My initial plan was to put together a new SF Bingo card for 2025, but I struggled to think of categories. I still wanted to have a fun challenge for all you readers out there, not to mention myself, so I wondered what other challenges are available. At the same time, I was transferring the contents of my old work coat to my new one. That’s when it hit me. The ultimate last-minute challenge. Can we read books based on the contents of my pockets?

There are twelve categories. One a month, if you like to see it that way. here’s the list:

Bolt – Bolt isn’t just a thing to keep things secure, it’s also what you do once you escape. read a book about someone on the run.

Broken Metal – Science fiction is full of wonderful inventions, but sometimes they get broken. Read a book about a machine getting smashed.

Chain – Useful for securing gates when there are cows around, but also for keeping ne’er-do-wells secure. Read a book about someone who gets imprisoned.

Dust – No matter how much you empty your pockets, there’ll always be dust left over. Read a book that takes place in a gritty, grimy, or otherwise dirty setting.

Knife – I use my knife to open bales of silage, hay, and straw. It’s not a weapon, but a tool. Read a book that has a knife put to non-violent use.

Moisture Tester – An essential tool for those who want their wood or hay to be dry enough for use. Read a book about a character who ends up getting wet.

Nail – Good for holding things together. Read a book that you think absolutely nails the ending.

Screw – Like a nail, but more twisted. Read a book that has some good plot twists.

Staple – I’ve handled literally thousands of these over the years, because they are a crucial part of fencing. read a book that features a staple (a trope or an idea, for example) of the science fiction genre.

Stone – You don’t want your livestock eating these, so you need to pick them up if you see them in the feed. The bigger the rock, the more obvious it is. Read a book about an asteroid

String – One of the most useful random objects out there, whether it be holding open a door, or securing a straw bale, but you can only use them so many times before they’re out of use. Read a book that tied your head in knots.

Torch – Very useful on those dark winter nights when you still need to be outside working. Read a book with a light source in the title.