I'm rather fond of New Year's resolutions, although I don't usually write them down. This year, amidst all my usual promises to lose weight, recycle more, drink less, go to bed earlier, get up earlier etc, I have decided to try an extra resolution, namely not to buy any books this year. I spend far too much money in Waterstone's and charity shops, and have piles of books that are unopened.

So this year, inspired by Susan Hill's book 'Howard's End is on the Landing' (in which she describes a year of only reading what she already owns and not buying anything new), I am going to read what I've already got.

I think it's going to be interesting. I found, for example, when looking through my books, some that I got as Christmas presents last year and have yet to open (Richard Holmes 'The Age of Wonder' anyone?), so there's plenty of material there.

I'm going to use the library a heck of a lot more, and any book I really want will go on my birthday list for my mother/ mother-in-law to buy me. I'm also going to try to ration my magazine purchasing (apart from this esteemed publication, of course, although I have a subscription for this).

I hope I'll save a bit of money, but mainly I am looking forward to discovering or re-discovering all my books.

What do you all think? Any of you tried this before? Will it work?

And what are you all trying this year?