Each year, I try — and the operative word is, indeed, “try” — to read an average of one novel each week. I don’t always manage it. Sometimes, I get caught up in writing. Other times, I get busy. Still others, I spend a little bit too much time binge watching something on Netflix or Amazon Prime. But I try.

Most years, I find a list of categories, bulk it up with my own ideas, and map out my entire year. The problem? Inevitably, a favorite author releases a book I didn’t work into my plan or a book not on my list catches my eye or I start craving a re-read of an old favorite (which leads to another and another), and it all falls apart.

This year, I’ll be doing something different. Instead of operating from a large list and locking in my choices months in advance, I’ll be choosing a few categories each month. Naturally, if I fall behind, I’ll choose fewer categories the following month in the hopes of catching up.

For January, I’ve chosen to read the following:

1. Book Club Suggestion: “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes
2. Book with Multiple Authors: “Four Weddings and a Sixpence” by Julia Quinn, Elizabeth Boyle, Laura Lee Guhrke, Stefanie Sloane
3. Novel Set in War Time: “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
4. Book with Antonyms in the Title: “The Truth and Other Lies” by Sascha Arango

As I read, I’ll be sharing my favorite quotes from and my thoughts on my selections. And if you’re reading along with me, I hope you’ll do the same.