Books

What’s Yours Is Mine:

Theft, piracy, fraud, or espionage is a major topic or plot point. HARD MODE: No MacGuffins.

ALT - She Blinded Me With Science

The author has a background and degree in a hard science. HARD MODE: More than one post graduate degree.

There Is Another…:

Not the first in a series. HARD MODE: Series has 5 or more entries.

Local to You:

The author lives in or writes about a location local to you (city, state, province, territory, etc.). HARD MODE: The author has spent a significant amount of time there, but wasn't born there.

LGBTQIA+ Lead:

A main character identifies as LGBTQIA+. HARD MODE: Includes a significant romance between characters that identify as LGBTQIA+.

Questions, Complaints, Whines, General Commentary, Shitposting

ALT - Translated

Not originally in your native tongue. HARD MODE: Has been translated into at least ten other languages. This Wikipedia page is a good place to start for widely translated works.

Mashup:

A combination of two or more genres or non-fiction topics. HARD MODE: Unusual combo, like fantasy thriller.

ALT - Same Author, New Work

An author you’ve read before, but a series (or standalone) you haven’t. HARD MODE: Give an author you didn’t like a second chance.

It’s About Time:

The passage or manipulation of time is a major theme or plot driver. HARD MODE: Backward in time, not forward.

Among the Stars:

Features space, astronomy, or stardom. HARD MODE: The title references the theme, too.

Bookception:

Features a book-related aspect. HARD MODE: Something other than a book, like an author or library.

Now a Major Motion Picture:

The work has been adapted into a show or single episode, movie, play, audio drama, or other format. HARD MODE: The adaptation is regarded as better than the original work.

One Less:

A book that’s been on your TBR list for a long time. HARD MODE: Overlaps with at least one other bingo square theme.

Minority Author:

Minority or LGBTQIA+ author. A minority can be any member of a generally underrepresented population where you live. HARD MODE: Minority and LGBTQIA+.

It's a Holiday:

Takes place during a specific holiday, which is significant to the plot. HARD MODE: Not Christmas, a fictional variation of Christmas, or other winter festival.

Eazy, Breazy, Read-zie:

A light, popcorn-worthy read that’s not real deep (see also “beach read” and “airport novel”). HARD MODE: You actually read it while on a vacation/staycation.

It Takes Two:

Written by two or more authors. HARD MODE: Written by three or more authors.

Water, Water Everywhere

The title refers to some form or body of water. HARD MODE: Not liquid water.