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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The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I need some time to digest this book. Did I like it? Yes. But Charlie was simplistic and childlike, and I can't decide if he is autistic, or if the author was really so out of touch with the mind of a freshman in high school. He was written like he was 10, not 15, and the comments from everyone about his brilliance did not come through in his letters to his friend. But the book has stayed with me, so I am giving it two 1/2 stars.

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Sea of Monsters

Rick Riordan; 3 stars
New York

Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins; 3 stars
United States

Catching Fire

Suzanne Collins; 4 stars
United States

We Need to Talk About Kevin

Lionel Shriver; 3 stars
Gladstone, MA

Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter

Seth Grahame-Smith; 2 stars
New Salem, Illinois