This week is my 39th birthday and, like most people approaching a milestone birthday, I've started making a list of what I'd like to accomplish before the big 4-0. First on my to-do list: Read 40 books by my 40th birthday.

When I told my husband that, he said, "Altogether? Like in a year?" It's ambitious for me and, apparently, for most Americans. A recent survey reported 12 books to be the average, but about a fourth of American adults hadn't even read one book in the last 12 months. Yikes! I've never officially counted how many books I've read in one year before, but I do try to keep track here. 

In my family, I am known as a reader, the bookworm. As much as I love reading, I can't say that I am always reading something. My tendency is to read in binges, often reading a whole series in succession--the year of Harry Potter and Hunger Games weekend come to mind. 

Parenthood has dramatically changed my reading habits in recent times. Since my daughter was born, I've noticed I'm a more prolific reader when I'm forced to sit and be still with all other entertainment options removed. I read bunches while nursing my child and during that phase where I had to sit in her room until she fell asleep every night. eReaders are a lifesaver in those situations. But now sustained attention to any task with a three-year-old around is a challenge.  Vacations filled with books on the beach are distant memories, too. 

Knowing that I'm unlikely to invent more time to read, I realized that there would have to some behavior changes on my part if I'm really going to digest roughly one book a week until next December. Austin Kleon's recent newsletter mentioned year-end lists and linked to his post on how he read over 70 books in 2014.  I was inspired! Based on his seven tips and a few of my own ground rules, I've come up with a plan. Here goes...

 1. Runs from December 2015 to December 2016.
 2. Books can be counted as long as they are finished by my birthday 2016 regardless of start date.
 3. Professional books (nonfiction) and personal books (fiction and nonfiction) count.
 4. Children's books do not count, unless they are chapter length.
 5. Format is irrelevant - eBooks, audiobooks, traditionally bound are all fair game.
 6. Books before Facebook. Limit social media and read a book instead.
 7. Go to bed earlier and read. See also #6.
 8. Travel with books. Always.  See also #6.
 9. Talk about books and ideas more and less about people. See also #6.
10. Remember this is not a chore. You actually like reading. A lot. It's like being forced to eat ice cream and wear soft pants every day. Enjoy it, dadgummit! 

Ready, Set, Go!