The rules are pretty straightforward and you just need to signup on the site.
- 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.
- They’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
Read: Eggs on Ice by Laura Child’s comp 1/2/20
Landscape – A book whose setting is vital to the story
Read: The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff set France during WWII comp 1/7/20
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.
Read: 19th Christmas by James Patterson comp 1/4/20
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
Ideas: Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis/ Maybe you should talk to someone by Lori Gottlieb
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
Ideas: The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown/
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
Ideas: Matilda by Roald Dahl
Love – A book that illustrates love
Native American – A character or an author who is Native American
Ideas: There, There by Tommy Orange
Ideas: There, There by Tommy Orange
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
Read: Garlic & Sapphires by Ruth Reichl NYT Food Critic comp 1/14/20
Indulge – The hot fudge of reading: all pleasure, no virtue
My card for tracking
My card for tracking
