Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever

Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O'Reilly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An enjoyable, easy read. Seemed a bit embellished and read like fiction in places. Bill O'Reilly is an ass, but the book is ok. I'll give Killing Kennedy a read too.

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Twilight (Twilight #1)

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Oh, this book is silly, but overall I don't hate it. Bella is a complete Mary Sue and I wanted to punch her most of the time, and Edward with his brooding mixed signals made me roll my eyes so hard I nearly broke something. But then I reminded myself that it is written for a 14-year-old, not a grown woman in her forties, and I was ok with it. This book has sparked scores of future lovers of the paranormal, romance or not, and I hope all of them graduate to loving Harry Dresden as much as I do. The romance is clean, fulfills a lot of young girls' budding fantasies, and gets them reading. A win all-around.

P.S. Everyone who reads this should read The Dresden Files series. Seriously. Harry is a million times better than Edward. Or Jacob. Or pretty much anyone.



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Coraline

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Coraline. It's a children's book written for adults. It's an adult book written for children. Somehow it's both, and it's scary, and delightful. Just read it. Gaiman is a pro at creating scary worlds that suck you in until you can't bear to put the book down. Good stuff.

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Lone Wolf

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of the things I enjoy most about Jodi Picoult's novels is the interesting worlds she explores. Much like Dick Francis, I leave her novels with my interests piqued about whatever topic she covers, and I want to continue learning more after I am done. In this book, she centers her family drama around wolves and wolf behavior. It wouldn't be a Jodi Picoult book without family dynamics, a medical or legal issue, and an interesting topic. I enjoyed this one. 4 stars.

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A Thousand Days in Tuscany: A Bittersweet Adventure.

A Thousand Days in Tuscany: A Bittersweet Adventure by Marlena DeBlasi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ah, Tuscany! High on my bucket list, and this book just whetted my appetite further. I can imagine living in this old farmhouse in the ancient village, creating traditions and eating good food. Delightful.

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Ready Player One

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an 80's geek's paradise. I grew up on video games, D&D, and John Hughes movies, and I want to have this book's babies. Not everyone will appreciate this book, but 90% of the references made me squeal with delight. And I loved the plot, pacing, and even the clever dialogue. Read this book.

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The Night Circus

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At first you think this is a story about the circus. Then you think it is about a contest between two skilled competitors. But it's about magic. And relationships. And so much more. And it's beautifully written. Don't go into this book expecting action--it's a slow start. Allow the gorgeous descriptions to fill your imagination. Delight in the details. In fact, read this book, then read it again. The seemingly loose plot threads tie together at the end and give you the beautiful present that is this book.

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Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Wolves. High school. Poor parenting. A bit like Twilight, but better written. Maggie Stiefvater wrote this series prior to the very excellent The Scorpio Races, and it shows. The dialogue is cringe-worthy at times, and the plot is loosely held together by the merest threads, but it was entertaining enough to read the next two installments. Take this young adult offering as the pleasant diversion it is, then read The Scorpio Races for beautiful prose and an engrossing storyline.

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Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars: A Leadership Fable about Destroying the Barriers That Turn Colleagues into Competitors

Silos, Politics, and Turf Wars: A Leadership Fable about Destroying the Barriers That Turn Colleagues Into Competitors by Patrick Lencioni
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Another leadership fable by Patrick Lencioni. His books are quick reads and leave you with common sense nuggets you can share with your team. This one is about breaking down silos to unite your team with a goal to rally behind. Lencioni takes common issues often experienced in the business world and breaks these problems down in a simple, relatable story. Good for teams and leaders who are looking for ways to work better together.

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Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape

Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting look into one girl's life growing up in the cult of Scientology. 95% of the book was a recounting of the events in her life growing up in Sea Org, separated from her parents, and how she was indoctrinated into the world of Scientology. The final 5% is about her "escape", which wasn't so much harrowing as it was anticlimactic. Her experiences, while horrible and I wouldn't wish them on any child, were clearly not as bad as some of the others growing up around her, and I would love to read another insider perspective as well.

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Amethyst (Jewel #1)

Amethyst by Lauren Royal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Amethyst is the first book in Lauren Royal's Jewel Trilogy. One of the things I enjoy about her books is the clever way she weaves the plot around historical events and people in early English history. Amethyst is set during the Great London Fire of 1666, and she does a nice job allowing that catastrophic event to drive her plot and her main characters together. Amy Goldsmith and Colin Chase first meet when he enters her family's jewelry shop to purchase a gift for his sister, and that chance meeting sets the rest of the book in motion. The details of the time are so well-written that I can forgive the cheesy dialogue and eye-rolling decisions from both Colin and Amy as they find their "happily ever after". Fans of historical romance should first read the Jewel Trilogy, then read her Flower Trilogy, set a bit in the future and cleverly ties in these characters as well.

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Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by Fiona Carnarvon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I'm torn on how to best rate this book. On the one hand, it is an interesting glimpse into the lives and times of "the real Downton Abbey". On the other hand, it is a fawning, at times disjointed account of the author's ancestor and a jumbled picture of how she lived after becoming the lady of the manor.
Worth a read for people who love British history or Downton Abbey. 2 1/2 stars.

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The End of Your Life Book Club

The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived. Will Schwalbe shares his mother's fight with pancreatic cancer, the books they read together throughout her treatments, and a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary woman whose impact on lives was spread across the globe. While the discussions and insights into the books they read were wonderful and added more books to my "to read" shelf, his book has more importantly inspired me to live more fully and be grateful for my amazingly blessed life. As an unrepentant "read the last chapter first" person, I forced myself to read this through in order since I could guess the ultimate outcome by the title. I was left sobbing on the couch for my efforts, truly moved by his final chapters. This book is a treat.

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Founding Mothers

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting look into the daily lives of the women who helped found our nation. I enjoyed looking back into colonial times and finding out more about influential women in our history. This is a bit of a slow read, and the stories get a bit muddled at times, but you walk away learning a lot.

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The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Death. Nazis. Sadness. And one young girl trying to survive it all. The Book Thief was a journey through the events of World War II, seen through the eyes of our narrator, Death. I can't say I loved this book. Stylistically, it wasn't my favorite. But I can't stop thinking about it, and those are the kind of books I want to read.

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Silks

Silks by Dick Francis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Typical Francis novel, involving horses, murder, conspiracies and light romance. This one takes us into the life of barrister and amateur jump jockey Geoffrey Mason. Attacked by a former client, Mason is thrust into a new case involving two of the top professional jockeys, one accused of murdering the other. The plot takes the expected twists and turns you have come to expect with Dick Francis, and his son seems to be following nicely in his footsteps.
The ending left me wanting more, and overall it was a satisfying read.

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Close Combat (The Corps #6)

Close Combat by W.E.B. Griffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

More World War II in the Pacific. The Coastwatchers are relieved, and we watch the fight to retain Guadalcanal. More unrealistically drawn women wanting nothing more than to land a Marine, but I will forgive Griffin this because, hey, what do I know? Maybe this is truly how women felt during the early 1940's. I love how we get more time with Pick--I enjoy his ridiculous optimism and how he has stayed the same silly man-child throughout.

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Know What You Don't Know: How Great Leaders Prevent Problems Before They Happen

Know What You Don't Know: How Great Leaders Prevent Problems Before They Happen by Michael A. Roberto
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I expected more from this book. Essentially you must ask questions, share information, encourage your team to take smart risks, and incorporate after-action reviews into your routines. I did enjoy the section on "Listening". Winston Churchill once said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
Overall this book doesn't uncover any groundbreaking information on problem solving, and I found the extensive citations at the end of each chapter annoying. They would have been fine at the end of the book, where I could easily skip them. It caused the book to feel more like a college textbook instead of a motivating business book I could recommend to others.


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The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a lovely book! The writing was lyrical, with gorgeous descriptions of the fictional island of Thisby, its people, and the capaill uisce. Part horse race, part awkward love story, part coming-of-age novel, you have to allow this book to draw you into the beautiful prose and just experience the story. I hesitate to share more because this book was a bit like unwrapping a present and I want you to read it for yourself.

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Line of Fire (The Corps #5)

Line Of Fire by W.E.B. Griffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 5 of our journey through World War II in the Pacific takes us on a daring rescue mission of the Coastwatchers serving as advance sentries for Guadalcanal. Less about McCoy and Pick and more about General Pickering, we see the events through their eyes as the planning and execution happens amidst the action of the war. A good read.

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Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Insurgent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Our book club selection for February. We pick up exactly where Divergent left off, with Tris, Four, and crew escaping after the simulation attack. I didn't enjoy this one as much as Divergent, but I am curious to see how this saga will end. I would say on a scale of 1 to 10, Tris was an 8 on the annoying / bad decision scale for the majority of the book. The overarching theme of this book seems to be trust--who do you trust, and why? How does this shape your decisions and who you become? How does Tris's inability to trust impact her decisions? How does Four's decision to trust Evelyn over Marcus impact his decisions? And what will the fallout be from the revelations at the end? Looking forward to Divergent #3 this winter.

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The Inspiring Leader: Unlocking the Secrets of How Extraordinary Leaders Motivate

The Inspiring Leader: Unlocking the Secrets of How Extraordinary Leaders Motivate by John H. (Jack) Zenger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think all leaders strive to truly inspire those around them, but some do it better, and more naturally, than others. Zenger breaks down how to change how you motivate yourself and others to achieve great results. I found some really good takeaways to share with the team and some nice reflection for myself. Mainly common sense ideas for leading people, but useful for new leaders, or those leaders looking to change their styles.

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Battleground (The Corps #4)

Battleground by W.E.B. Griffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

More new characters introduced as the war winds on. Time overlaps from the previous books as a result of so many characters and story lines, and the women are eye-rollingly unrealistic, as usual. But a good series and great insights into the history of World War II in the Pacific.

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Paris in Love: A Memoir

Paris in Love: A Memoir by Eloisa James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My latest armchair traveler read, Paris in Love, will take you through snippets of Eloise James's (pen name of historical romance novelist and professor Mary Bly) year-long sabbatical in Paris with her family. Originally her Facebook and Twitter posts, she weaves together the daily happenings and Parisian experiences with her musings on life, family, and her journey after breast cancer. A bit slow and disjointed at times, this allows you to step back and be a part of her life during her year of self-reflection and change. An enjoyable read.

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The Beginner's Goodbye

The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a nice book! Anne Tyler creates characters who make you reflect upon your own life. I walked away remembering why I love my husband and appreciate my marriage so much. More than a novella about grief, the simple prose allows you to join in on Aaron's journey and reflect on how you might be in the same situation. If you haven't read Anne Tyler yet, please take the time to do so.

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Journey through year two of Hogwarts with Ron, Hermione, and Harry. Reading this book again, I'm remembering how much I dislike Gilderoy Lockhart--why, oh why, is he such a flat, two-dimensional character? For a series with such interesting characters with so many layers, Gilderoy is a true disappointment. Book two follows much of the same pattern as book one. Harry is living with the Dursleys, they are mean to him, he leaves for Hogwarts, he gets into difficulties, and then the big mystery / drama is solved by our fearless trio. Enjoy!


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Counterattack (The Corps #3)

Counterattack by W.E.B. Griffin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Counterattack overlaps in time with the events in book 2, but from different characters' points of view. Instead of spending time with Pick and McCoy, we spend time with the higher ranks in the Corps and Navy, and also gain some outside perspective on MacArthur during his time in Australia. Interesting to read the military strategies and learn more about our time in WWII Pacific, but slower than the other two books for me.

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Call to Arms (The Corps #2)

Call To Arms by W.E.B. Griffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Call to Arms picks up where the last left off, and leads us through the events after Pearl Harbor. A little slower than Semper Fi, we find McCoy in San Diego and Pick in Pensacola for the majority of the story. Griffin's research is top-notch, and the details around the military training, strategies and maneuvers really help the series come to life. These books leave me wanting to read more about the US role in WWII, so I will forgive the cheesy depictions of relationships and the eye-rolling dialogue that often comes out of the women's mouths. Another good installment in the series.

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Semper Fi (The Corps #1)

Semper Fi by W.E.B. Griffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So happy to be reading this again for 2013. It's one of my favorite series. Not just for the Marine Corp details, or the rich history, but because I love each of the characters. McCoy, Pick, Ernie...I can't choose a favorite. Book one starts prior to the US entry into WW II with the Marines stationed in China and ends with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Welcome to World War II, boys. It's going to be a hell of a ride.

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A Thousand Days in Venice

A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena De Blasi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ah, travel memoirs! I enjoy being an armchair traveler and finding new destinations to add to my travel wish list. I loved her descriptions of Venice--it's on my "must see" list now. This book seems to be about the author falling in love with a stranger and uprooting her entire life to be with him, but it is really about her love affair with Venice: the city, its people, its rich history. She's written three books about her journeys and her life and this is the first. Lovers of travel and wanderlust will appreciate her descriptions of the city and its people.

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm reading my favorite series once again for the new year, and the first book is like greeting an old friend. I'd forgotten details, but love her just the same. I love seeing Harry, Ron and Hermione become friends and wizards. I love that this series is as much about Ron and Hermione as it is about Harry going through his first year at Hogwarts. And what I love most of all is journeying once again through the vibrant world JK Rowling gave us in the seven books of the series. On to book two! The kids and I are reviving our monthly book club and our first meeting for 2013 is on January 13th. Looking forward to our discussion.

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The Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers Into Great Leaders

Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers Into Great Leaders by John H. (Jack) Zenger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I like reading leadership books. They always make me think and reflect on how I am leading my team. The authors break leadership down to five main traits, which they call "tent poles": character, personal capability, focus on results, interpersonal skills, and leading organizational change. Each chapter addresses a different insight and will provide you with reflection and action items to enhance your leadership. An overall solid read. I'm looking forward to reading another book by Zenger/Folkman next called, "The Inspiring Leader".

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Younger by the Day: 365 Ways to Rejuvenate your Body and Revitalize your Spirit

Younger by the Day: 365 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body and Revitalize Your Spirit by Victoria Moran


Beginning my year-long journey. It will be so strange to have a book on my "currently reading" shelf for an entire year. I will try to update my review at the end of each month.

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