The Decade Project
Welcome to My Decade of Reading
Years ago, I asked a question that sparked this entire project:
“If I could read one book a week for ten years, is there a list that would leave me truly educated in literature?”
What began as a simple inquiry has turned into a personal quest—an exploration of what makes literature great, transformative, and essential. I’m not just reading books; I’m reading to change who I am.
Why the "Decade List"?
The idea of a literary canon is controversial. Some argue that every book has value, that taste is subjective, and that one person’s "classic" is another’s forgettable read. But I believe there’s more to it. Not all books merely entertain—some demand that we grow to understand them. They challenge us to step outside of ourselves, to become readers capable of appreciating something beyond our usual preferences.
That’s what this project is about. The Decade List wasn’t chosen by publishers or based on bestseller lists—it was given to me by someone with deeper insight into literature, someone whose wisdom I trusted. This list is a ten-year foundation, a blueprint for becoming the kind of person who can appreciate the best that literature has to offer.
Not Reading for Instant Gratification
I didn’t start this journey because I already loved these books. In fact, I wasn’t sure I could enjoy some of them at all—Moby Dick, for instance, seemed like a slog. But here’s the secret: the more I read, the more I change. Slowly, I’m becoming someone who can savor books that once seemed daunting, even inaccessible. And that’s where the real joy is.
This isn’t about liking or disliking books. It’s about pushing beyond my comfort zone, reflecting deeply on what I read, and becoming more than I was when I started.
What You’ll Find Here
Each week, I share my reflections on the books from the Decade List. These aren’t academic reviews or book reports—they’re musings from an unfinished person trying to grasp what makes these works great. I write not as an expert but as a fellow traveler, exploring the landscape of literature in search of deeper meaning.
I also invite you to join me in expanding this list. I plan to start a parallel exploration of “Decade Candidates,” books that may deserve a spot on the list as I refine my judgment. Your suggestions are welcome.
Why Subscribe?
By subscribing, you’ll receive these reflections directly in your inbox each week. You’ll also be able to comment, connect with other readers, and share in the discussion. While a free subscription gives you access to all my core posts, paid subscriptions help me continue this journey—and may offer more in the future as the project grows.
If you’re passionate about literature, curious about what makes a book truly great, or simply interested in seeing how reading can shape a person over time, I invite you to subscribe and join the conversation.
Oh, and in case you were wondering—Moby Dick turned out to be one of the most powerful, awe-inspiring books I’ve ever read (so far).
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