I've already written a poem, sort of, for the Virtual Advent Tour on December 7. I always ask for the date of my son's birth, because it's nostalgic to me, but the post focuses more on my hope for us all. Come back and visit me then, if you like.
A long while back Tom mentioned he had yet to read Great Expectations. While I've read it, I think the title is perfect for the new year, n'est ce pas? Who doesn't hold great expectations, with the reminder that if one doesn't let them go one could suffer the consequences? And so Tom and I have a tentative plan to read this great work of Dickens' in January.
Then last night I read that Richard is hosting a read-along of Roberto Bolano's 2666. I did a miserable job with The Savage Detectives, and I'm hoping to fare better with this. Look at all the awards alone which it has received:
A National Book Critics Circle Award WinnerNew York Times Book Review 10 Best Books of 2008 Time Magazine's Best Book of 2008
Los Angeles Times Best Books of 2008
San Francisco Chronicle's 50 Best Fiction Books of 2008
Seattle Times Best Books of 2008
New York Magazine Top Ten Books of 2008
Finally, there is Tony's January in Japan Challenge which coincides with the last month of my own Japanese Literature Challenge 7. I started out fabulously, reading several books in the summer; but fall has proved rather overwhelming, and there are several Japanese books (shelves and shelves) I have yet to devour. I believe I'll start with Ozeki's new book, A Tale for The Time Being, and then continue discovering Mishima.
I hate to look too far ahead for then I feel somewhat obligated by choices set in stone. On the other hand, with no plan how can you reach a goal? These three goals in the next three months should be obtainable. If not wonderfully fun.
