If I could spend the entire day reading my life away, I totally would. In fact, while I used to really want to change the world, be in the Senate, work for the U.N. and generally save the world—I still sort of do!—my new dream job is really to have my own independent book store where I can read all day and sell books. I know a woman who does just that and am completely envious of her!

January is Book Blitz Month, a time to really get on that pile of reading you’ve been meaning to get to all year (decade?). Here are some great ways to celebrate Book Blitz Month.

Start a reading list. If you don’t have a massive list (like I do!) already, start one. Maybe you’ll only have five or ten books on it to start; that’s fine. Check out your library’s recommended lists, ask friends for their favorite books, or read a few notable books of 2009.

Make the library one of your top favorite places for the month. Exhaust its resources; see what it’s got to offer. Reserve a dozen books and pick them up when they’re ready; it’ll be like Christmas all over again.

Read every day. Even if it’s just in the bathroom for five minutes before taking the kids to a basketball game or in between classes.

Set a reading goal. Read a book a week. If you’ve got more time on your hands or you’re simply more ambitious, read more.

Go through an entire series. Could you read every Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, or Jason Bourne book in a month?

Listen to books on tape. This just isn’t the same for me, but if you truly can’t read a full book, listen to one on CD in the car or while working out.

Celebrate with your child. Dress up as book characters, make meals that are in favorite character books, and be sure to read together daily.

Meet an author. Attend a poetry reading or book signing. Even if you don’t know the author it could still be fun.

Go on a book treasure hunt. One weekend take the family and hit a bunch of yard sales, used book stores, and flea markets in search of cheap, good books.

Make a book with your child. This can be a very rewarding and enjoyable activity. List his or her name as the author and discuss what “author,” “title,” and other words mean.