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For years I have had this scrap of newsprint from the New York Times book section folded in the drawer beside my bed. The years have yellowed it with time and some of the words have started to fade, but I still can't bring myself to part with it. What wonders does this bit of old paper hold, you ask? It's a list of the 100 greatest books of the 20th century, a list I vowed years ago to conquer. Pen markings in a variety of shades (I was very into purple in 2003) indicate when a title had been vanquished and I can admit quite proudly that I have read just over half of the books on this list. But, half is no longer good enough. This is the year I conquer the list. I have put it off for too long.

Stephen King says to be a great writer you must write a lot and you must read a lot. As I strive to become a better writer and person, I have decided to take Mr. King's words and apply them to my life. So, as I sat at my computer last night crafting my yearly list of resolutions with the same thoughtfulness I imagine Hemingway possessed when he wrote The Old Man and the Sea (joking, I assure you), I quickly realized that the bulk of my 2008 resolutions were mostly literary in nature.

While most people concern themselves with outward appearance, deciding to focus on eating better and exercising their bodies, (a worthy cause, I admit) I have decided to feed my soul with thought-provoking ideas, in turn exercising my mind. So here, in no particular order, are my 2008 literary resolutions. I'm hoping that by making them public I will be more inclined to stick with them past March. So, here's to wishful thinking…

2008 Literary Resolutions

1. Read more books for fun, not just for work.

2. Finally conquer the list of 100 greatest books of the 20th century.

3. Join a book club and become more involved in literary discussion with others.

4. Be more open to new ideas and subject matters.

5. Read more biographies.