Nothing is more satisfying than finding an excellent book, a new author, or losing yourself in a story. The idea of sharing “My Favorite Books of 2020” is generous. There are dozens of articles and blogs containing book recommendation lists. We stayed-at-home, read, read more, and enjoyed the time spent, whether for knowledge, escape, or self-improvement. I appreciate all the effort to create personalized lists. I also know that someone else’s tastes, desires, and needs don’t necessarily match mine. The truth is, as much as I enjoy knowing what someone found to be a great read, I would rather make the discovery myself. After all, there are reviews and critics’ opinions, and I enjoy finding out what my friends are reading. Sometimes I am even swayed by their tastes. But my stubborn gene says, “I’d rather do it myself!”
In March 2016, yes, a lifetime ago, The Story by Kindle published their first issue containing a challenge Amazon called Book Bingo, with this description: “Shake up your reading list during National Reading Month with this fill-in-the-blanks game custom-made for bookworms.”
You can still download a copy of their bingo card. Get a Card. I took the challenge. Using Goodreads, Amazon reviews, the public library, and my local newspaper’s literary section, I filled it in. I wasn’t satisfied to make a single bingo—I went for the cover-all and gave myself a full year.
I read for pleasure, usually grabbing the same kind of book by authors I already know, to relax and be entertained. I have to say my Book Bingo year was the most satisfying reading year I’d ever spent. To use a cliché, I widened my horizons. I met new authors—read books I would never have picked up, in genres I was convinced I’d dislike. It was enlightening.
Since then, I reach wider. I still read for escape, but now, I vary the genres and mix in a few books to flex my gray cells. I’m always on the lookout for a debut author. And when I read “My favorite reads of 2020” articles, it is not for recommendations but out of curiosity. Has someone discovered the same books I have? And, also, because it is a fun pastime.
