Every December, as New Year's Eve approaches, I find myself thinking about resolutions. I'm pretty happy with my lifestyle and can't really think of anything that I need to change so much that I should make a ceremony out of proclamations and promises in the dead of winter. Also, so many resolutions that people choose just aren't any fun.
This week I've been looking at my stacks of unread books and it occurred to me that some of them are pretty hefty. I can handle hefty, and I love a good history book, but I also love beautiful stories and between what I pick up and what book club chooses, I don't end up with a lot of time for tomes.
So! I've decided to challenge myself in 2012 with something that I hope to find enjoyable, informative, and satisfying:
In 2012, I would like to read Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States. I picked up a copy at Booksmart in Uptown at our book crawl in October and I've heard that it is the definitive text for amateur historians. There are 25 chapters and assuming that I'll start with some zeal, if I commit to reading two chapters a month I should finish by the end of 2012.
I'll update my progress not more than monthly, so keep your eyes peeled for updates if you find yourself interested. The text begins in 1492 and goes all the way up to 2001 and the War on Terror so I anticipate it will fill in a lot of holes in my knowledge. Join me if you're able and have a very Happy New Year!
That is a great idea. People are more likely get to the fun and exciting resolutions so it is important to have those or mix them in with the less exciting ones. Enjoy!
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