In my previous post, I talked about how I recently acquired the book 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, and how I had a plan. Well, folks, it’s time for me to divulge how I have prepared myself for this literary journey (challenge?) and how I am actually going to read so many books before I kick the bucket.
Reading Goals: 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die
Preparation Is Key
One doesn’t embark on something as lofty as reading 1001 books without proper preparation. This is a marathon, after all, not a sprint. And it took more than 20 days to get everything in place. First, I worked my way through 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die and copied down a list of every single book in it, added the author’s name, and drew a little checkbox. Yes, I made a list of a list (sue me). 😀 With that out of the way, I had to decide whether I was going to tick off the books I’d already read in the past or reread them. Spoiler alert: I decided on the latter option …
After that was done (and it took me about 15 days by the way), I had to go through my library to see what books I owned and what other books I wanted to acquire first.
Now, considering the price of books nowadays (including eBook prices), there was no way I was going to be able to afford more than 900 books brand new. So, I opted to buy them secondhand and/or find them at the local library. If, however, a book is so freaking good that I know it will be worth buying it brand new and having it take up space in my home library, I will.
The search began for my preliminary list of books and, after I found them, I had to wait a few days for them to arrive.
Mind Over Matter
The most important thing, I think, to consider with such a massive goal is whether you are in the right mindset. Right now, I am eager to get my reading on. The question is: Will I feel the same way in a month? Six months? A year? That’s a long list of books to read, some will be spectacular and others probably won’t resonate. Still, how will it affect me if I can’t even get through half of them?
These are all questions I asked before I started this journey, and I made my decision that reading some are better than reading none. So, if I fail, I fail. It’s okay. Though, I’m going to do my utmost not to fail (this is a bucket list goal of mine now).
Timeline
Like I said, this is a marathon. While I’ve always meant to read more of the classics, I often found myself getting distracted by bright and shiny new releases. To negate this, I decided on the following:
- For every 5 books I read listed in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die, I am allowed to buy myself 1 new release (but the new release has to be under $18 because nobody in their right mind should spend more than that on a bloody book).
- I’m allowed to listen to the audiobook versions if I am willing to spend my Audible credits on them.
- I have to read at least 40 books listed in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die per year if I’m going to finish by the time I’m 60 years old (started a bit late with this … whoops).
- I will try not to read books in the same genre back-to-back.
- You’re going to make it fun for yourself!
I know, I know, reading shouldn’t really have rules, but this is a serious goal I want to achieve and organization is key. Whether I’ll be able to accomplish it, I don’t know … However, I would like to invite you to join me. I’ll be giving updates on my progress, and who knows, maybe you’ll find a book or two you’d also like to read. 🙂
1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die
Synopsis:
For discerning bibliophiles and readers who enjoy unforgettable classic literature, 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die is a trove of reviews covering a century of memorable writing. Each work of literature featured here is a seminal work key to understanding and appreciating the written word. The featured works have been handpicked by a team of international critics and literary luminaries, including Derek Attridge (world expert on James Joyce), Cedric Watts (renowned authority on Joseph Conrad and Graham Greene), Laura Marcus (noted Virginia Woolf expert), and David Mariott (poet and expert on African-American literature), among some twenty others.
Addictive, browsable, knowledgeable—1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die will be a boon companion for anyone who loves good writing and an inspiration for anyone who is just beginning to discover a love of books. Each entry is accompanied by an authoritative yet opinionated critical essay describing the importance and influence of the work in question.
Also included are publishing history and career details about the authors, as well as reproductions of period dust jackets and book designs.
