OK, so, in a nutshell, here's what I want to do:

I want to read one book from every year I've been alive. I'll begin with a book published in 1972, which is the year I was born. Then I'll read the rest of the years in chronological order. I'll finish either when I get to the present year, or I'll keep going year by year from here on for the rest of my life, or I'll just abandon the project somewhere around 1977.

Right now, the project is still at the planning stage, mainly because I'm having difficulty coming up with a book for 1972. I have some 1974-76 books in mind that look good, and I'm really excited about the '80s books. But '72 is stumping me. So I busy myself by asking myself questions about the rules of the experiment.

Can I read books I've already read before?
Technically, I suppose that would be fine, but this practice is frowned upon. I thought about beginning the experiment with Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1972) which I read about 15 years ago. But really, I'd rather not re-read books. So, in actuality, no. No re-reading.

Fiction or nonfiction?
Either is fine, but I have far more interest in fiction, so most if not all of the selections will end up being novels. Short stories are fine, too.

Am I sticking to serious literature?
Hell no. There will be some good stuff for sure. But if I want to read something stupid or fun, I will.

So anything goes?
No. The joy of reading chronologically is that you can progress through time as you read. Therefore, historical fiction is out. Likewise, biographies are probably out, too. The books should take place "in the present day," if this is possible.

So stay tuned. We'll see where this ends up.