Terris's 2026 Bingo Plus > Likes and Comments

I'm going to take it slow this year! But this "plus" has given me a little spark of excitement ;)

I'm going for Black-Out!!


✔B1: 20th Century - The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner, 4****s, 5-8-26
✔B2: Your Native Language - They Were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple, 5*****s, 1-19-26 (Novel)
✔B3: New Country - Family Matters by Rohinton Mistry, 5*****s, 2-8-26
B4: Chosen by the Cover -
✔B5: Ancient/Old or Future The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter by Anonymous, 4****s, 1-27-26

✔I1: Group’s Bookshelf Prior to 2026 - The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare, (poetry), 4****s, 3-20-26
✔I2: Prize Winning Author - Why I Live at the P.O. by Eudora Welty, 4****s, 1-17-26 (Short story)
I3: Science - City by Clifford D. Simak
✔I4: From Your TRB Shelf - Two Years Before the Mast: A Sailor's Life at Sea by Richard Henry Dana Jr. (nonfiction), 5*****s, 9-30-26
I5: Book From the Group's Favorite 2025 Reads - Terms of Endearment by Larry McMurtry (Terry)

✔N1: The Americas or Oceania - Beyond the Black Stump by Nevil Shute, 5*****s, 9-12-26
✔N2: Action & Adventure - These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy E. Turner, 5*****s, 5-17-26 (epistolary)
✔N3: Free Choice — Classic or Not - The Common Reader by Virginia Woolf by Virginia Woolf, 3***s, 8-2-26
✔N4: Mystery, Suspense, or Thriller - The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie, 4****s, 1-27-26
✔N5: Africa, Asia, or Europe - Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi, 4****s, 3-21-26

✔G1: Group Poll that Did Not Win - The History of Mr. Polly by H.G. Wells, 3***s, 7-17-26
✔G2: Missing From the Group’s Shelf - Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion, 3***s, 7-25-26
✔G3: History - The Bridges at Toko-ri by James A. Michener, 5*****s, 4-1-26
✔G4: Recommended to You - Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery, 5*****s,
2-26-26, (children's book), recommended by "my mom"
✔G5: Group's 2026 Bookshelf - Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 4****s, 4-30-26

✔O1: Birth Year - Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie, 4****s, 5-21-26
✔O2: New-to-You or Favorite Author - A Few Green Leaves by Barbara Pym, 4****s, 3-8-26
✔O3: Somewhere Else - Round the Moon by Jules Verne, 4****s, 2-4-26 (audio book)
✔O4: Translation - Salomé by Oscar Wilde (Play), 4****s, 2-27-25
✔O5: 19th Century - Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens, 5*****s, 4-26-26

*And the PLUS* -- COMPLETED 9-30-26

You can earn up to ten (10) extra points (or Kudos) by choosing classic reads that fit into any of the categories below. The reads must be from those that you use to fill in a Bingo Square for 2026.

Each read and extra point category can be used only once for extra points.

10/10

✔Audio Book - Round the Moon by Jules Verne, 4****s, 2-4-36
✔Children’s Book - Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery, 5*****s,
2-26-26,
✔Epistolary - These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy E. Turner, 5*****s, 5-17-26
✔Essay - The Common Reader by Virginia Woolf, 3***s, 8-2-26
✔Graphic or Comic Book - Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi, 4****s, 3-23-26
✔Nonfiction - Two Years Before the Mast: A Sailor's Life at Sea by Richard Henry Dana Jr., 5*****s, 9-30-26
✔Novel - They Were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple, 5*****s, 1-19-26
✔Play - Salomé by Oscar Wilde, 4****s, 2-27-26
✔Poetry - The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare, 4****s, 3-20-26
✔Short Story - Why I Live at the P.O. by Eudora Welty, 4****s, 1-17-26

2026 Bingo Plus

B1 I1 N1 G1 O1
B2 I2 N2 G2 O2
B3 I3 N3 G3 O3
B4 I4 N4 G4 O4
B5 I5 N5 G5 O5

Save

Enjoy your planning Terris -- this part is really fun!

Enjoy Terris!

Have a great year reading with Bingo.

Thanks! I'm not planning much yet. I want to see what is going to fit from the books I read in 2026 and see how that goes. But I may have to plan just a little!! ;)

I have not been updating my Bingo process, so here is the progress I have made in the first two months of the year!:

B2 - Your Native Language - They Were Sisters, 5*****s!
B3 - New Country - Family Matters, 5*****s!
B5 - Ancient, Old, or Future - The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, 4****s
I2 - Prize Winning Author - Why I Live at the P.O., 4****s
N4 - Mystery, Suspense, or Thriller - The Man in the Brown Suit, 4****s
G4 - Recommended to You - Anne of Ingleside, 5*****s! (recommended by my mom!)
O3 - Somewhere Else - Round the Moon, 4****s
O4 - Translation - Salomé , 4****s (originally written in French)

5 stars (3), 4 stars (5) -- high ratings so far!! I'm happy about that ;)

AND I'm pretty pleased with the "Plus" part of the Bingo challenge!

✔Audio Book - Round the Moon by Jules Verne, 4****s, 2-4-36
✔Children’s Book - Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery, 5*****s,
2-26-26,
✔Epistolary - These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy E. Turner, 5*****s, 5-17-26
Essay
✔Graphic or Comic Book - Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi, 4****s, 3-21-26
Nonfiction
✔Novel - They Were Sisters by Dorothy Whipple, 5*****s, 1-19-26
✔Play - Salomé by Oscar Wilde, 4****s, 2-27-26
✔Poetry - The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare, 4****s, 3-20-26
✔Short Story - Why I Live at the P.O. by Eudora Welty, 4****s, 1-17-26

I think I can find books for the Essay, Nonfiction, and Poetry categories. But I'm going to need some help finding classics that are Epistolary or Graphic novel. Any suggestions are welcome! :)

That’s a ton of progress in 2 short months and look at all if the plus categories you’ve checked off! Well done Terris!!

You’ve reminded me to go update my bingo board too.

Epistolary novels on my list that I’ve read and you probably have too but here goes:

Frankenstein: The 1818 Text

I Capture the Castle

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith



Ones I haven’t read:

The Color Purple

The Sorrows of Young Werther

Evelina

Wow Terris, that's a ton of progress! And the best part is that they were all 4-star and 5-star reads. You must be so happy with your reading this year!

Wobbley wrote: "Wow Terris, that's a ton of progress! And the best part is that they were all 4-star and 5-star reads. You must be so happy with your reading this year!"

Thanks, Wobbley! I was surprised to see how high my ratings were so far! Hoping for more to come ;)

Lori wrote: "Epistolary novels on my list that I’ve read and you probably have too but here goes:

Frankenstein: The 1818 Text

I Capture the Castle

Fried Green Tomatoes at t..." </i>


Lori, thank you so much for the list! I've read all but Evalina and Fair and Tender Ladies, so will keep both of those in mind. I'm having a little bit of trouble this year with the Bingo because Katy emphasized "classics" so I'm trying to be a little careful with that (though I don't know that anyone is going to stop us and say "that isn't a classic!" haha!). I know we are all looking for good meaningful stories -- that might even be future classics!! ;)

And speaking of epistolary novels (which I love), I recently read [book:Love & Saffron and loved it! I think it is the kind of book you'd really enjoy! Keep it on your list :)
(sorry I can't get this off of ITALICS!!!)

Ah! Terris! We are really in sync with reads this year!! I was planning Love and Saffron to be my next kindle book as soon as I finish my irl book club book which I’m not liking at all. Should be able to start it tomorrow or Monday!! Glad to hear you loved it!!

I thought our classics definition was widened recently to books through 1999(?). That should help finding epistolary books as well.

Lori, that's so funny!! I know you'll enjoy Love & Saffron. At first I thought it was going to be a romance but it's not. I won't tell you any more but will be interested in what you think :)

I think you're right about the "classic definition" being widened to 1999! Thanks for reminding me. I'm interested to see what I can find in the way of a graphic novel!

BTW, what are you reading in your irl book club that you're not enjoying? We wanted to read The Correspondent (which I've already read!) but we couldn't get enough copies in our library system for everyone. It is still just too popular! So we have to switch to something lighter (I'm hoping it's not a "meet-cute" type of book) and it will be an easy read but not much to discuss I'm afraid :/

I’m not very versed in graphic novels, so I’ll be curious to see what you discover.

My IRL book club was reading His & Hers by Alice Feeney. Have you read it? It’s supposed to be a Netflix show too. Anyway, this is our first month where one of the members chose the book. I don’t love these types of psychological thrillers. Just not my thing. I roll my eyes, and skim as much as possible. I wonder why I do it?

Anyway, this group used to read thrillers a lot before I joined. I’ve tried to throw in a different flavor to the mix with poll suggestions for our themes. We shall see how the members choose a book method goes. Our leader just wanted us to not get upset when someone doesn’t like your choice. They apparently had that problem once before. Ho hum!

When it’s my turn to choose, my plan is to pick Hamnet. But that could change.

Lori wrote: "I’m not very versed in graphic novels, so I’ll be curious to see what you discover.

My IRL book club was reading His & Hers by Alice Feeney. Have you read it? It’..."

Oh, that's interesting, and I do understand how you feel!
I have read a few of Alice Feeney's, but got kind of tired of them (I think we read Daisy Darker in our book club!). But I, like you, don't enjoy psychological thrillers. They make me nervous! I have not read His & Hers, but I see why you wouldn't enjoy it. There have only been a couple of times in our club that I didn't enjoy the book. Yes, just skim and know enough about the story to be able to express your opinion -- OR just sit and smile and don't say anything!! haha!
I like your choice (hopefully!) of Hamnet. I haven't read it yet but it is a book that I would like someone to choose for book club because then I would have a reason to read it AND to be able to discuss it with the group. I like that part! Hope your meeting is successful, and that someone will choose a better book next month! I will say, I have read several books, over time during my book club years, that I would never have chosen, but ended up really enjoying! So, keep going and maybe you can have some influence in the choices, or at least find someone else in your club that reads like you!

Terris, for the Bingo card this year, I think Katy said to go with however you define as a classic. So I think there's a lot of flexibility in what that could mean. I hope that helps. :)

For epistolaries, if you want something light, I recommend Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot. For something beefier, a lot of Wilkie Collins's books have epistolary components. Happy reading!

Wobbley wrote: "Terris, for the Bingo card this year, I think Katy said to go with however you define as a classic. So I think there's a lot of flexibility in what that could mean. I hope that helps. :)

For epist..."

Thank you, Wobbley! Those both look good!
And thanks for the comment on "classics." I tend to be a purist when it comes to classics. And I think I need to realize that I can be a little more flexible, especially when it comes to these challenges. We're all just looking for wonderful and meaningful literature! :)

Yes exactly. I think of that challenges as just being there to support us in reading more and trying to find wonderful reading experiences. :)

Wobbley wrote: "Terris, for the Bingo card this year, I think Katy said to go with however you define as a classic. So I think there's a lot of flexibility in what that could mean. I hope that helps. :)

For epist..."

Wobbley, I need a good choice for another bingo challenge in a different group and this one may be perfect! Yay!

Terris wrote: "Lori wrote: "I’m not very versed in graphic novels, so I’ll be curious to see what you discover.

My IRL book club was reading His & Hers by Alice Feeney. Have you..."


Thanks Terris for the encouragement! I love this group and have been able to influence many of our reads. And we’ve already decided to read Project Hail Mary next month! An excellent choice. I have read books that I have been pleasantly surprised about. So I try not to judge at least!

O2 New-to-You or "Favorite Author"

A Few Green Leaves by Barbara Pym, 4****s, 3-8-26

As always, I love me some Barbara Pym!! I only have one more of hers to read, and I am feeling sad about that :'(

Terris, I did a micro-study of Verne a couple of years ago, including reading From the Earth.to Moon which I enjoyed due to good comparison of what happened when we did go to the moon.. . . . .Good to know there is a second part of the story, Round the Moon.

And you have quite a few other great selections!

Just caught up with your thread. What a marvelous set of books you have been reading! Just FYI, the classics definition has been expanded to 2006...the last year you can nominate in New School. That opens up the field a little.

An epistolary I really enjoyed was These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy E. Turner. Not sure if you have read it, but if not it is worth adding to your list.

I know how you are feeling about Pym. I have a number of hers yet to read, but I am getting to the end of Elizabeth Taylor and hoping for another Maggie O'Farrell soon. It is sad when you run out of books by a favorite author!

Cynda reads little. Welcomes prayers for health. wrote: "Terris, I did a micro-study of Verne a couple of years ago, including reading From the Earth.to Moon which I enjoyed due to good comparison of what happened when we did go to the moon.. . . . .Good..."

Thanks, Cynda! I'm intrigued by Verne and his curiosity and knowledge -- in the 1860s & '70s!! It is surprising how much of his "future vision" came true!
P.S. The Mysterious Island happens to be my favorite of his. It is not futuristic, but I love the problem-solving skills of the characters. I'll keep looking for his less acclaimed writings :)

Sara wrote: "Just caught up with your thread. What a marvelous set of books you have been reading! Just FYI, the classics definition has been expanded to 2006...the last year you can nominate in New School. Tha..."

Hey, Sara! Glad to hear from you!
Yes, I feel like I've read some pretty good books so far this year. And, thanks for the "classics" information. I'm glad the definition has expanded -- but can you imagine that anything in 2006 could be called a "classic"?! ;) Wasn't that just yesterday? (the '90s still seem so recent to me!)! But, yes, I have read some pretty good "future" classics in the last 20 years :)

Thanks for the recommendation of "These is My Words." It's so funny -- my mom absolutely loved that book and wants me to read it, and I just haven't gotten to it yet ;) Now I have a reason to finally read it (She'll be glad!)! Also, I didn't realize it was epistolary -- yay! That will be another one marked off my "TBR" list :)

I am planning to read Blaming for my Old/New challenge this year -- and you're right, I'll be a little sad when I finally get to the end of Taylor's writing. I'm glad I have a few more to go :)
But I have not read Maggie O'Farrell yet! It's good to know that you recommend her so highly. I'll move her up on "the list"!

Meanwhile, I'll just keep reading! ;)

Bravo for your Mom for making you an excellent recommendation. You will be glad you got to it, I think. I really loved Blaming, but then I have loved all of Taylor so far.

I find it hard to think of anything written in this century as a classic. Mainly because I think it takes more time than that to determine if a book has staying power. Of course, much of what we read in the earlier time frame doesn't deserve the label, if you think about it.

You are going to devour O'Farrell when you get to her. I read my first and couldn't stop until I had read them all!

Sara wrote: "Bravo for your Mom for making you an excellent recommendation. You will be glad you got to it, I think. I really loved Blaming, but then I have loved all of Taylor so far.

I find it hard to think ..."

I cannot wait to read a Maggie O'Farrell book now! Should I start with Hamnet? I know it's the most popular right now, but is it really the best? I'll look at some of her titles and see what I think :)

I'll let you know what I think of "Blaming" -- I'm still trying to get over "Angel"!! ;)

I thought Hamnet was terrific, but I started with The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox and I think it is the perfect place to begin!

Sara wrote: "I thought Hamnet was terrific, but I started with The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox and I think it is the perfect place to begin!"

Thanks, Sara! I'll try that one first :)

Thank you Terris for reminding us of These Is My Words as I had forgotten of it!

Just wanted to pop in and thank you for encouraging me to read Ben-Hur. I really enjoyed it and spent a few days lost in another world (which is rather useful at the moment!)

Cynda welcomes prayers for health. wrote: "Thank you Terris for reminding us of These Is My Words as I had forgotten of it!"

You’re welcome, Cynda! I’m looking forward to it :)

Sara wrote: "Just wanted to pop in and thank you for encouraging me to read Ben-Hur. I really enjoyed it and spent a few days lost in another world (which is rather useful at the moment!)"

I’m so glad you liked it! It was one that I put off for so long and it totally surprised me that I ended up enjoying it so much! I’m glad when that happens :)

I gave the Vanishing Act of Esme Lenox five stars. I have a Libby hold on Hamnet that I have suspended until I get through one more book, so we seem to be tracking!

I concur that Vanishing Act is a great place to start with O’Farrell. It was my first too. She’s an incredible writer that I know you’ll love!

I'm sad about nearing the end of Pym's novels too, Terris, but haven't read A Few Green Leaves, so happy to hear you enjoyed it!

N2 - Action & Adventure

These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by Nancy E. Turner, 5*****s, 5-17-26

I have been meaning to read this one for awhile, and I'm so glad I finally got to it! My mom will be glad too, since she has read it twice and has been wanting me to read it! -- along with a local book club friend. Thank you, Sara, for pushing me over the top to actually get to it -- I loved it! :)

Terris wrote: "N2 - Action & Adventure

These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901 by [author:Nanc..."

Oh - I've had this on my radar for ages! If it's that good I should try and get it sooner. I don't know why I've delayed, except I can't really tell what kind of book it is, and I like having some idea what I'm picking up before I start something. I'm glad you loved it, and you made your Mom happy, too. :)

I'm glad you found one you really loved!

Thanks, Teri-K & Wobbley -- I think you'd both enjoy this one :)

So glad you both got to it and enjoyed it, Terris. I thought it marvelously done!

Sara wrote: "So glad you both got to it and enjoyed it, Terris. I thought it marvelously done!"

Agreed!! :)

I got my first Bingo! Looks like mostly 4 stars with a 5 star thrown in (all 880 pages! Thank you, Mr. Dickens!).
I'm enjoying my Bingo reads this year and will be happy to keep reading! :)

✔O1: Birth Year - Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie, 4****s, 5-21-26
✔O2: New-to-You or Favorite Author - A Few Green Leaves by Barbara Pym, 4****s, 3-8-26
✔O3: Somewhere Else - Round the Moon by Jules Verne, 4****s, 2-4-26 (audio book)
✔O4: Translation - Salomé by Oscar Wilde (Play), 4****s, 2-27-25
✔O5: 19th Century - Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens, 5*****s, 4-26-26

Oh I'm so glad you enjoyed Our Mutual Friend so much -- it's my favourite Dickens so far. Great job getting your first Bingo!

Bravo! That's a nice collection of books. I always love Dickens.