The Categories
Icy – A book that takes place in snowy winter, a story featuring a cold-hearted character, or a chilling tale
Landscape – A book whose setting is vital to the story
Novella – Shorter than a novel, but longer than a short story
Harlem Renaissance – A book written by a Harlem Renaissance author
Longing – A story filled with yearning, desire, or wistfulness
Lies & Deception – A book with lies, so many lies. Or a book that deceived you.
Expectations – A story of fulfilled or thwarted expectations, or a book that failed to meet your expectations
Underdog – A book about a character who defies the odds
Personal Growth – Self-improvement: pragmatically or spiritually
Long Haired Author – A book by an author who has (or had) long hair
A Friend’s Suggestion – Ask a friend what you should read next
Podcast – Listen to a serial podcast or read a book written by a podcaster
Carnegie Medal Nominee – A book nominated for the Carnegie Medal
Modern Classic – A contemporary book that will stand the test of time
Road Trip – Wanderlust, restlessness, desperation, quest? A book with a road trip in it
Olympic Sport – A book with a character who participates (at any level) in a sport featured in the Olympics
Checklist – A book you’re checking off your list, or a book containing a checklist for a better life
South America – A book written by a South American author or a book that takes place in South America
Back to School – A story with a school setting
Love – A book that illustrates love
Native American – A character or an author who is Native American
Horror – A story that inspires a feeling of dread
Political – Election year! Read something political
Memoir – A nonfiction personal account based on the author’s experience
Indulge – The hot fudge of reading: all pleasure, no virtue
To Sign Up...
Add your blog name & URL in the Comments. Easy as that.
Printable Book Bingo Card
Here are the printables…
Questions? Answers!
If you have any questions about any of the categories, ask your question in the Comments, and I promise I’ll respond.
Now let’s get out there and Bingo!
