There is something about true stories...

A couple of weeks ago - I read a book written by my uncle, Jacques Kahale.  He is currently retired, and his dream was to write a book about his life so his kids could have something tangible about his past.  As much as I thought I knew my uncle, reading his book helped me learn more about him.

His book was an easy read - I learned a little about Egypt, the war, the culture. I was amazed at some points of the book I laughed out loud and at other points my heart was hurting. 

This book starts with the life of his parents (by stories told to him by his father) and finishes with him leaving Egypt and coming to Canada. He is currently writing his next book in which he will talk about the beginning years in Canada - including when he met my aunt, my mother's sister! Can't wait!

Many people have the aspirations of writing a book - but never put the plan in to action.  I am very proud of him! 

Another book read for #13 on my list! 

The Happiness Project

The Happiness Project is my 20th book out of 30!  I'm lucky I have a book club that encourages me to finish books within the month!

This book was a unique book.  It's not like any other book I've read - as it's a women telling her story about trying to improve herself in order to be the happiest she could be.  I could definitely relate to it because I am always trying to improve myself. Probably one of the main reasons I started this 101 list! :)

For those who enjoy reading self-help books you will probably enjoy this one! For a full review of the book - check out the book club blog :
http://www.womenwholovewords.blogspot.com/ .  If you've read it, feel free to comment!

Paleo is the Solution!

Crossfitters believe in a certain way of eating - the Paleo way. Anytime there is a book on Paleo I read it and take in whatever information I can. 

Robb Wolf's book The Paleo Solution was an easy read (with a few chapters that were detailed - but I could still follow)

He gives some great - easy movements that anyone can do anywhere - plus gives a 30 day meal plan.

I was surprised by some of the humour Robb Wolf used - especially when explaining the different types of people that he has helped (or tried to!)

I recommend for anyone who wants to be healthy and avoid disease!

16 books and counting....

This morning I just finished reading "Barefoot" by Elin Hilderbrand.  Based in Nantucket, this book was about 3 women - who each had a secret.  One was fighting from cancer, the other had an affair with a student, and the last woman was dealing with a cheating husband.  There was a 4th main character - a young boy who became a part of the women's lives.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Elin Hilderbrand. 

#13 on my list is to read at least 30 books - this is book 16, so I have 14 left before I can scratch it off my list!

2010 Favorite Author!

My friend introduced me to a new author called Emily Giffin.  She is by far one of the best authors I have ever read.  All of her novels are page-turners that are captivating, honest, humourous, and deal with real-life issues.

Forewarned - if I start a Emily Giffin novel - good luck in trying to get me to drop it! Emily's novels are definitely the type of genre/style I enjoy reading.

Her first two books are about 2 best friends.  The first book - "Something Borrowed" is in the viewpoint of one of the friends, and the second book is in the viewpoint of the other friend.

The third book is called "Love the One You're With" and is about a woman who is realizing what true love is about, and the fourth book is called "Baby Proof" and it's about a woman who has to decide how far she would go for true love.

Her fifth novel is called "Heart of the Matter", which I will be reading in January! Can't wait!!

Reliable Joy

Joy Fielding is an author who I have enjoyed along with my mother and sister. We have read pretty much all of her books - her latest book called "The Wild Zone" proved that we can always rely on Joy Fieldng for a simple, quick, page-turning experience. Of course, it wouldn't be Joy Fielding if there wasn't a twist at the end.

Books turned in to movies!

My friend and I decided to start a book club (#62 on my list) - and we had the idea of maybe we should read books that eventually turn in to movies.  We could then go as a group and watch the movie on the book that we just read.  Someone told me - so really - you are starting a "disappointment club"... ha!
I have read 2 books that have turned in to movies. Shutter Island & The Town.  Shutter Island was good - it kept me going and turning the pages. The Town however was dreading - the only thing that kept me going is the fact that I knew Ben Affleck was the main character. The Town was lacking dialogue.

Not a fantasy genre lover!

I miss the old series books that I used to read as a teen called VC Andrews. I remember reading VC Andrews - and couldn't wait for the next book of the series to come out.  I decided to go to the library and get a Nora Roberts trilogy.

The trilogy I picked was called Sign of Seven Trilogy.  The first book was called "Blood Brothers", the 2nd book was called "The Hollow" and the third book was called "The Pagan Stone"

I realized from this trilogy that I am not a fantasy genre type of person.  I have never seen any vampire movies, have a hard time with Harry Potter and even Pirates of the Carribean.  Needless to say, I completed the trilogy - but couldn't get through the 3rd book fast enough. 

I recommend if you like Nora Roberts & fantasy genre - otherwise leave it on the shelf!

Nerd I am!

Life has gotten in the way the last 6 months and I haven't been updating my blog regularly.  #13 on my list is to read 30 books. I'll separate these updates in to a a few postings - based on genre of book / author etc.

This book was recommended to me by a friend who is in the financial industry.  It was a good easy read. I knew a lot of ideas in this book - but it was nice to refresh my memory!

RHU (Registered Health Underwriter) Designation

I am currently working on the RHU designation  (which is #12 on my list).

RHU stands for Registered Health Underwriter and basically means that after completing the RHU program, I would be a specialist in Living Benefits (disability insurance, critical illness insurance, health/dental insurance, long term care).  

The program consists of 2 courses - and I completed the first course a couple of weeks ago - check out my course completion certificate: Certificate of Completion I am currently working on the 2nd course - which I will have done by June 3rd. I will then be able to scratch #12 off my list!!

By completing the above courses I've already read 3 books - which also means that I'm working on #13 at the same time!

The LIFE Revolution - Book 1 Completed!

#13 on my list is to read 30 books. I'm bit behind on my reading. I am currently trying to complete the first course to get my Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) designation - which consists of 3 books. I have been procastinating, and everytime I pick up a book for pleasure, I feel guilty because I know I should be studying! I have finished the first module and have 3 more modules. The course needs to be completed by April 27th..... time is going by so fast! I will post once I complete these 3 books.

Last night I decided to kind of cheat and read an e-book that was under 100 pages! The book was called The LIFE Revolution. It was a basic introduction to why one would want to do an intermittent fast (IF) This book came at a perfect time, because I had just completed an fast with one of my co-crossfitters Dan Allaire (http://www.dansquestforfitness.wordpress.com/).

For anyone who wants a quick read and wants more information on IF - feel free to go to the website and sign up for the free ebook. (http://www.theiflife.com/)

1 book completely read - 29 more to go! :)

Reading & RHU

#12 on my list is to get my RHU (Registered Health Underwriter) designation & #13 on my list is to read 30 books - so luckily I get to kill two birds with one stone ;)... although I love reading and will probably read more than 30 books by the time this challenge is over. I just like to cross things off my list.

Below are the 3 books I have to finish. I have 3 tests to complete and the exam is Jan 15th - so I better get at it. Procastination is evil. :)

I'm half way done the RHU Book - I will post when I actually finish the tests/exam!