In which I covet your books.

It's January 2. I still haven't set my reading goal for the year.

I am uninspired by the idea of sheer quantity. I want a theme! I want a challenge!

In the meantime, I'm re-reading my Harry Potters, which I read for the first time last fall, after resisting for years on the usual grounds - distrust of the reading discrimination of the American public. To my begrudging surprise, the books are great, both in the writing and even more in their meaning, particularly as the mythology grows in the final books to a gorgeous and troubling exploration of love, courage, trust, loyalty, and sacrifice of self to the greater thing.

The movies are good, too, especially the final ones.

So, booky friends, help me out! Did you have a 2011 reading challenge? How did it go? What's your plan for 2012? How did you decide?

And more specifically, what books are your must-reads for the coming year? What did you read last year that was unforgettable? What has been on your TBR list for far too long? Feel free to send me complimentary copies.