The FabYOUList: List it, Live it, Love Your Life

In this deceptively simple yet surprisingly uplifting tome, Cross demonstrates the transformative power of a simple list. Right after her 36th birthday, she decided to compose a list of challenges and goals she would endeavor to check off before she turned 40. Ranging from the secular to the saintly, the 40-item list included simple activities like skinny-dipping and finding a church (“Pick a religion, any religion”), grand schemes (“Get Googleable”), and life-changing challenges (learning to surf required Cross to overcome an intense fear of drowning). Along the way, the first-time author (“Write a book” was #40) addressed past traumas, made new friends, learned how to communicate more capably with her children, and—yes—even took a dip in her birthday suit. The plucky Cross narrates her journey—failures and all—and the end-product is an inspiring mix of anecdote and advice that will empower readers and encourage them to follow their own dreams. “I’m not a certified life coach—or a certified anything else for that matter,” she says in conclusion. “What I am, is someone who’s been through a lot, and is not just willing, but thrilled to share what she’s learned.” And readers will be thrilled to hear what she has to say. (Sept.)