Must Reads - 2013

Another year has come to an end and that means another chance to beat Dustin in our annual reading competition also comes to an end. Although this year's competition was bittersweet. Yes, I read more books and pages than my loving husband, but I didn't reach my individual goal. It was a slow year for reading. In fact, the last book I read was Anne Rice's The Wolf Gift back in September.

Yes, September! Too much Facebook, video games, and magazines. Although I did get through a large stack of magazines that have been accumulating on the "mail table." Seven issues of National Geographic, seventeen issues of Adventist Review, and three Women's Health - too bad those pages don't count.

This past year we opened the competition up to include our friend Kevin. Honestly, I thought this would be an easy win. But then I forgot the quite lengthy Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. Dustin has been reading them for years and is quite excited for the final book to come out this spring. Kevin reread the entire series - all 19,000+ pages and left me in the dust for 2012's competition.

Beginner's luck.

So this year I am taking a different approach to my book reading. Like the dieter who plans his meals for the week, I have mapped out my literary adventures for the first quarter. This will give me some structure (which my A-type personality agrees with) and make sure I stay on progress to slaughter surpass both my husband, Kevin, and any others who dare to join the challenge.

January
Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey (annual reread)
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks - I've read all his works. Might as well keep it up.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (annual reread)

February
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

March
King of Heists by J North Conway
Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

I am a woman with a plan. Although I should point out that it is already five days into January and I've not read a countable page. I am taking recommendations for second quarter. I'm interested in J.K. Rowling's new adult novel, but want to wait until more reviews come in.

Until then - I am off to go snuggle up with Zero and a good book!