I am going to sound like an English teacher today. And if you are like me, all of my memories of English teachers are not fond. I hope you will tolerate my brief soapbox that I feel compelled to stand on today. In the end, we might all benefit!

I think everyone should have a reading list at the beginning of a new year. I resisted such structured way of reading for a long time, because for years I received very long reading lists the third or fourth page of a syllabus for a graduate course I was taking. When I finished up my terminal degree in 2003, all I wanted to do was vegetate in front of a television for a about a year.

I want to read all kinds of cool books. I formulated a list. I already know it is too ambitious. It contains too many books. But I am going to work hard at it and get as much accomplished as possible.

My reading for 2011 includes three biographies. One of those is a biography about the life of St. Francis of Assisi. I have heard him quoted. I am aware of some of his life story, but I am anxious to learn more about his life. Biographies inspire me.

I also believe it is important to read the classics. I have included an old favorite on the list this year. I plan to reread A Separate Peace by John Knowles. That should bring back some great memories!

Another genre of books I enjoy includes stories about people who have done heroic or inspiring things. This past year I head a book about a lady who left her life as an exotic dancer and began a ministry reaching out to people employed in that industry. She provided very straightforward information regarding those working in adult clubs and prostitution. This year I plan to read The Scarlet and the Black. It chronicles the story of a priest who helped an untold number of Jews escape from the Nazis before being sent to concentration camps. I also plan to read Three Cups of Tea. It is the story of a man who has built schools in Afghanistan in very recent years.

There are of course areas I am just interested in that I must read more about! I continue to intrigued by generational differences. I am going to reread Edwin Friedman’s book: From Generation to Generation. I know that sounds really dry! But it is a fascinating read.

I have at two novels included in the list as well. I have to remind myself that reading just for fun is one of the joys of life. I am excited about my reading list! I hope my mind is enriched! What will your reading list include this year?