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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