About Me
My name is Robert Bruce, and I’m a 36-year-old full-time writer and former English major who loves to read. I currently live in Nashville, Tennessee.
I’m going to read all 100 of Time Magazine‘s greatest English-speaking novels since 1923 (plus Ulysses). I don’t know how long it will take. After all, I’m married, I have a ten-month-old, and I like to train for marathons. But hopefully I’ll get through this list before my eyesight goes bad and the interwebs stop working.
Join me in the fun.If you want to know a little more about me, read Behind The Curtain of 101 Books.
Guest post appearances on other blogs:
Michael Hyatt’s Blog: (5 Ways To Make More Time To Read)
Jane Friedman’s Writers Digest blog: (5 Things The Great Books Taught Me About Writing)
Book Riot: (15 Rejected Marketing Blurbs From Famous Novels and 10 Things (Possibly) More Boring Than Mrs. Dalloway )
Jeff Goins’ blog: (Why Nonfiction Won’t Cut It For Your Creativity)
Stuff Christians Like: (Renovating Old Retail Spaces)
Outkick The Coverage: (15 Types Of College Football Status Updates on Facebook)
Chris Locurto’s Blog: (Of Mushrooms and Honest Leaders)
To find out more about this quest, read how it all got started. Send all your hate mail to rob.bruce76@gmail.com and/or follow me on Twitter: @robertbruce76.
Trackbacks & Pingbacks
- Robert Bruce and the 101 Books « LePaver Photo Blog
- Calling All Book Lovers! Onehundredonebooks is a great literary blog | Condofire
- Book Challenge! | Zainab Khawaja's Blog
- The 10 Rules for Writing Fiction | elementarycircle
- A “Follow Friday” to Fellow Bloggers and Friends | 101 Books
- What Books Have You Never Read That You Should Have By Now? | BlakeAtwood.com
- Back To The Basics of 101 Books | 101 Books
- Behind The Curtain Of 101 Books | 101 Books
- Very Inspiring Blogger Award–Number 2! | Wordsmithing Ain't Easy
- Best Moment Award | Where Lemons Blossom
I’m completely intrigued! My husband and I have started building our library of books we feel we must own and it’s taken us both to a place where we’re reading some of what we consider to be classics either again or for the first time. I think I need to plug into your blog more as we’re doing this (though several of ours are not from 1923 forward). So many of my favorites are on your list…with my all time favorite of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Thanks Jen.
I’ve only read 7 (almost 8 ) so far, but To Kill A Mockingbird is at the top of my list. I love the idea of building a library. I’m doing that as well with these books. That’s why I’m buying them and not getting them from a library or anything. I’ll definitely fill up a bookshelf with all of them and can look back on this whole experience one day.
This is SO cool! The project seems to interesting and just awesome
Good luck with the project 
Im inspired to do something like this too now 
Go for it.
It’s been fun. My key is not trying to put a time limit on myself. Just read when I can. It’s more fun that way without the pressure of a deadline.
What a great project! I have always wanted to read all of the books on this list. Perhaps I will! I’m adding your blog to my Google Reader. Happy reading!
Thanks for the Google Reader add!
If only you could read while running and changing diapers. Kudos to you for such an ambitious project. Looking forward to reading more of your blog.
Haha. That’s the truth. Thanks for checking out my blog.
What a great project! Keep it up- I think you will inspire many people, especially the majority of us who balance family, work, and leisure time not-so-perfectly.
Very cool. I think you’ve got to do more than change diapers and go to work or you’ll drive yourself crazy. For me, this is a great outlet, even if I can only get in 30 minutes a day to read.
True. Quality, not quantity. I’m glad you’re not racing through. Sometimes I have to lecture myself in order to slow down and enjoy a book.
Robert, your project is quite inspiring.
Thanks much. And thanks for stopping by.
This is such a cool idea! I’m thinking I will have to take on the challenge eventually. Good luck!
I look forward to hearing more about it.
Hi Robert – I’ve just started a blog along similar lines (fortygreatideas.wordpress.com) and hadn’t realised that this idea was already out there. Really interesting to see how you’ve approached it and how you’ve found the experience so far. I’ve taken on a smaller challenge – only forty books, and all non-fiction rather than novels – but I’ll look forward to seeing your progress and have taken some inspiration from what you’ve done so far. Good luck & happy reading! Chris
I am a teacher and I am putting the list on my wall! Good luck. It’s a great project and I especially wish you luck with the books you don’t really want to read. That is always tough.
Yep, there are a few books like that on the list…and a lot that I probably don’t even know that I don’t like yet.
Thanks for checking out my blog.
This is a great goal…enjoy the journey!
I saw you on FP today and really enjoyed Franzen’s tips on writing. I love the theme of your blog and hope to continue following you and possibly finding the time to read some of the books on your list. I think reading is one of the greatest inspirations for writing well!
I agree. I’m a nonfiction writer, but I get really inspired by fiction. Thanks for stopping by.
Neat idea focusing on these books for your blog. I’m focusing on book reviews for my blog as well, but instead of going through any list of books I’m just focusing on the books that I enjoy reading anyway. Maybe I’ll end up looking through some of your reviews and consider the books you’re reading as well. Good luck with the reading.
I like your love for books and training for marathon and having a baby
I could relate to all three. However, my list of books read in recent years are management and psychology related. Good luck to your goal of 100 books…
I am so glad to have found someone who had sort of the same idea as I had. Granted, I have no children, so reading the books on my list will be A LOT easier for me, but still fun.
I’ve gotten a lot of tips just from reading the way your blog is set up, so I hope you dont take offense if I change a few things on my blog, in sort of the same way you have it.
I simply like the way that you answer the same questions for each book you read. Such as: opening line, highlights, lowlights, the meaning and etc. I think it breaks up the review and makes it more interesting to read.
Thanks, and I’m looking forward to reading more of you blogs.
Amanda
Hi!
Hi Robert,
I came across your blog this morning and have just spent half an hour reading different sections. It’s always good to find other lovers of good fiction! I also have a WordPress blog about reading fiction (http://novelreading.wordpress.com/), and although I am not specifically intending to read everything on the TIME top 100 list, I do reference it from time to time as a way of getting myself to read new authors.
Keep reading!
Tom
Very cool. Thanks for checking out my blog, Tom. I’ll be sure to return the favor!
I just clicked on a link to this website from Jon Acuff’s site. I’m so exciting about this!
I am also 34, and also a runner. (I’m training for my first marathon, and just hurt myself three weeks away from the Big Day. Boooooo) You’ve already won some points in my book just by being as crazy as my friends and I.
*I mean I’m so excitED about this.*
But at times I can be a pretty exciting person too.
Awesome. Acuff’s blog readers are welcome here anytime!
Oh, and I need to update my bio…I’m 35 now. Getting old! But still running. Hope you bounce back in time for your marathon. I ran my first full back in December. It was tough but totally worth it.
wow – awesome project to take on! I made a goal last year to read all of Jane Austen’s novels in a year…. I’m still on the first one. Despite the fact that I have my degree, I still feel like I’m a failing English major for being so lazy at trying to at least finish reading them, if not in a year. Maybe you have the right idea just making a goal to read them no matter how long it takes. I’ll definitely be following you to find out.
Thanks for following. And good luck with your Jane Austen project. Keep at it and don’t worry about timetables. I think setting a time limit just makes you rush and not really enjoy the books, at least that’s why I didn’t set one.
I simply have to ask: how in the world do you find time to read so much? My library seems to be growing in an inverse ratio to the time available to me for… actually everything. Yet I still only manage to read short books and I am getting frighteningly good at reading… (hear the drums and the violins going frantic and shrill?) …glossy magazines. Beyond pathetic. At my current pace it would take me approximately 29876 years to cover all hundred volumes. That´s what kids do to you, Robert:) Keep reading! Hamster it! Don´t give up without a fight:)
Thanks for the encouragement!
As far as finding time to read, I just have to be intentional. I read at lunch and then about an hour at night before I go to bed, after my son and wife are asleep. Check out my post on this topic: http://wp.me/p136Ap-dN
Your every entry here is a pleasure to read. As I said: carry on! I will try to keep up with my biography of Samuel Pepys, The Imperfectionists, another biography but this time of Tallulah Bankhead and the latest from E.L. Doctorow, Homer and Langley (almost done here). Goodness, there are so many wonderful books to read and so few lunch breaks:)
What a cool idea you have, both your undertaking and this blog. Glad I stumbled upon it/you.
I am so glad to have found someone who had sort of the same idea as I had. Granted, I have no children, so reading the books on my list will be A LOT easier for me, but still fun.I’ve gotten a lot of tips just from reading the way your blog is set up, so I hope you dont take offense if I change a few things on my blog, in sort of the same way you have it.I simply like the way that you answer the same questions for each book you read. Such as: opening line, highlights, lowlights, the meaning and etc. I think it breaks up the review and makes it more interesting to read.Thanks, and I’m looking forward to reading more of you blogs.
+1
I think this is such a brilliant idea and look forward to following your progress. I’m glad I stumbled upon this blog!
Wish you all the best on this project Robert! It’s such a great challenge…..I’m still trying to read the books I’ve accumulated over the years….:( You’ve inspired me to complete this dream!
Awesome. Go for it!
This is intriguing, and I will keep returning to monitor your progress – best of luck. I have read 15 of your 101, and have another 10 on my shelves awaiting their turn…
I’ll be following your progress. I’ve been (slowly) working on the “1001 Books to Read Before you Die” and I’m sure many of these overlap. Look forward to reading more!
i love reading but get confused on which one to pick i think your blog will help me to pick up my taste Keep sharing .. at least will know what to pick up from library
The most sensible challenge I have seen so far
Your blog has inspired me to take up reading those 101 books too. Hopefully I can do it 
hah! Compliments on such an ambitious endeavor!
As a bookworm, I am challenged with your endeavors! awesome! I hope you would be able to make it and yeah, would keep sharing your musings
I would visit once in a while for gleanings
Keep it up!
~curlybookworm.wordpress.com
Well done you Robert! I’ve got something similar going on. Far less ambitious, but completely enjoyable – reading and blogging about children’s books!
Cheers to reading! Good luck on your next novel!
Book blogging! The concept has never even occurred to me.. I love it!
I can tell you that yours is the first blog I’ve come across that I’ve felt compelled to read dated entries.
Awesome blog Robert…
I’m addicted to reading and writing much like you are.
I chose the Modern Library Top 100 Books as my marathon,
working through those books one or two at a time has been a chore.
I’m sure there are some books that appear on both of our lists,
I can’t wait to see more of your reviews.
-L.C.M.
Robert, I like this. Just a quick question – why did you title your site “101 Books” when you’re reading 100 (or did I just miss that explanation somewhere on your site)? I’m also guessing that you may have been creative to make it titled like a class?
http://www.mkglowe.wordpress.com
It’s in the small print of the header. Ulysses is book 101. I explain it more in my first post. Thanks for visiting the blog!
http://onehundredonebooks.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/the-beginning/
Hi Robert
I’ve really been enjoying reading your posts, so I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. You can find my post linking back to your blog here http://booksandboston.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/the-versatile-blogger-award/ 
Thanks Michelle! I really appreciate it.
I love this idea! I would someday like to read all those books as well, but we’ll see if that happens. Either way I love reading and I’ll be following your blog
Reese
wow this is awesome! i’m so glad i stumbled upon your blog. i’m always looking for inspirational ones that focus more on books… nobody reads anymore. anyway i love it! great job so far and i look forward to following your list and reviews
This is a fantastic idea. In the past I’ve gone on book benders where I’ll read an average of a book a day for a couple weeks but I was feeling unsatisfied. I realized I was reading quantity but not quality. I would liken some of the books I was reading to reality TV. Yes, they were fun. Yes, they provided an escape but they weren’t stimulating me mentally. I decided that I would read more books that made me think but I’ve had some trouble getting into the swing of this plan. I think your blog is a fantastic method of accomplishing what was sitting vaguely in my mind.
I really like your idea for this blog and so I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. I hope you’ll accept it in the spirit it’s given and be happy since that’s my intention with it.
See my post about it here: http://christinarosendahl.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/thanks/
Thanks, Christina
Thanks Christina! I appreciate the award!
I got to know your blog from Michael Hyatt’s blog. I am a non-native English speaker from Hong Kong who love reading. I am impressed by your commitment and determination, especially after reading your insightful review. Keep it up!
Sounds like a great idea! Are “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “A Separate Peace” on that list?
Love the idea. I’ll be reading some of the books on the list this year.
I know you’r e busy, what with the baby, and the 101. but I have to seriously remind you that ‘Freefall’ by William Golding HAS to be on your list. This is not a request, it is a simple instruction. Very politely. You won’t regret it , I know it. Please, check it out.
http://amonikabyanyuvva.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/finding-golding/
Great idea. I’ll definitely stay tuned. I read your reviews of Graham Greene and John le Carré….I’m a big fan of Greene, having read “Ministry of Fear” (which spawned a paper that was accepted by the PCA/ACA Conference) in the last year of my undergraduate degree, and — only recently — “Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy.” It was great to get your take on these two authors, in particular. Can’t wait to read what else you have to say on some of the great classics. And what an accomplishment when you finish!! Happy reading!!
Just a note to let you know your blog made my Top Five for 2012. Blog post at http://marissamullins.com/2012/02/27/my-five-favorite-blogs-of-2012/ Keep up the great work! ~Marissa
Thanks Marissa. That’s a huge compliment! I really appreciate it.
I love this idea. I’ve just started a blog myselft, I’m rereading all the books I currently own, before I buy any new ones. I don’t have any kids nor do I train for marathons (pretty impressive by the way), but I’m estimating it will take 3 years to complete my goal.
I’d love any tips you have to make my blog better, I only have three postings so far. Its: thecatsdoingsillythingswithcupcakesbookreview.wordpress.com. I know, I should probably change the name
.
Such a great website. I came across this a I am also trying to read the 100 greatest works of non-fiction, although I am combining the Time and Guardian lists. Have just finished Kesey’s Cuckoo’s Nest – I find your reviews refreshing, literate and very interesting.
I admit I couldn’t read Lolita. It was too much and so after 25 pages it sits on a pile awaiting bravery.
War & Peace was everything I thought it would be, and a materpiece that sits atop my list. I am now reading Dicken’s Great Expectations for a change of pace.
I look forward to more of your reviews and again, a great site.
Thanks for the compliments, Simon, and welcome!
Loved Kesey. But definitely struggled with Nabokov and Lolita. Hope I’ll like Pale Fire better.
Look forward to hear more from you! Thanks again.
Hi,
I just started reading The Blind Assassin and wanted to read some reviews since I thought this book is slow and confusing at the beginning. That’s how I came across your blog and I am hooked. After reading your reviews I have added many books to my TBR list.
Maddie
Awesome. Glad you are enjoying the blog. The Blind Assassin is a great book. I think you’ll enjoy it.
I nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award. It seems to be the equivalent of a chain letter for blogging, but it seemed fun. You can see details here: http://emilyjanuary.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/the-versatile-blogger-award/
You probably don’t need this “award” but you definitely deserve it. I’m enjoying your blog so much!
Thanks Emily! I really appreciate how you always participate in the discussion. Thanks for reading!
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award.
You can read about what you need to do here: http://hannahscorner.wordpress.com/2012/04/25/the-versatile-blogger-award/ and get a copy of the Award picture (http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/blog-button/) to place on your blog.
Congratulations!!!
Please note, the award is completely optional and you do not have to accept.
Thanks Hannah! Sorry for the late response, but I really appreciate it.
Hey! I nominated you for the Booker Award. I love the challenge you have set for yourself with this blog, and you deserve many rewards. Check out your nomination at http://amyoung0606.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/booker-award-i-am-a-bibliomaniac-and-proud-of-it/
Thanks Amy. Honored!
I’m one of your followers =)
There’s this “One Lovely Blog” award thing, and I’ve chose your blog as one of my nominees! Check it out here: http://venomsblog.wordpress.com/2012/07/27/one-lovely-blog-me-oh-stop-it-you/
Really Nice Blog. Great Challenge you have set yourself. I wish I had the time do to this.
Best wishes.
Irvine
I stumbled across your blog (probably because it has a lot in common with my blog
) and I’m really enjoying it! Good luck with everything
Discovered your blog recently and think it’s great that you’re sharing your journey. What an incredible resource this is, especially when trying to pick another good read. Thanks!
I actually tried doing this a year ago…and failed drastically because I didn’t make it past half of Ulysses…Perhaps I should have started it backwards! But I had read at least 8 out of 101 so I thought how tough could it be right? I was so wrong, so all the best on your quest…I am very excited to read your blog and have a if not a first hand then a second hand experience of reading that awesome list….
I’m a fan of anyone who commits to reading from a list. Enjoy the mental journey: )
I have been really enjoying your posts re Ellison and admire your goal to read such a diverse list of books. Best of luck with that. It can only make you an even better writer than you already are.
Thank you for the kind words. And thanks for taking the time to read!
Hi, just popped in to let you know that I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award for “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere”. See http://heartandahalf.wordpress.com/2012/11/23/an-award-for-moi/ if you’d like to accept. If not, you have a nice mention on my blog anyway!
Good luck with your goal, Robert! I know how wonderful and enjoyable this feat will be for you considering the amount of words you’ll soak up from one book to another. I’m in the process of reading John Grisham’s entire catalog. Yes, I’m a crazy dude too! Enjoy!
I have nominated your blog for the Versatile Blogger Award.
The rules of this award are here: http://alltheinbetweenblog.wordpress.com/the-versatile-blogger-award/
I’m really enjoying reading your reviews; I agree with a lot of what you say.
When I was in school I used to create reading lists to ply through and loved it. More difficult now to find the time but your blog has inspired me to reconsider… some books on that list I probably should have read already!
Well done you for an interesting and well structured blog.
Just wanted you to know I’ve nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I really enjoy your site. Happy writing!
Hi there! I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award!
You can check it out along with more info here: http://wp.me/p30cnC-6h
Hi Robert! Any relation to Robert the Bruce, King of Scots? Sorry, had to ask. I’m sure you hear that alot.
I was excited to see your blog because I started a similar quest about a year ago but I used the list published by the Modern Library. I cross-referenced the Time Magazine list and there are some really good ones missing from mine. “To Kill a Mockingbird” didn’t make the ML list. Really? So I’m adding the missing ones to mine.
Have you tried audio books? Since you’re a marathoner you could really make a dent in that list while training. Just a thought, audio books aren’t for everyone.
I look forward to reading your reviews and best of luck with your quest!
Congratulations! I have awarded you with the Best Moment Award!
http://alltheinbetweenblog.wordpress.com/the-best-moment-award/
Hi Robert, I love reading myself and have nominated you for the sunshine award.
http://lahacienda.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/sunshine-award/
How do you feel about the movie, “Love Story” — Did it make you laugh or cry? and Do you remember consoling a poor young woman who couldn’t keep herself together after the Crimson Key Society sponsored a screening of this movie, making fun of it throughout? Just wondering if you do. Because I do and I will always be grateful for it.
To Kill a Mockingbird… Time for me to go back and read that. It’s been years! I’ve been trying to make reading a priority in my own life. It’s hard, but worth it! Good for you!
I’m visiting your blog for the first time and I’m hooked!
I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award. Thanks for all the great Hemingway reviews!
I read the article on Time and my goal was to read them all during my lifetime, if I could, but I thought that was crazy… and I’m only twenty one hahaha I wish you the best of luck and hopefully I’ll be right behind you!
Hey, Robert -
I just wanted to say “Thanks!” I read “The Great Gatsby” in High School (MANY years ago) and also “A Farewell to Arms”. I was unimpressed by both Fitzgerald and Hemingway. After reading your blog, I decided to give both another chance. I recently finished “Gatsby” and started “The Sun Also Rises”. Wow. “Gatsby” just blew me away. I don’t know how I could have been so wrong about it, except to say I was young and inexperienced. I’m not very far into the Hemingway, but I can see that I’m going to have to revise my opinion there also. So, thanks for helping me decide to take another look at these.
I also wanted to say something about your position on science fiction. I’d like to direct your attention to an essay by the Polish writer Stanislaw Lem called “Science Fiction, a Hopeless Case: With Exceptions. It’s one of the best analyses of the subject I’ve read. Lem is someone who’s work you should check out, as well as Philip K. DIck (one of the exceptions he mentions in his essay).
Thanks again.
I love what you’re doing here. I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award.
Great blog. I have nominated you.
http://pstheresstillhope.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/new-award-squee/
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/05/10/colbert-admits-that-he-like-everyone-else-never-read-gatsby/
Saw this and I thought this might be of interest to you:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/alannaokun/tattoos-inspired-by-books
Lovely blog – and on a topic close to my heart – I read and blog about books too. Look forwarding to following your progress!
Hello! I’m a bookworm and I love your project.
I’ve just nominated you for the Best Moment Award because I really like your blog. I hope you don’t mind.
If you wish to get more information, please go to:
http://wherelemonsblossom.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/best-moment-award/
I’ll stay tuned anyway!