On this episode, we ring in the New Year with the Winter-Spring 2024 Books & Bites Bingo reading challenge!

From now through June 30, 2024, keep track of books you read or listen to by writing the title and author in the matching bingo square. Complete all 25 squares for a chance to win a $100 Joseph-Beth gift card or an Amazon Kindle. You’ll also earn an enamel pin (while supplies last).

Ease into the challenge with our suggestions for books you can read in one sitting. Grab a cozy blanket to read under, and you'll be able to check off two prompts on your bingo card.

Carrie's Pick

Foster by Claire Keegan is about a young Irish girl sent to live with distant relatives while her mother prepares to give birth to yet another child.

The Kinsellas give the girl the care and attention that is sometimes lacking in her own chaotic home.

But there are details to suggest that the couple has their own sadness.This is a quiet, spare story full of tenderness and the solace these three bring to one another.

Pairing: Rhubarb Tart, the first dessert the girl eats in the Kinsella home. Watch the video How to Make Traditional Irish Rhubarb Tart, read "How to Make the Perfect Rhubarb Tart and the Common Mistakes to Avoid," or make an Easy Rhubarb Jam Tart.

Michael's Pick

In the Miso Soup, by Ryu Murakami and translated by Ralph McCarthy, begins with narrator Kenji, a Tokyo "nightlife guide," recalling his encounter with an American client, Frank.

As he leads Frank through the seedier parts of Toyko nightlife, Kenji begins to feel there’s something off about Frank. Is he the serial killer roaming the streets?

Pairing: A bowl of miso soup from a recipe found in the Gaijin Cookbook.

Jacqueline's Pick

The Course of True Love (and First Dates) by Cassandra Clare is an account of Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood's romance told from Magnus’s point of view. Magnus is an immortal, and an immensely powerful warlock, and Alec Lightwood is a Shadowhunter.

Before their alliance, many Shadowhunters killed Downworlders for any small infraction. So, Magnus is taken aback when Alec asks him to go on a date.

If you want to learn more about Alec’s and Magnus’ relationship or are just looking for a book filled with humor and romance, you should read this short story.

Pairing: Ethiopian Beef Tibs, which Alec and Magnus share on their first date.