If you could do one thing in your life that you always wanted to do, what would it be? Write a novel? Skydive? Learn to surf? How about something less risky like go get a haircut that is daring or totally a way you would not normally do your hair? Or how about living with less? At a loss for ideas of things to do to shake things up in your boring life? Here is a great book for you!

Author Gail Belsky says in the first sentence of The List: “I rarely step outside of my comfort zone, so writing a book about shaking things up was a voyeuristic thrill for me.” Belsky interviewed 82 women about things they did in their lives to step out of their own comfort zones. Each of the 100 ways is accompanied by a story of a woman who did the activity. Every story is inspiring even if you think there is no way you would try what is being described.

The List is truly inspiring and empowering. You will find ways to make a difference in the world around you: 81. start a charity, 93. Live with Less, or 10. Join a Relief effort. You may find a way to spice up your love life: 3. Strip, 30. Take a lover, or 84. Plan and Prepare a Seduction Dinner. You may find some wild things that you would never ever do but will love reading the story that goes with it (for instance, there is no way I will ever do 96. Bungee Jump but the story that accompanies the entry is great!).

The phenomenon of this book is really catching on. A website titled “Shake It Up in 2009” was started for readers of the books to sign up and interact with each other as we make our own list to change our lives. Gail also keeps a https://shakeuplist.blogspot.com/ great blog about her life and ways she is changing herself.

I definitely recommend this book to someone who is looking for a little inspiration in their lives!