52 Books in 52 Weeks (2024) (52 Book Club) - hosted by britrcup

Bibliosmia: A smelly book
 
Bibliosmia can be defined as “the smell or aroma of a good book” or “the act of smelling books.”

All our prompts can be completed using any format of reading, and this prompt does not mean that you have to physically smell a book (unless you want to, of course!) This is one of those prompts that invites you to get super creative, and we look forward to seeing what you come up with.

To help you get started, here are a few ideas for how one might complete this prompt:

  • A book that has that “good book smell.”
  • A book you read but didn’t enjoy. (“This book stinks!”)
  • A book you enjoyed but that has bad reviews from others. (It stinks!)
  • A non-fiction read about the science and sensation of smell.
  • A bookish character within the book who mentions “book smell” or “bibliosmia.”
  • Smell is often associated with memory. You may pick a nostalgic read that reminds you of a specific time (or book) in your life.
  • A book with words like, “Smell,” “Scent,” or “Aroma” in the title.
  • Capture that “new book smell” by reading a newly released book (in any format!)
  • Capture that “old book smell” by reading a classic (in any format.)
  • A novel that heavily relies on scents / smells for descriptions within the narrative.
  • A character with hyperosmia (an extremely heightened sense of smell.)
  • A character who works with scents (perfumist, aromatherapist, sommelier, etc.)
  • A cover design featuring something smelly (either positive or negative association). For example: Garbage, candles, perfume, fish, flowers, garlic, feet, smoke, coffee, etc.
 
All books added
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

The Keeper of Lost Things

Ruth Hogan

278 pages • first pub 2017 (editions)

fiction contemporary literary magical realism emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

A Tempest of Tea

Blood and Tea #1

Hafsah Faizal

335 pages • first pub 2024 (editions)

fiction fantasy young adult adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Prophet by Sin Blaché, Helen Macdonald

Prophet

Sin Blaché, Helen Macdonald

480 pages • first pub 2023 (editions)

fiction lgbtqia+ science fiction adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

Alix E. Harrow

399 pages • first pub 2019 (editions)

fiction fantasy historical adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Crying in H Mart

Michelle Zauner

256 pages • first pub 2021 (editions)

nonfiction memoir emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly

Unearthly #1

Cynthia Hand

435 pages • first pub 2011 (editions)

fiction fantasy young adult adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced
My Brother's Keeper by Tim Powers

My Brother's Keeper

Tim Powers

320 pages • first pub 2023 (editions)

fiction fantasy historical mystery dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula

Bram Stoker

497 pages • first pub 1897 (editions)

fiction classics horror literary dark mysterious tense slow-paced
The Orphanage By The Lake by Daniel G. Miller

The Orphanage By The Lake

Daniel G. Miller

302 pages • first pub 2024 (editions)

fiction mystery thriller dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Calling on Dragons

Enchanted Forest Chronicles #3

Patricia C. Wrede

244 pages • first pub 1993 (editions)

fiction fantasy middle grade adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced