The lifetime Reading Plan, by Clifton Fadiman is not only the title of a book it is also the focus of this installment of A Charlois Book Review. One of the things that many people especially, me, is their desire to be a well-rounded person. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to be a lifelong learner, especially by reading widely.
As I’ve said on other occasions is, I want to be the best version of myself that I can be. That includes being a well-rounded individual, or polymath. Naturally that means reading a lot, so, I am undertaking a quest. Over the next ten years I plan on increasing my reading so that I’m reading the great literature of history.
But how does one choose what to read? There is a myriad of ways to find your list. Fadiman’s Lifetime Reading Plan lists 103 authors that he feels should comprise most peoples lists. The Great Books by Britannica is a similar list that covers 74 of the world’s great literature. This set even has reading plans to guide a person through 10 years of reading. Another way of determination is computer lists of “best “……” books to read” , which may include websites that cover popular categories.
For me, I’ve decided to follow a multipronged approach. Over the next 10 years I’ll be following the Great Books 10 year reading plan, which will be my core reading list. Add to that a reading list of the 100 must read books from reedsy off the computer. Also included will be selections from other non-fiction lists that I may find.
Whatever you choose to read, I suggest we get intentional about increasing our reading time. It is one of the best ways of improving yourself.
Happy reading,
Robert A. Charlois III