Many of you will be aware that a palindrome is a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc, reading the same backward as it does forward. Like racecar or madam. But what is 'The Palindrome'?

Well really it is a nickname given to the title "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die", but it is a whole lot more than just a nickname. To take on 'The Palindrome' is not just the simple act of reading a bunch of books on a list. It's a journey into literature through the ages, it's a way of life, some would say it's a burden, but, ultimately, it's a thrilling, enlightening and near impossible challenge.

The list was compiled by over 100 literature experts and aims to "chronicle the history of the novel" with the books grouped in chronological order. Each book on the list has a brief description of its plot, style, and message, as well as details of the author and the publication dates of that entry. It's a great way to pick your next novel, either by reading up on a book you fancy, finding different books from an era you're interested in or by taking a lucky dip and letting fates hand guide your literary diet.

Despite the fact that the very first digits in its title make reading all entries within "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" a herculean task, it is well worth taking the bull by the horns. If nothing else, you'll never be short of a book to read! But I think the two real advantages of taking on 'The Palindrome' are firstly, that you will end up reading books you never would have considered otherwise, and secondly, that because of the selection process involved you are almost guaranteed a good read. These two assets therefore combine to keep you entertained whilst also broadening your horizons.

Within the last three books I have read from 'The Palindrome' I've learnt about life on the Mississippi in the 1800s (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ), the tensions in post-apartheid South Africa (Disgrace ) and the fragility of our individuality (The Double ). Each of them were books I may not have picked up without the motivation and guidance of 'The Palindrome', but each have been thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding.

It's about time I come clean about my progress so far. I have currently ticked off 25 of the 1001 novels, approximately 2.4% of the way! This is all the more disappointing when you consider that I had already read a small number of these before I was aware of 'The Palindrome'. Still more disappointing is that, going by the latest edition, I've only read 24 as they have left out Burmese Days by George Orwell, grrr.

So I can tell you that it is a marathon, not a sprint. I can encourage you by saying that you will already be able to tick off some titles without even trying, for me mostly books I read at school, but, some of you out there who have continued to study English Literature will be well into the 20s already. I can also tell you that the well earned 'tick' at the end of a book goes some way to alleviating that slightly deflated feeling that you get at the end of a great novel when you just want another chapter or two. The last of that dispirited feeling can of course be banished by the knowledge that there are still hundreds of great books to get your teeth into as you charge towards your next 'tick'.

Please accept this, however you see fit, as an invite, challenge, summons, request or proposal and start ticking off some great novels today.

Please do to let me know in the comments section below if you've taken up the challenge, what books you've read, what books you're about to read, what books you think should be in the next edition of 'The Palindrome' etc, etc.

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