The Plan

SEVEN SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR READING THE WORLD BY BOOK

1)  I will read the countries in alphabetical order, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.  This is the list I will use. 

2)  The book has to be set, at least in part, in the selected country.

3)  The author does not have to be from that country.  In fact, my favorite perspective to read is that of an American narrator who is experiencing the world outside of his or her comfort zone or, in the reverse, a foreign narrator who is experiencing the United States.  Having lived overseas and spent part of my career in foreign affairs, I enjoy contemplating the challenges people face when confronting the proverbial clash of cultures.

4)  I reserve the right to read other books that have nothing to do with this self-imposed challenge.  I may or may not write about them.  Sometimes there's a book that chooses me, rather than the other way around, and it's not in my nature to resist this too strenuously.

5)  Don't judge me ... but I probably won't be choosing classics or anything that's especially literary.  I have a master's degree in literature and have read my share of the Canon and other great works.  I've loved most of them and am proud to be well-read, but at this stage of my life, I'm looking for something different.  I like fiction and occasionally memoirs.  I'm happy to read about any historical time period, but I prefer contemporary novels that were written in the past 25 years or so. 

6)  I'm happy to receive suggestions for titles, just don't be mad if I don't pick your recommendation.

7)  There is no time limit.  I read for my own edification and pleasure, and the time I spend with my books is sacrosanct ... not to be compromised by having to watch a clock or a calendar.