DAN BROWN'S NEW NOVEL: INFERNO

Robert Langdon is back! This is one adventure that you shouldn't miss.

'Inferno' is better than 'The Lost Symbol'---in regards to the story line as well as the theme of the novel. The truth is stranger than fiction. Reality will depend on your perception.
'Inferno' is more aligned to 'Angels and Demons' and 'The Da Vinci Code'...It could be because of the setting, which takes us back to Europe...it could also be because of the antagonists are more realistic here compared to 'The Lost Symbol'.

If Hollywood decides to make a movie out of this, I wouldn't be surprised.  I would look forward to it.

I recommend this as a must-read if you're a fan of European history, Art, Literature, adventure, suspense, maniacal geniuses, ordinary people saving the world plus the usual twists and turns...

But remember, since you'll be entering Dan Brown's creation, take with a grain of salt.

Definitely a guilty pleasure!

Steve Berry: The Venetian Betrayal and The Third Secret

Meet Cotton Malone, a cross between Indiana Jones and James Bond. He's a former agent of the U.S. department of Justice's Magellan Billet. A group of highly-talented and trained operatives working under their female boss Stephanie Nelle. He is now retired and a bookseller living in Denmark.

I've become a Steve Berry addict in the past few weeks and been reading his novels and short stories continuously.

if you like history with a dash of adventure, then you won't go wrong with his books.

For "The Venetian Betrayal:, the first few pages will reel you in especially when it involves Alexander the Great, Greek fire and the draught that can cure any disease known to man.

The story will take you places, from Denmark to Venice to China to the Stan countries in Central Asia. Its part adventure, part travel guide.

"The Third Secret" introduces as to Vatican insider, Colin Michener, who plays a cameo in "The Venetian Betrayal". The story deals with the last secret/message of Our Lady of Fatima and the impact it would have in the Christian world if it was proven that the message was deliberately changed by someone working in the Vatican. This novel should be taken with a grain of salt meaning just enjoy it as a work of fiction and not the truth.

I consider this as one of my favorite Steve Berry novels since it discusses about one man's journey in his faith, beliefs and relationships. It made me teary-eyed at the end. Decisions can change the course of your life.

One of the reasons why I recommend Steve Berry's works is that he takes the time to explain what is real and what is fiction. He does it at the end of every novel. 

His novels might be simplistic compared to Dan Brown. Not a lot of fanfare accompanies them but they certainly are addictive. (the visual traveler)

The Queen of Suspense: Mary Higgins Clark

A prolific writer, Mary Higgins Clark, has written over 42 novels. Her favorite protagonist has always been the intelligent, strong-willed and heroic woman. 

She has smartly used popular song titles as her book titles (Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Remember Me, Moonlight Becomes You, etc.).  

New York City and it's neighboring cities have been used again and again as her locations which adds an element of class to her stories. 

You won't find gory murder scenes or foul-mouthed dialogues in her stories. There's always a familial element to her story lines that makes it better and more realistic.

Her characters and villains typically belong to the Upper-Middle class strata of Society which adds sophistication to her story lines.

She's also been an influence to her family members that her daughter (Carol Higgins Clark) and ex-daughter-in-law (Mary Jane Clark) became writers as well. She has collaborated with Carol Higgins Clark on several stories as well.

I never get tired of reading her novels. I like her stories so much that I've recommended her to my cousins and they got hooked as well. 

JOHN GRISHAM AND HIS LEGAL THRILLERS

A fugitive lawyer, a reluctant heiress, a grandson seeking redemption, a couple planning to skip Christmas, crooked judges lording over a prison, a man seeking justice for his daughter, an idealistic lawyer, a rainmaker...a runaway jury----These are just some of the unforgettable myriad of characters created by lawyer-turned-wirter, John Grisham.

The world of law has never been the same since he first came out with his first novel, "A Time To Kill." And since then he has cultivated a following that has anticipated his new legal thrillers. Even Hollywood has joined the bandwagon, turning his novels into blockbusters.

For this year, I had a John Grisham marathon---reading 3-4 books of his back-to-back. I never do get tired of his seemingly formulaic story lines or heroes. There's still the mystery of knowing whodunit...Not all of his novels have happy endings. Even his rogue heroes gets their comeuppance.

Here are some of his novels that I highly recommend: 'A Time to Kill', 'The Confession', 'The Litigators', 'The Firm', 'The Runaway Jury', 'The Chamber', 'The Appeal'...

You should also try his novels about Theodore Boone, Kid Detective. It's funny and poignat and you can have your kids read them.

You'll never get bored reading any of John Grisham's legal thrillers. (the visual traveler)

My Guilty Pleasure: Judith McNaught Novels

If I were to be asked what my guilty pleasure will be, it's  Judith McNaught's romance novels. Her bestselling novels are part of my reading collection.

Her story lines and character descriptions might be the same---the intelligent, brooding, and successful leading man---the beautiful, independent and damsel-in-distress heroine---they fall in love, separate and then find their way back in each other's arms---it's your classic love story formula but it works all the time.

The first novel that I read from her vast collections is "Paradise". I didn't sleep the entire night in order to finish the book and by the end I had tears in my eyes.

I know it sounds sappy but I really enjoy reading her historical and contemporary novels. And once in a while, I reread my favorite titles. Every year, it has been a tradition for me to reread my favorite McNaught novels. I still fall in love with the characters.

I'm more inclined to her contemporary stories than her historical ones but all the same I really like the way she writes. I can't wait for her new novel which (cross my fingers) will be launched this year. (thevisualtraveler)

The Art of Work Facilitation

“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

The goal of open-Book Management is to get every employee to think like an owner. Employees who get involved and committed not only to their work but also to their teams, understand that they have an impact on the bottom line.

Leaders who are secure in themselves and understand their self-worth are not afraid to give their power to others. They encourage constant change and prepare their employees to become leaders themselves. They empower their employees to grow and innovate.

Your companies might offer a lot of avenues for leaders to set-up their employees for success. Enrolling in Professional and Management Development courses, joining in-house clubs, participating in company events, facilitating company and team meetings are just some ways of building a sense of community and responsibility in our employees.

STEPS TO EMPOWER YOUR EMPLOYEES

·         Be Accessible

·         Set-up challenges to motivate your team

·         Promote communication and innovation

·         Ask for input from your team members

·         Delegate tasks and assign projects

·         Believe and trust your employees

·         Make the commitment

·         Follow through

Review by: The Visual Traveler

Resources: John C. Maxwell, Harvard Business Review on Managing Projects, Forbes.com and Stephen P. Robbins