Welcome to Book Bingo 2018!

Whether this is your first Book Bingo challenge, or you’ve been at it all four years… welcome! I’m glad you’re here.

My co-creators and I have rolled out a Book Bingo challenge again this year, and you’re invited to play standard bingo or blackout.

Thanks to my co-creators for making this such a fun experience every year. Here’ s looking at you…

  • My dear friend, whose ideas continue to inspire and challenge me — and make me laugh
  • The Dear Man, who never even blinked when we said, “We’d like something with a retro ’50’s glam look, please.” He simply created exactly what was in our mind’s eye. Also: repeatedly makes me laugh

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 2018. Books started in 2017 but finished in 2018 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

Reserved – Although you may reserve a book at the library and anticipate its arrival, a book can also be reserved in its tone and theme.

 

#ownvoices – a book written by a member of a marginalized community that it depicts

 

Epic – A generational saga or transformational journey

 

Upgrade Your Life – Take things to the next level — mentally, physically, or spiritually

 

Been There, Read That – A book set in a place you’ve lived or visited

 

Psychological – A book that messes with your mind or heals your mind

 

Fashion(able) – A book about fashion, a book about trends, or a book that is trending

 

Read the Movie – There’s a movie based on this book

 

Judge a Book By Its Cover – You love or hate the cover

 

The Help – A book about those who serve others. Or a self-help book.

 

Timeless Classic – A book that’s stood the test of time

 

I Bought It – A book you bought, or a book whose premise you bought into

 

Rock – Earth, a gemstone, music — however you want to define it

 

Time Travel – A character travels forward or backward in time

 

Cocktails – Alcohol is an ingredient in the book

 

Glamour – A book that portrays a glamorous life

 

Wealth – A book about finance, money, or life’s riches

 

Urban – A book set in a city, or a book about a city

 

Lost Generation – A book by or about the generation that came of age during WWI (born 1883-1900; e.g., Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Babe Ruth, Harry Truman)

 

My People – You identify with the characters based on your roots or sense of identity

 

Audie Award – Listen to or read an Audie Award winner or finalist

 

True Crime – Nonfiction book about a crime

 

South of the Equator – A book set south of the Equator, or written by an author from a country south of the Equator

 

Outsider – The protagonist is alienated from her/his surroundings. Or, a stranger comes to town…

 

No More Waiting – It’s been on your TBR, on your nightstand, on your mind. Read it already.

 

Questions? Answers!

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