Reading is often a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. With Literary Bingo, you can bring some playful excitement into your reading life. Whether you’re looking to diversify your bookshelf, encourage yourself to try new genres, or just want to add a layer of adventure to your reading journey, Literary Bingo can be the perfect way to spice things up. This fun approach combines the structure of a bingo card with the freedom of your personal tastes, making it a game that everyone can enjoy.
What is Literary Bingo?
Literary Bingo is a reading challenge that encourages participants to expand their reading habits by using a bingo card filled with diverse prompts. Imagine a traditional bingo card—a grid of squares, usually five by five—but instead of numbers, each square contains a different reading prompt. These prompts could be genre-based (“Read a fantasy novel”), themed (“A book set in winter”), or related to authors (“A book by a female author”). The idea is to complete a row, a column, or even the entire card by reading books that match each prompt.
Unlike traditional bingo, there’s no element of luck in Literary Bingo. You get to decide which prompts to focus on and which books to read. This makes the game uniquely personal and flexible, adaptable to whatever kind of reading challenge you want to set for yourself. You can go for a full card, which might involve 25 different books, or simply aim to complete one row for a smaller, more manageable challenge.
Setting Up Your Bingo Card
The beauty of Literary Bingo lies in its adaptability. You can find many pre-made bingo cards online, tailored to different genres and interests, or you can make your own based on your preferences. When designing your bingo card, consider including a mix of prompts that are both in your comfort zone and outside it. The whole point is to challenge yourself, so be sure to mix things up.
Here are some examples of prompts you might include:
- A Book Published This Year: Keep your reading list fresh by adding something new and current.
- A Book by an Author of Color: Diversify your bookshelf with perspectives from different cultures and backgrounds.
- A Book Under 200 Pages: When time is tight, shorter reads can be great for keeping up your momentum.
- A Genre You’ve Never Read Before: Try something outside your usual go-to genres, like horror, sci-fi, or a memoir.
- A Banned Book: Discover why certain books have faced controversy by reading a title that’s been challenged or banned.
- A Non-Fiction Bestseller: Expand your knowledge base with something from the bestseller list.
The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes Literary Bingo so versatile. The prompts can range from the fun and light-hearted (“A book with a blue cover”) to the deeply challenging (“A book that addresses mental health”). No two cards have to be alike, and that’s the joy of it—you create an experience that suits your unique reading aspirations.
How to Play
The first step in playing Literary Bingo is, of course, selecting a bingo card. If you’re new to reading challenges, start with a simpler card that focuses on genres or authors. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something adventurous, create a card with prompts that push you outside your comfort zone. You can play solo, compete with friends, or even participate in online reading groups that use similar bingo cards.
Once you’ve selected or designed your bingo card, decide on your rules. Are you aiming to complete a single row or an entire card? Will you allow books to count for multiple prompts, or will each book fulfill only one square? These rules will define how challenging the game is. Beginners might want to use each book for two or three prompts, making it easier to fill the card, while seasoned readers might prefer using only one book per square.
Next, fill in your card as you go. It’s a good idea to keep a journal or reading log where you can jot down which books fulfilled which prompts, and what you thought of them. Tracking your progress not only gives you a visual representation of your journey but also provides a sense of accomplishment as you see the card filling up over time. There’s something uniquely satisfying about getting closer to that bingo, square by square.
Choosing Books for Bingo
One of the most fun aspects of Literary Bingo is choosing which books fit each prompt. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend some time browsing your local library or bookstore, and to dig into the TBR (To Be Read) list you might have been ignoring. When selecting books, try to go for diversity—not just in terms of genre or theme, but in the kinds of authors and experiences represented.
For instance, a prompt like “A Book by an Author Under 30” might lead you to a debut novel by a young, promising voice. A prompt like “A Book Set in Another Country” will give you the chance to explore a culture different from your own, perhaps transporting you to bustling Tokyo or the tranquil Norwegian fjords. “A Book That Won an Award” might introduce you to a literary gem that you wouldn’t have picked up otherwise.
Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from friends, librarians, or online book communities. People love sharing their favorite reads, and it’s always fun to discover something you wouldn’t have found on your own. When selecting books for a bingo card, consider a mix of heavy and light reads—some challenging classics alongside more relaxed, enjoyable books. This will help you avoid burnout and keep the challenge balanced.
Why Literary Bingo Is Worth the Effort
Literary Bingo offers a wealth of benefits beyond the satisfaction of yelling “Bingo!” once you’ve completed a row. First and foremost, it helps break you out of reading ruts. We all have our favorite genres, those comfort zones that we return to time and again. Literary Bingo pushes you to go beyond those well-worn paths, encouraging you to explore genres, authors, and themes that you might not have considered before.
Another benefit is how Literary Bingo can expand your empathy. When you’re reading diverse perspectives—from different time periods, cultures, or walks of life—you gain insight into what life is like for others. It’s a wonderful way to enhance your understanding of the world and expand your capacity for empathy.
The game-like nature of bingo also provides motivation. Sometimes, reading challenges can feel a bit too much like homework. But when you frame it as a game, complete with squares to fill and goals to achieve, it adds a sense of playfulness. The prospect of completing a row or covering your card can make the act of reading feel like an accomplishment that’s tangible.
If you play Literary Bingo with friends or join an online reading group, it also offers a social element to what is usually a solitary activity. It becomes a shared adventure. You can compare your cards, exchange book recommendations, and discuss your thoughts on the books you’re reading—perhaps you’ll even make some new friends in the process.
Tips for a Successful Literary Bingo Challenge
- Stay Flexible: Don’t be afraid to tweak your bingo card if needed. If you’re struggling to complete a particular prompt, replace it with something more achievable. The goal is to keep reading fun and engaging, not stressful.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Completing just one square or finishing a row is a success worth celebrating. Reward yourself for each milestone—whether that’s indulging in a fancy coffee, taking yourself out for a bookstore visit, or just taking a moment to appreciate your effort.
- Mix Mediums: Use audiobooks or graphic novels to add variety. Audiobooks can be a great way to squeeze in some reading during your commute or while you’re doing chores. Graphic novels can be quicker reads and add a visually creative element to your reading life.
- Share Your Progress: Post updates on social media, talk to friends, or join an online reading group to share your journey. Not only does this keep you accountable, but it’s also fun to share recommendations and hear about others’ experiences.
- Don’t Worry About Perfection: The goal of Literary Bingo is to explore and enjoy. If you don’t complete the entire card or even a row, it’s okay. The journey itself is rewarding, and every book you read along the way is valuable.
Making Reading Fun Again
For many people, the pressure to read the “right” books—often classics or complex nonfiction—can turn reading into a chore. Literary Bingo takes that pressure away and replaces it with fun. By transforming your reading habits into a game, you get to rediscover the joy that reading can bring. It’s about exploration, not obligation. Every square you fill brings you closer to a personal achievement, and each prompt nudges you into a new experience.
At its core, Literary Bingo is about reintroducing playfulness into reading. It allows you to make your reading life colorful, vibrant, and filled with variety. By turning the simple act of reading into a game, it encourages you to explore beyond your comfort zones, interact with new ideas, and grow as a reader. So grab a bingo card, pick out some books, and dive in—an entire world of literary adventures awaits.
