3/20: Healthy at 100 by John Robbins

Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World's Healthiest and Longest-Lived Peoples by John Robbins
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

From Goodreads: In this revolutionary book, bestselling author John Robbins presents us with a bold new paradigm of aging, showing us how we can increase not only our lifespan but also our health span. Through the example of four very different cultures that have the distinction of producing some of the world’s healthiest, oldest people, Robbins reveals the secrets for living an extended and fulfilling life in which our later years become a period of wisdom, vitality, and happiness. From Abkhasia in the Caucasus south of Russia, where age is beauty, and Vilcabamba in the Andes of South America, where laughter is the greatest medicine, to Hunza in Central Asia, where dance is ageless, and finally the southern Japanese islands of Okinawa, the modern Shangri-la, where people regularly live beyond a century, Robbins examines how the unique lifestyles of these peoples can influence and improve our own.

Bringing the traditions of these ancient and vibrantly healthy cultures together with the latest breakthroughs in medical science, Robbins reveals that, remarkably, they both point in the same direction. The result is an inspirational synthesis of years of research into healthy aging in which Robbins has isolated the characteristics that will enable us to live long and–most important–joyous lives. With an emphasis on simple, wholesome, but satisfying fare, and the addition of a manageable daily exercise routine, many people can experience great improvement in the quality of their lives now and for many years to come. But perhaps more surprising is Robbins’ discovery that it is not diet and exercise alone that helps people to live well past one hundred. The quality of personal relationships is enormously important. With startling medical evidence about the effects of our interactions with others, Robbins asserts that loneliness has more impact on lifespan than such known vices as smoking. There is clearly a strong beneficial power to love and connection.

Another textbook done!
This was a good book with good information. The studies that were done for the longest-living cultures were fascinating but I didn't feel they were well related back to today's society. There were a lot of good points about the differences in diet and definitely showed WHY some cultures live longer than the average North American, I just didn't feel a connection. Perhaps because what was being said seems very basic to me. Eat whole, natural foods. Limit saturated and trans fats. Stay away from hydrogenated oils and fats. All things that people should do anyways.
I did enjoy reading the studies and the connection between food, mind and body. It was interesting, but nothing I haven't learned before.

What I did appreciate most about this book was the view on aging. It is a natural process that is feared by so many. We all age, but we have a choice whether we get old. There is a difference. I believe that when we are not afraid of aging, but embrace the changes, we are happier and healthier. The choices we make TODAY and in the future, will make a difference for how we age and how long we live.

Are you afraid to get old? Is it because of the media? Some cultures have the utmost respect for their elderly. They are not shoved away in a home, they are revered as wise and the most important resource in the community. We grow old because society tells us we have to. There is so much "ageism" in our world that as we age, we conform to the negative image ourselves. What would happen if we broke that image?

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2/20: The Complete Guide to Sports Nutrition by Anita Bean

The Complete Guide to Sports Nutrition by Anita Bean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

From Goodreads: "The Complete Guide to Sports Nutrition "is the definitive practical handbook for anyone wanting a performance advantage. This fully updated and revised edition incorporates the latest cutting-edge research. Written by one of the country's most respected sports nutritionists, it provides the latest research and information to help you succeed. This seventh edition includes accessible guidance on the following topics: maximising endurance, strength and performance, how to calculate your optimal calorie, carbohydrate and protein requirements, advice on improving body composition specific advice for women, children and vegetarians, eating plans to cut body fat, gain muscle and prepare for competition, sport-specific nutritional advice.

Really enjoyed this book for my course. It was informative in a way that took some knowledge I already knew and gave me reasons and justifications. It was simple to follow for anyone interested in sports nutrition. It's not a book for just the athlete, but for anyone that does some form of activity, whether that be once or twice a week at the gym or an occasional runner.

I especially liked the calculations and formulas it provided to calculate your calories needed as well as how much of those would be carbohydrates, protein and fat. It really puts a great perspective on things.

I did the calculations at the end of the book as a project for my course on my husband. He was shocked to find out he was trying to lose weight by eating way below his Resting Metabolic Rate. That means his body wasn't letting go of weight because it thought he was in a famine or starving. Eating below his RMR caused his body to hold onto everything it had rather than burning. Now that we have him on a different plan, I am eager to see what his results will be in the next 3 months.

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18/30: The Nutritional Bypass by David W. Rowland

The Nutritional Bypass: Reverse Atherosclerosis Without Surgery by David W. Rowland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From Goodreads: Did you know that there is a time tested, safe, non-surgical method of removing arterial blockages-without side effects? Severe arterial blockages do not have to lead to coronary bypass surgery or heart attacks. Inside this book is a complete program for successfully reversing and preventing hardening of the arteries. You may be surprised to know that cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease and that polyunsaturated oils may actually be doing more harm than good.

This may be a small book, but it was well worth reading.
The research that has been done on Bypass surgery, and other methods of clearing out plaque from arteries was very interesting. I learned a lot about the methods, what the rates of survival are, and if it really does prolong your life. It doesn't for most people, but only because after they have surgery, they return to their ways before. Without change, your health will return to poor again.

I didn't think that the Nutritional information was really far out there like you might expect. I was expecting a very limited diet that most people wouldn't follow. It was very easy, something most of us should be doing anyways. The supplement that he suggested had some great nutrients in it, that based on the studies and reviews, I would suggest to a couple people. It doesn't take a lot of change your diet and way of eating if you want to improve your health. Our heart runs our body, and we need to take care of it properly.

This topic is very near to me and I will be recommending this book to a few people.

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15/30: Healing Arthritis by Penny Kendall-Reed

Healing Arthritis: Complementary Naturopathic, Orthopedic & Drug Treatments by Penny Kendall-Reed
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Healing Arthritis was a good overview of the different types of arthritis and natural supplements that can assist in healing and pain relief.

The way the book is laid out was good. They went through the types of arthritis, which I didn't know included so many! Then proceeded to different treatments that can be beneficial, who should stay away from what supplements and treatments and which ones were best.

The material is dry and the delivery is as well. I did like how they included case studies for a number of the supplements. It gave a nice finish and real world perspective of each one. It's amazing that more people don't take the opportunity to use something natural to reduce their pain and inflammation before turning to drugs that have a long list of side effects.

I would highly recommend this book for someone who is treating arthritis, knows someone living with the pain, or deals with it on a daily basis themselves. There are treatments to consider before drugs and surgery.

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7/30: Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores

Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores by Jen Campbell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Read from February 06 to 07, 2013
Format: Hardcover

From Goodreads: Customer: Have you read every single book in here?

Bookseller: No, I can't say I have.

Customer: Well, you're not very good at your job, are you?

A simple Twitter question posed by John Cleese-"What is your pet peeve?" -inspired Jen Campbell to start a blog collecting all the ridiculous conversations overheard in her bookstore, everything from "Did Beatrix Potter ever write a book about dinosaurs?" to the hunt for a paperback which could forecast the next year’s weather; from "I've forgotten my glasses, please read me the first chapter" to "Excuse me ... is this book edible?"; and from "Can books conduct electricity?" to "My children are just climbing your bookshelves: that's ok... isn't it?"

If we didn't know it already, this irresistible book is proof positive that booksellers are heroes, the world over

Funny! I chuckled a lot reading this one. It is definitely a one sitting book.
Some of the stories make you wonder what the customer was on. Others make you appreciate that books are still popular. I really enjoyed the booksellers comments swathed in sarcasm.

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2/30: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun by Gretchen Rubin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Read from January 10 to 16, 2013
Format: Paperback


Reading this book as a memoir rather than a "how-to" is highly suggested. I only say this because it's not a self-help book. It is an account of Rubin's year. I had sort of expected a how-to, which is why I mention this tip. After the first chapter, I shifted my perspective.


I really enjoyed reading about Rubin's year focusing on Happiness. I read the majority of The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin while on vacation. Most people would read something light or a typical "beach read" rather than a non-fiction self-help memoir type book. I had intentions of reading a new YA book, but never got around to it.



Reading this particular book when the only thing I had to worry about was whether I remembered my sunscreen and what drink I was getting next made it the perfect read. I had time to really think about her project and how it could apply to my own life. There are definitely things in her project that wouldn't be in mine, which is a given since each person is unique and has their own interests and life. It was more the idea of it that struck me as useful. She may have done this project for a year, but the effects and habits that can be formed will make a last impression on yourself and those around you.

Each chapter had something that different. The book has dog-eared pages throughout for things I want to come back to and think about in more depth. I consider myself a happy person these days. I have a wonderful life and there isn't much I want for. Don't take this as me saying my life is perfect. It's not. But it's the only one I've got and I want to make the most of it. Being completely disconnected from the internet for a week was SO refreshing. I got back to reality and realized that there are things in this every day life that don't make it richer or more fulfilling. I know I was on the beach and in that paradise mode, but why do I have to leave the country to get that feeling? Shouldn't it be felt in the here and now? Not every day is unicorns and rainbows, that wouldn't make for an interesting life, but I do think we can maximize the good days and the good moments.

When I got back from vacation and turned on my phone, I had 68 emails. I deleted, without reading them, 45. Why do I get so much email in a week that is completely useless to me? Then I got to thinking about what else in my life is like that. What information am I feeding myself on a daily basis that is really unimportant? I think I was supposed to read this particular book at the beginning of the year, while I was on vacation. I feel rejuvenated and ready to take a good look at everything I do, the things I have and those I don't. It's time to look at making happiness more prevalent in every moment.

My sister called me when I got back and since she has also read the book, we are going to start in February doing our own Happiness Projects. I'm excited to get started but I also need to remind myself, one month at a time.


Favourite quote: "The days are long, but the years are short" So true!

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32/40: Wild: From Lost to Found on the PCT by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I wouldn't ever recommend this book. If it wasn't for book club, I wouldn't have picked this one up. I'm having a hard time writing a review for this book because I didn't really like it.

If this book was fiction, I may have had an easier time getting through it. I lost respect for the author in the way she coped with her loss. Not everyone deals with loss the same way, and I get that. Some people channel positive ways and some negative. It was just hard to read the negative things she did and never really explained her reasons. It seems like hiking the Pacific Coast Trail was the positive route, but a little extreme in my opinion. I am glad the book focused on that part instead of the negatives.

It took me 2 months to get through this. I started reading every word. Then I got frustrated with her coping mechanisms and only read the parts where she was describing her journey on the trail. Then it got to be boring and the same after a while. He journey was long, and she had great luck not having terrible things happen to her as a young woman hiking alone. There were certainly times when things could have gone far worse than they did.

I do have a great respect for the brutal environment she put herself through in order to try and find herself. I could never do that. I hate hiking. The fact that she got through the PCT is truly an accomplishment.

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22/40: Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir by Jenny Lawson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

From Goodreads: Jenny Lawson realized that the most mortifying moments of our lives—the ones we’d like to pretend never happened—are in fact the ones that define us. In the #1 New York Times bestseller, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Lawson takes readers on a hilarious journey recalling her bizarre upbringing in rural Texas, her devastatingly awkward high school years, and her relationship with her long-suffering husband, Victor. Chapters include: “Stanley the Magical, Talking Squirrel”; “A Series of Angry Post-It Notes to My Husband”; “My Vagina Is Fine. Thanks for Asking”; “And Then I Snuck a Dead Cuban Alligator on an Airplane.” Pictures with captions (no one would believe these things without proof) accompany the text.

I had such high hopes for this book. A ton of my friends have read it, loved it, thought it was hilarious. I seem to have a vastly different type of humor I guess.
I thought it was horrible. Not funny after the first couple chapters. I found it exhausting to read and if I wasn't halfway through by the time I realized it wasn't funny, I would have stopped. (I can't quit a book after being so far in, it feels wrong)

I thought some of the stories were funny, but for the most part, absolutely ridiculous. It actually amazed me that someone who seems quite brilliant, can seem so crazy. I know this is a "mostly true memoir" so I truly hope that half the stuff in this book was extremely exaggerated.

This was definitely not one I'd be recommending.

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8/40: Introvert Power by Laurie Helgoe

Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie Helgoe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was very validating for me. I learned a little about myself and a little about my husband. It was interesting to read and take something away from each chapter even if I am not as introverted in some aspects as the author describes. Knowing I don't have to apologize for my natural tendencies was very validating for me to realize. Just because I'm not doing something in the extrovert world doesn't mean I'm lonely, there is something wrong with me or I have no friends.

I bookmarked a lot of pages in this book to keep for future reference but thought I'd share a few points that spoke greatly to me.

"Introversion is an inward orientation to life,..."
An introvert will naturally want to focus on the self, the inner life. Not just of ourselves but of others. We don't care what so and so did, we want to know what YOU are feeling INSIDE. I'm big on feelings and now it makes a little more sense. I want the inner dialogue. I want the feelings you're hiding. That is real to me. Gossip is boring.

Introverts are not anti-social or asocial. From childhood to now there's always the worried looks when I say I don't like parties. I don't like to go out to the bar, etc. Remember that trip I went on with my two besties? We sat in a hotel room and read and didn't speak to each other? BLISS. Not anti-social at all. I can't tell you how many times someone has looked at me with worry when I say my plans for a Friday night are laundry and reading with a cup of tea. No TV, no party, no friends out and about. I'm late twenties so I guess there is something wrong with me going home and sitting on my couch reading. I used to feel that way sometimes. Why don't I want to go out? Everyone else seems to be. There's nothing wrong me with and I won't apologize for doing something that makes me happy.

Cyberspace is a haven for most introverts. We get the interaction we need when we choose. We can turn it off when we have had our fill. This picture may seem sad to a lot of people, but it's so true. I have more friends online than I do in real life. Sad? Maybe, but think of it this way. I have meaningful friendships with these people and care about them deeply. They don't mind if I disappear for a while. A tweet or facebook update and they know I'm still around. They don't get upset if I don't "talk" to them for a while. We have shared interests which brings us closer.

If you ask an introvert how many friends they have, they can probably count on one hand. Those are the people that they hold near and dear and will do almost anything for. (I've excluded my family here since that would fill up several hands)

There are so many more great lightbulb moments in this book. If you have an introvert spouse, or you are the introvert, pick this one up and read it. You'll learn a little and understand a little and hopefully find a way to mesh together. My husband and I are both introverts but both very different. He retreats to sports and community. I retreat to books and movies. Ask us to go out for a party and we'll both say no, and after reading this, there will be no excuses or "maybe next times".
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4/40: The Marriage Project by Kathi Lipp

The Marriage Project: 21 Days to More Love and Laughter by Kathi Lipp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My husband and I are reading this at the same time. Our plan is to start the Project at the beginning of March. I love that he's as excited about it as I am.

If you remember, I did The Husband Project back in November 2011. I had a fun time doing the little projects and being more present to my husband. In a world where we sit on our phones, computers and watch TV while doing all that made me think we need to stop and take note of our marriage. We thought this book would be a good way to reconnect with all the multitasking we do these days. Take some time to really focus on each other.

Reading this book isn't an indication that our marriage needs work, or needs improving. In fact I'd say the opposite. We are not even a year in and there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for my husband and the life we are building together. I'm a believer that things can always get better if you work at them. Improving anything is always there. My marriage, my husband is one of the most important things in my life. Why wouldn't we focus on it?


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38/50: The Husband Project by Kathi Lipp

The Husband Project by Kathi Lipp
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 I came across The Husband Project and thought what a fun idea. I've been struggling as a new wife to get out of my self and focus on him a little more. 

The Husband Project is to stealthily do something for your husband every day for 21 days. It may take longer than 21 days because life doesn't always cooperate and that's ok. The somethings are not grand gestures, just something small. Like a post-it note in his lunch saying I love you. Like a fresh cup of his favorite coffee when he gets up in the morning or his favorite snack. Along with the small there are the bigger tasks. Do something together you used to do while dating. Cook his favorite meal. Eliminate a task that he hates doing.

The point is to not do these things/tasks looking for recognition. You aren't doing them so he'll notice. He may and that's wonderful, but he might not. I thought that if I could get through the 21 days without Frenchie getting suspicious that something was up, I was successful. My own personal goal. You definitely wouldn't want to tell your husband you're doing the project because then you're looking for recognition and he's looking to catch the nice things you're doing.

I read through the first couple chapters of this book and immediately posted on my bride forum inviting the other new wives to join me in my endeavor. A few loved the idea and a few others wondered why we needed a book to show our love to our husbands. Of course we don't need a book, but if you're like me, you sometimes get lazy and need some ideas. I dragged my sisters into this project as well and I loved hearing the reactions they got and the struggles they went through during the project. What lucky husbands we have!

I got the reaction "where is the wife project?" a couple of times. First off, can you really see a man doing this? Honestly? Secondly, here's my theory: You get what you give. I found through the duration of doing this that Frenchie started to reciprocate without even realizing it. I felt more in love doing things for him (I'm a giver by nature) than if I just focused on me or asked him for things.

It took me 4 weeks to complete all 21 projects. At the end I told Frenchie he was my experiment and asked him what he thought. Or better yet, if he even noticed. I explained what I had done and he had this light bulb moment.
"Oh! That's why the texts and the facebook statuses about me"
"Oh! That's why this or that"
He didn't really notice that it was a constant thing happening, but there were a few tasks he said he noticed more than some. Obviously those things meant more to him and judging by his Love Language it made sense.

One things I have learned from this project is that it doesn't take much to turn your thoughts to your husband and do one small thing a day for him. Life gets busy, and we focus on the kids, the dog, our job, ourselves and forget about that one person that loves us unconditionally. I've noticed that a few of the projects I did I've continued to do. I just needed a kick in the butt. I've also noticed that since telling Frenchie about my experiment, the things he started doing have also continued.
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17/50: 5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth by The Oatmeal

***disclaimer: I do not condone cruelty to animals***

5 Very Good Reasons to Punch A Dolphin in the Mouth (and other useful guides) by The Oatmeal (Matthew Inman)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is absolutely hilarious!! I strongly recommend you go to The Oatmeal and get your daily laugh. Be warned that you should not visit if you are offended easily.

All the things you think and wish you could say are in this. And some things you wonder how he came up with and why.

For example
alot and a lot. Get the spelling right!!
The different handshakes, hugs and high-fives people do.
Why having a Canadian as a pet is a good idea. (I am Canadian. I seriously take offense to this one. BUT in all fairness, it is quite funny)

My stomach hurt from reading this book. Only took me a few hours and well worth it. "Time well wasted"

SBC 2011: In honour of International Smile Month read a humour book - 15 points
Book Journey 2011: Seatle

8/50: Together for Life by Joseph M. Camplin

Together for Life by Joseph M. Champlin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Frenchie and I read through this book to help us plan our wedding ceremony. We are having a full Catholic Mass. The book was laid out really nicely and easy to get through. The provided commentary for the readings was very helpful for us to choose.
I feel much more comfortable with our reading choices and the layout of the Mass than I did prior to reading this book.


This book doesn't count towards any challenges as it is under 100 pages.
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3/50: The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars








I bought this book after Frenchie and I went to a marriage prep course last August. Finally getting around to reading it now. I suppose with the wedding approaching, it's fitting to read it. Start the marriage off right.

I really enjoyed it. I think that it will make a difference in my relationship. I know most people would probably pick up this book if they were having relationship problems, but I read it because it was recommended by our church. I can see how reading this before marriage is a good idea. If you think about what Gary Chapman is saying, it does make sense. We all feel love differently. We all have something that our spouse says/does/gives that makes us feel loved. We also have things they do that don't make a difference, not that they aren't nice or appreciated, but they don't give that same feeling to us.

The 5 Love Languages are basic, but have many dialects. I thought this was profound. There are different ways to express each love language, and finding that particular dialect of your spouse is crucial.

Frenchie decided to read this as well, so I'm interested to talk about it with him and see what he thinks when he's done.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone in a relationship.

WBC 2011: 5 Points - Book with a "love" word in the title

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48/50: 10 Minute Guide to Project Management by Jeff Davidson

10 Minute Guide to Project Management by Jeff Davidson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars




I picked this book up to help me better understand project management. I eventually want to move into that sort of role in my career, so doing some reading is always helpful. I don't have a lot to say about this book since it's non-fiction and pretty dry. For my first read at project management, it provided a very high overview. I liked that it didn't go into a lot of detail. It kept things simple and to the point. I made a lot of notes and will certainly keep this book around for reference. I enjoyed that it provided examples where the tools they describe were used. It gives a hands-on approach that I could really relate to and also relate it back to what I'm currently doing.

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This is number 48 for the year! Almost reached my goal!

47/50: Packing for Mars by Mary Roach

Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach


My rating: 2 of 5 stars




I believe I ruined all other Mary Roach books for myself by reading her book Bonk first. It was over the top funny and witty. Something I feel the rest of her books fail to provide to the same extent. Packing for Mars seemed like it would be incredibly interesting.

Researching space would be fun and interesting. This book didn't get that acrossed to me. I can't say that I laughed at all with this one. Not even a chuckle. However, I did learn some interesting tidbits, and I suppose that's the entire purpose of this book. It started off good but faded quickly. I found myself skimming through the second half of the books just so I could finish it.

Read Roach's other books


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42/50: The De-Stress Divas Guide to Life by Ruth Klein

The De-Stress Divas Guide to Life: 77 Ways to Recharge, Refocus, and Organize Your Life by Ruth Klein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I picked up The De-Stress Divas Guide to Life from the library on my eReader. I had put it on hold when I was having an immense amount of stress, and by the time I got it, my stress was very little. I think that's probably a good thing. I think reading this book was helpful as I could take the time to examine the ideas behind it and really think about how to apply them to my life.

I really enjoyed the sections on family get-togethers and how to manage stress when there are so many people together at one time. It was helpful to see the other perspective of siblings. We may not be able to pick our family, but we can choose to understand them. Everyone brings different qualities and it's important to respect those.

There were some chapters very dear to me, such as the stresses of changing jobs, or planning a wedding.

I would recommend this book because of it's simplicity. It's not a hard read, but the tips inside are very useful. I would also recommend visiting Ruth's website, http://www.destressdiva.com/ to get more tips and tricks.

Buy the book from Amazon

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16/25: French Women For All Seasons

The last of the WBC books!
I finished the 25 point task for "Read a book and then cook based on it."
This book goes through each season and includes recipes and fashion for each.
It was a very interesting read, and one that I will probably go through again and again depending on the season I'm in. The numerous ways the typical French Woman wears a scarf is imcredible. I see the draw towards them.

I cooked a leek soup from this book. It was ok. My FI ate a few bowls of it (I froze it in portions) but that was it. I threw out the majority of it.

The one thing I did love about this book was the menus. Every breakfast included coffee. Every supper included wine. Can't go wrong with that!

12/25: Complete Idiots Guide to Puppies

Yes you read that right. I have completely read the entire book and hoping that it helps.

We are getting our puppy this week (day TBD still). I figure that the best thing my fiance and I can do it prepare ourselves with as much information as possible. Weeding out the useless information where possible.

This book was simple to understand, and easy to learn from. I think I've got a good idea on how to train Beta her basic commands. I feel a little more prepared for our lives to change drastically. There will be tons of triumphs and tribulations and they will blogged on.  The most important thing I learned from this book is that puppies have a very short attention span. 5 - 10 minutes a training session is about all they are able to handle. They need to play, but not too much since their bones and ligaments are still young. They need attention and love. I think we should be able to do all these things.

I will be keeping this book around for a while and not shelving it because I think we will be referring to it often. I realize it's dubbed down, but for a first time puppy owner, it's exactly what I need.

10/25: Stiff - Mary Roach

I finished reading this book and I will be participating in an online discussion of it next Tuesday.

My overall impression of this book was good. I enjoyed it, but I highly suggest not eating meat, french fries or fruit while reading it. Just my opinion....

Mary Roach gets down and dirty when it comes to her novels. She researches the heck out of them and goes deeper into her subjects than most authors I've read. For a non-fiction, research novel, I loved it.

Never will I think of the dead in the same way. I don't even see my own death the same. Not the dying part, but the being dead part. This book put a different spin on things and really makes you think about what happens to your body.

The history and awful things that cadavers have had to and still do endure amazes me! Who knew 'crash-test cadavers' were/are really used! I had no idea that throughout history, experiments on the dead were done to the extent that Roach uncovers.
I learned a lot of interesting facts that someday I hope to use in conversation somewhere and not appear like a complete weirdo. Until that time comes, I will hope a question about disection or cremation comes up in Trivial Pursuit and I can put my new knowledge to the test.
On another note, "Body World" was mentioned in the book and I am completely enthralled with finding out when the show will be in Calgary or Edmonton soon. I plan to go when I find out now that know exactly how the bodies in the show got there.