I completed another year of Book Bingo! I enjoy using the various prompts as excuses to read books that have been on my list for a while, with the added benefit of picking up books I wouldn't have chosen otherwise. Even if I don't love every title, I cherish the fact that I'm reading broadly and across genres. This year, I read 24 books spanning 171 years in publication date (1855 to 2026), with page counts ranging from 64 to 850 pages!
With a little help from AI, here are some of my (not surprising!) takeaways:
- I'm a character-driven reader. I want interesting people and relationships more than I need an exciting plot.
- I especially love intimate, human stories that teach me something about a larger history, culture, or world.
- I like weird when it's charming, atmospheric, gothic, literary, or whimsical—not when it's dark, sexual, or gratuitous.
- The experience around a book is part of the fun for me—who recommended it, where I read it, who I read it with, or the trail of books, movies, podcasts, actors, and narrators that led me there.
With that in mind, these were my standouts:
I enjoy hearing how someone comes across a book (I often care more about this than a plot summary!), so I'm sharing those tidbits along with some brief thoughts and a letter grade (taken from podcaster Erica Ladd's book review system) to make it easy to scan.
A = Amazing! Awesome! Above and Beyond!
B = Buzz-worthy! Book I'd recommend
C = Could have been better...could have been worse
D = Disappointing
F = F*** this book
Water | A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende (B)
(2019; 325 pages) // Historical Fiction🎧
When I first saw "water," I really wanted to read "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese. But alas, my time was limited and I'll need to save that doorstopper of a novel for a future date. Instead, I used this as an excuse to finally pick up something by Isabel Allende, whom I first heard about on the Novel Pairings podcast. I selected this one for "sea" and because the audiobook is narrated by one of my favorites, Edoardo Ballerini. A great example of historical fiction—it allowed me to be immersed in a story while learning about the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. A time period and history I knew nothing about!
When I first saw "water," I really wanted to read "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese. But alas, my time was limited and I'll need to save that doorstopper of a novel for a future date. Instead, I used this as an excuse to finally pick up something by Isabel Allende, whom I first heard about on the Novel Pairings podcast. I selected this one for "sea" and because the audiobook is narrated by one of my favorites, Edoardo Ballerini. A great example of historical fiction—it allowed me to be immersed in a story while learning about the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. A time period and history I knew nothing about!
Time Travel | Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (B-)
(1991; 850 pages) // Historical Romance🎧
I think a better prompt for this one would have been "lots of sex"! I didn't love this as much as I had hoped, especially for how long it is...but it still felt worth it to know the story and understand why the series has such a beloved fanbase. I liked the main character, Claire, but don't feel the need to continue with the series.
Suggested by a Library Worker | Next Stop by Debbie Fong (B-)
(2024; 272 pages) // Middle Grade Graphic Novel
I stumbled upon this on the Seattle Public Library website, so I'm counting that as a library worker suggestion :) I love a graphic novel you can read in one sitting, and this had a great combination of fun, light drawings with a deeper backstory.
Soothing | The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 8 by Beth Brower (A+)
(2024; 339 pages) // Historical Fiction🎧
I could curl up in this entire series several times over and will continue to recommend this far and wide. The latest release, Volume 8, takes us to Stonecrop, which seems like a magical escape and soothing refuge—for characters and readers alike :)
I could curl up in this entire series several times over and will continue to recommend this far and wide. The latest release, Volume 8, takes us to Stonecrop, which seems like a magical escape and soothing refuge—for characters and readers alike :)
Hard to Love Protagonist | Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (D)
(2026; 391 pages) // Contemporary Fiction
Likely the buzziest book of the summer—and it wasn't one I enjoyed. My favorite thing about the book was the premise. Maybe I was influenced by Traci Thomas's review, but overall, I thought the writing wasn't great and the story/reveal fell flat. A hard-to-love protagonist that made for a hard-to-love book.
Likely the buzziest book of the summer—and it wasn't one I enjoyed. My favorite thing about the book was the premise. Maybe I was influenced by Traci Thomas's review, but overall, I thought the writing wasn't great and the story/reveal fell flat. A hard-to-love protagonist that made for a hard-to-love book.
SAL Speaker | Kin by Tayari Jones (A)
(2026; 368 pages) // Literary Fiction🎧
My West Seattle Book Club selected this one, and I really enjoyed it. Well-written, with an ending that made me tear up. Perfect if you enjoy books about female friendship.
My West Seattle Book Club selected this one, and I really enjoyed it. Well-written, with an ending that made me tear up. Perfect if you enjoy books about female friendship.
Diaspora | Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (A)
(2007; 341 pages) // Graphic Novel Memoir
As a huge fan of graphic memoirs like "Ducks," "They Called Us Enemy," and "Maus," "Persepolis" has been on my TBR for a long time—and it absolutely lives up to its international acclaim. Reading this made me realize how much I love diaspora stories—a term I'm becoming more familiar with. I'd also like to read more Iranian stories, so I added "Reading Lolita in Tehran" to my list.
(2007; 341 pages) // Graphic Novel Memoir
As a huge fan of graphic memoirs like "Ducks," "They Called Us Enemy," and "Maus," "Persepolis" has been on my TBR for a long time—and it absolutely lives up to its international acclaim. Reading this made me realize how much I love diaspora stories—a term I'm becoming more familiar with. I'd also like to read more Iranian stories, so I added "Reading Lolita in Tehran" to my list.
(2024; 64 pages) // Picture Book
I love a good picture book and this one is so lovely. I discovered it when checking out all of Julia Rothman's illustrated works from the library. It features unique jobs held by real individuals living around the world, including in 11 of the countries participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A great coffee-table book—the conversation-starter questions were fun to use with my children.
I love a good picture book and this one is so lovely. I discovered it when checking out all of Julia Rothman's illustrated works from the library. It features unique jobs held by real individuals living around the world, including in 11 of the countries participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A great coffee-table book—the conversation-starter questions were fun to use with my children.
Eye-Opening | The Story of a Heart: Two Families, One Heart, and the Medical Miracle That Saved a Child’s Life by Rachel Clarke (A)
(2024; 256 pages) // Nonfiction🎧
Perhaps "heart transplant in children" doesn't scream summer reading, but I tend to enjoy journalistic writing and poignant stories, and this was the perfect intersection of the two. This was a recommendation from Traci Thomas's Non-Fiction Reading Guide—my favorite source for finding compelling nonfiction books. I'd put this in the same category as "A Heart That Works" by Rob Delaney, and I was brimming with tears while listening. Emotional, informative, and a celebration of the incredible chain of people who make organ donation possible, I loved it! This book deals with the agonizing reality of pediatric medical crises and profound grief (the way Keira's sisters tend to her is heartbreakingly beautiful!), so read with care.
Perhaps "heart transplant in children" doesn't scream summer reading, but I tend to enjoy journalistic writing and poignant stories, and this was the perfect intersection of the two. This was a recommendation from Traci Thomas's Non-Fiction Reading Guide—my favorite source for finding compelling nonfiction books. I'd put this in the same category as "A Heart That Works" by Rob Delaney, and I was brimming with tears while listening. Emotional, informative, and a celebration of the incredible chain of people who make organ donation possible, I loved it! This book deals with the agonizing reality of pediatric medical crises and profound grief (the way Keira's sisters tend to her is heartbreakingly beautiful!), so read with care.
PNW Black, Indigenous, or POC Author | Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls (A)
(2024; 386 pages) // Graphic Novel
The artwork is intricate and the storytelling is astonishing. I was really impressed by the way she wove together Chinese history, generational trauma, and personal identity.
The artwork is intricate and the storytelling is astonishing. I was really impressed by the way she wove together Chinese history, generational trauma, and personal identity.
Myth & Legend | Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (B)
(2026; 339 pages) // Retelling
I watched the live-action Cinderella starring Lily James, which prompted me to pick up this retelling. Flipping the narrative and featuring the ‘wicked stepmother's’ point of view with a feminine twist made for a fun read. Although I will note, there's one plot point that I really didn't like...
I watched the live-action Cinderella starring Lily James, which prompted me to pick up this retelling. Flipping the narrative and featuring the ‘wicked stepmother's’ point of view with a feminine twist made for a fun read. Although I will note, there's one plot point that I really didn't like...
Unplug | American Primitive by Mary Oliver (A-)
(1983; 88 pages) // Poetry
I feel very "white woman in her mid-30s discovering Mary Oliver," but needless to say, I really enjoyed this one. This prompt was meant to be read while "unplugged" from screens, and I did just that. I enjoyed Oliver's descriptions of the natural world while lying in a hammock with mountain views.
I feel very "white woman in her mid-30s discovering Mary Oliver," but needless to say, I really enjoyed this one. This prompt was meant to be read while "unplugged" from screens, and I did just that. I enjoyed Oliver's descriptions of the natural world while lying in a hammock with mountain views.
Outer Space | Red Rising by Pierce Brown (C)
(2014; 382 pages) // Sci-Fi
This was fine—a fast-paced read with some good scenes, but overall, nothing spectacular in my opinion. After The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Ender's Game (books I all really enjoyed!), I think I'm worn out on stories featuring young soldiers in battle-royale settings.
This was fine—a fast-paced read with some good scenes, but overall, nothing spectacular in my opinion. After The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Ender's Game (books I all really enjoyed!), I think I'm worn out on stories featuring young soldiers in battle-royale settings.
Under 150 Pages | How About Now by Kate Baer (B+)
(2025; 112 pages) // Poetry
I was familiar with Kate Baer's writing because a friend gifted me her "And Yet" collection several years ago. Even though it's poetry, I considered using this collection for the "Happily Ever After/Happy for Now" bingo prompt, as her themes circle around self-acceptance and embracing life amidst hardships and changes. I'm a sucker for a quick read and will often use the "under 150 pages" prompt to help me get through a reading slump :)
I was familiar with Kate Baer's writing because a friend gifted me her "And Yet" collection several years ago. Even though it's poetry, I considered using this collection for the "Happily Ever After/Happy for Now" bingo prompt, as her themes circle around self-acceptance and embracing life amidst hardships and changes. I'm a sucker for a quick read and will often use the "under 150 pages" prompt to help me get through a reading slump :)
Happily Ever After/Happily For Now | Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune (D)
(2026; 410 pages) // Romance
I read maybe one contemporary romance a year, but found myself looking forward to this one. I was intrigued by the enthusiasm of "Carley Fortune Release Day" in this post, and by my friend's description of the author as "the Canadian Emily Henry." Even though "friends to lovers" is the story of my own life, I think I'd like to try a different trope next time (enemies to lovers, forbidden love, etc.).
I read maybe one contemporary romance a year, but found myself looking forward to this one. I was intrigued by the enthusiasm of "Carley Fortune Release Day" in this post, and by my friend's description of the author as "the Canadian Emily Henry." Even though "friends to lovers" is the story of my own life, I think I'd like to try a different trope next time (enemies to lovers, forbidden love, etc.).
Queer/Trans Voice | Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer (B+)
(2026; 288 pages) // Literary Fiction🎧
Every year I give my boss a book for his birthday, and this year I chose Villa Coco. We both enjoyed the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Less," and when I found out he was headed to Italy for vacation with his husband, I thought this would be a good fit. It's a bit of a quirky book, but I really enjoy Greer's voice, and the Tuscan food descriptions had me drooling. Very charming!
Every year I give my boss a book for his birthday, and this year I chose Villa Coco. We both enjoyed the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Less," and when I found out he was headed to Italy for vacation with his husband, I thought this would be a good fit. It's a bit of a quirky book, but I really enjoy Greer's voice, and the Tuscan food descriptions had me drooling. Very charming!
Suggested by an Indie Bookseller | Evil Genius by Claire Oshetsky (C-)
(2026; 240 pages) // Thriller🎧
My friend Janet walks into Elliott Bay Book Company every year for her birthday and asks the booksellers to make recommendations that align with her reading tastes—and then she buys the stack. I think this tradition is so fun, and this year I tagged along to watch it all play out. "Evil Genius" was one of the books they recommended. She loved it, I did not :) Too dark, sexual, and weird—not my cup of tea. Next time I'll have to get my own personal recs!
My friend Janet walks into Elliott Bay Book Company every year for her birthday and asks the booksellers to make recommendations that align with her reading tastes—and then she buys the stack. I think this tradition is so fun, and this year I tagged along to watch it all play out. "Evil Genius" was one of the books they recommended. She loved it, I did not :) Too dark, sexual, and weird—not my cup of tea. Next time I'll have to get my own personal recs!
Historical | North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (B-)
(1855; 521 pages) // Classic🎧
I loved listening to the "Nevermoor" series on audio, largely due to the fantastic narrator, Gemma Whelan. While browsing her audiobook catalog, I stumbled across this lesser-known classic. As it turns out, I enjoyed this 1850s English slow-burn romance much more than most contemporary romances! I really appreciated the rich historical backdrop, and it made me realize I want to keep diving into more historical fiction.
I loved listening to the "Nevermoor" series on audio, largely due to the fantastic narrator, Gemma Whelan. While browsing her audiobook catalog, I stumbled across this lesser-known classic. As it turns out, I enjoyed this 1850s English slow-burn romance much more than most contemporary romances! I really appreciated the rich historical backdrop, and it made me realize I want to keep diving into more historical fiction.
Buddy Read | My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse (C+)
(1919; 256 pages) // Short Stories
When I heard Beth Brower's writing compared to P.G. Wodehouse, I was intrigued. I love the eccentric, light-hearted writing of the "Emma M. Lion" series, and while I certainly see the similarities, "My Man Jeeves" was a poor substitute. Because this is a collection of short stories, the vignettes felt a little too similar. However, I liked reading this alongside my childhood bestie, whose husband just happened to recommend it to her around the same time as I was picking it up. Plus, I think it's funny that in the book itself, Jeeves and Wooster are "buddies.
When I heard Beth Brower's writing compared to P.G. Wodehouse, I was intrigued. I love the eccentric, light-hearted writing of the "Emma M. Lion" series, and while I certainly see the similarities, "My Man Jeeves" was a poor substitute. Because this is a collection of short stories, the vignettes felt a little too similar. However, I liked reading this alongside my childhood bestie, whose husband just happened to recommend it to her around the same time as I was picking it up. Plus, I think it's funny that in the book itself, Jeeves and Wooster are "buddies.
Honorable Mention | Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (A)
(1952; 184 pages) // Children's Literature🎧
This prompt was intended for books shortlisted or longlisted for awards. I wanted to listen to Charlotte's Web with my children anyway, and I was surprised to learn that it fit this prompt because it didn't actually win the Newbery Medal during its award cycle! Instead, the 1953 winner was a book I had never heard of: "Secret of the Andes" by Ann Nolan Clark. Charlotte's Web was a runner-up, earning a Newbery Honor. It's a fabulous book we've read before and one I hope to keep revisiting with the kids. :)
(1952; 184 pages) // Children's Literature🎧
This prompt was intended for books shortlisted or longlisted for awards. I wanted to listen to Charlotte's Web with my children anyway, and I was surprised to learn that it fit this prompt because it didn't actually win the Newbery Medal during its award cycle! Instead, the 1953 winner was a book I had never heard of: "Secret of the Andes" by Ann Nolan Clark. Charlotte's Web was a runner-up, earning a Newbery Honor. It's a fabulous book we've read before and one I hope to keep revisiting with the kids. :)
Horror | The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis (B+)
(2025; 240 pages) // Horror
(2025; 240 pages) // Horror
This is the exact brand of "weird book" I like: gothic, atmospheric, and literary. I picked it up on a Fiction Matters recommendation, even though it lands squarely in horror—a genre I rarely touch. The book has distinct nods to "The Crucible" and "The Virgin Suicides" (which I haven't read), and its eerie, open-ended finale has stuck with me. I also enjoyed browsing reader reactions and interpretations online :)
Women's Sports | Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas by Alexi Pappas (B+)
(2021; 310 pages) // Memoir🎧
(2021; 310 pages) // Memoir🎧
After struggling to find a book for this prompt, my college roommate recommended Bravey—and it was a great mix of memoir, self-help, and inspiration. I appreciated her raw reflections on navigating physical and mental health extremes, as well as her thoughts on how pain is an innate part of the athletic experience. I was certainly impressed by her personal-best 10,000m at the 2016 Rio Olympics in 31:36 (25 times around the track!), but also by her entrepreneurial spirit and go-get-'em attitude. She spearheaded her own gigs to sustain herself financially while still honoring her creative side and love for theater alongside her athletic career. Well-rounded and refreshing, this book makes me want to watch her movie "Tracktown" next.
Your Choice | The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck (A)
(2024; 320 pages) // Short Stories
While browsing Josh O'Connor's films and TV shows, I discovered the film "The History of Sound," only later learning that it was based on the title story in Shattuck's collection. When it was my turn to choose our UT Book Club selection, I pushed us to try short stories for the first time. I was simultaneously listening to "Outlander" and needed something I could read in bed at night, with little bouts of dopamine sprinkled in each time I finished one of the twelve stories. I adored the writing and the collection as a whole, particularly because of the "hook and chain" format with duet pairings between stories. I always feel responsible when it's my choice, but thankfully, this one was a hit, enjoyed by all!
(2024; 320 pages) // Short Stories
While browsing Josh O'Connor's films and TV shows, I discovered the film "The History of Sound," only later learning that it was based on the title story in Shattuck's collection. When it was my turn to choose our UT Book Club selection, I pushed us to try short stories for the first time. I was simultaneously listening to "Outlander" and needed something I could read in bed at night, with little bouts of dopamine sprinkled in each time I finished one of the twelve stories. I adored the writing and the collection as a whole, particularly because of the "hook and chain" format with duet pairings between stories. I always feel responsible when it's my choice, but thankfully, this one was a hit, enjoyed by all!
Animal | To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (A)
(1960; 323 pages) // Classic Literature🎧
I've started revisiting classics I've already read, but trying their audiobook versions. So far I've done The Count of Monte Cristo, Gone With the Wind, and East of Eden, and I've been wanting to return to Scout and Atticus's Maycomb County for a while. Perhaps it's a cheeky choice to count this for the category, but I'm so happy to have reread this. I loved it just as much as I did in my 10th grade English class, but I have a lot more reading under my belt since then. I noticed the ways the story is in conversation with other books I've loved: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead; The Water is Wide by Pat Conroy; and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson—I even saw overlapping themes with Charlotte's Web.
My favorite thing about this challenge continues to be the reading rabbit holes it sends me down—toward interesting people, history, a strong sense of place, and all the different ways you can stumble across a good book.
(1960; 323 pages) // Classic Literature🎧
I've started revisiting classics I've already read, but trying their audiobook versions. So far I've done The Count of Monte Cristo, Gone With the Wind, and East of Eden, and I've been wanting to return to Scout and Atticus's Maycomb County for a while. Perhaps it's a cheeky choice to count this for the category, but I'm so happy to have reread this. I loved it just as much as I did in my 10th grade English class, but I have a lot more reading under my belt since then. I noticed the ways the story is in conversation with other books I've loved: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead; The Water is Wide by Pat Conroy; and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson—I even saw overlapping themes with Charlotte's Web.
My favorite thing about this challenge continues to be the reading rabbit holes it sends me down—toward interesting people, history, a strong sense of place, and all the different ways you can stumble across a good book.
Already brainstorming my fall reading syllabus,
-SJW
