The start of a year long journey...

A coworker told me about this project: try reading 100 books in a year and blog about the experience. And not just any 100 books. Try following a specific breakdown of genres, AND keep the pace of finishing a book every three days.

I thought, "Hey, I don't have any kids. I'm not in school. I can totally do this."

So I'm embarking on this year long journey of literary exploration, along with my friend Roxanne and my Aunt Kelli. I researched the project online, and switched up the quantities a little bit to better suit my tastes. Plus, I don't think I've ever read a romance or graphic novel in my life, and the thought of expanding my repertoire is both exciting and challenging. Here is my breakdown:

• 15 suggested books - I'm taking suggestions from friends, family, coworkers, etc. Please feel free to share your thoughts about the books I should be reading.
• 15 Classics - I have a degree in English Literature, but I have yet to read a LOT of the classics. So I'm hoping this project will give me the push to read some of the great novels I've always wanted to read.
  
• 15 Books Adapted to Film - I've always been a firm believer that the book is always better than the movie.
  
• 10 Non-fiction - This is a genre I really don't touch for recreational reading. But I'm hoping to reignite the intellectual fire within. And, if I toss in a wedding etiquette book or two, it will surely help this year's other project, as well.
  
• 10 Biographies/Autobiographies - I'm very excited about this category; I hope to be inspired by others' stories and use their examples to improve mine.
  
• 5 Historical Fiction - My first book in this category is going to be Gone With the Wind. Beyond that, I'm open to suggestions.
  
• 5 Mysteries - Another genre I don't read often, but I'm the hoping the page-turners will help me keep up the pace.
  
• 5 Oprah's Book Club - Although she took back the seal, I'm still classifying A Million Little Pieces by James Frey as one of O's picks. I've got to support my fellow Denisonian.
  
• 5 Young Adult/Children's - I love young adult fiction - Twilight, Harry Potter, you name it.
  
• 4 Fantasy - I feel these next two are nearly interchangeable, but again, they're both genres I don't usually read.
  
• 4 Science Fiction - The only requirement here is that I read a Star Trek novel in honor of my dad.
  
• 3 Graphic Novels - Other than Watchmen, I don't think I even know the title of another graphic novel. Suggestions are strongly encouraged.
  
• 2 Romance - Hopefully I can read something extremely smutty - bonus points if Fabio is on the cover.
  
• 2 Wild Cards - Lastly, I'm going to read two books that I really want to read, that don't fit into any another category.

I'm headed to the library this week to pick up my first round of reading, and I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress.

xoxo,
JKG