The 52 Book Club's 2024 Reading Challenge - hosted by the52bookclub

Bibliosmia: A smelly book
Bibliosmia may or may not officially appear in your dictionary yet, but those with a penchant for bookish words will love this one! 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.
  • For a freebie: Light “a book scented candle” while you read a book of your choice.
 
All books added
Eldrenoire by Elle Wildes

Eldrenoire

Elle Wildes

470 pages • paperback • 2025

fiction fantasy romance
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

Shield of Sparrows

Shield of Sparrows Trilogy #1

Devney Perry

644 pages • paperback • 2025

fiction fantasy romance adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Magic Triumphs [Dramatized Adaptation] by Ilona Andrews

Magic Triumphs [Dramatized Adaptation]

Kate Daniels #10

Ilona Andrews

10 hours, 56 minutes • audio • 2018

fiction fantasy adventurous emotional fast-paced
Terminal by Brendan Reichs, Kathy Reichs

Terminal

Virals #5

Brendan Reichs, Kathy Reichs

380 pages • paperback • 2015

fiction mystery science fiction young adult challenging informative mysterious fast-paced
Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Chocolat

Chocolat #1

Joanne Harris

320 pages • paperback • 1999

fiction literary magical realism emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Paradise by Craig Alanson

Paradise

Expeditionary Force #3

Craig Alanson

283 pages • paperback • 2016

fiction science fiction adventurous fast-paced
The Perfumer's Secret by Fiona McIntosh

The Perfumer's Secret

Fiona McIntosh

400 pages • paperback • 2015

fiction historical romance emotional medium-paced
Smoke by Michael Brissenden

Smoke

Michael Brissenden

311 pages • paperback • 2024

fiction crime dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Ranger's Code by Delta James

Ranger's Code

Delta James

202 pages • 2025 user-added

fiction fantasy romance
The Body in the Backyard by Lucy Score

The Body in the Backyard

Riley Thorn Mysteries #4

Lucy Score

360 pages • paperback • 2024

fiction contemporary mystery romance funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced