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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