This summer, two of the biggest competitions are in Seattle. That’s right, I’m talking about the FIFA World Cup, and Book Bingo! In a brilliant moment of crossover potential, Book Bingo has a category for FIFA World Cup Country! Read on for suggestions on what to pick up, or check out a longer list in our catalog: Book Bingo NW 2026: World Cup Country.
Lucha Libre: The History of Mexican Wrestling by Artes de México
Mexico. Experts analyze all aspects of lucha libre, from history to organization to style, accompanied by lush illustrations.
Things That Disappear by Jenny Erpenbeck, translated by Kurt Beals
Germany. In this short collection of essays, Erpenbeck reckons with both large and small scale disappearances, digging into national and personal history.
On Earth as It Is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated by Padma Viswanathan
Brazil. Inmates in a remote wilderness prison fight to survive a sadistic warden and the psychic remnants of annihilation held by the land itself.
The Summer House by Masashi Matsuie, translated by Margaret Misutani
Japan. A small team of Japanese architects relocates to a mountain town where they work on a design bid for a new National Library of Modern Literature.
Discontent by Beatriz Serrano, translated by Mara Lethem
Spain. Twenty-something Marisa, a mid-level manager at a Madrid advertising firm, must reckon with her imposter syndrome on an unhinged corporate retreat.
Living in Your Light by Abdellah Taïa, translated by Emma Ramadan
Morocco. Three moments over 40+ years trace the life of Malika, a woman from Morocco, as she marries, fights for her daughter’s future with a French woman, and confronts a thief in her home.
For more ideas for books to meet your Summer Book Bingo challenge, follow our Shelf Talk BookBingoNW2026 series or check the hashtag #BookBingoNW2026 on social media. Book Bingo is presented in partnership with Seattle Arts & Lectures and the King County Library System.
~Posted by Andrea G.