Author Archives: mmelland

Book Review: Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck

Posted in Nonfiction, Travel by

Hello, everyone! I was able to squeeze in another book this month (mostly because it’s short), and it was a good one! My big project is winding down so hopefully I’ll be back in the swing of things soon.

I read Travels with Charley in Search of America (hereafter referred to as Travels with Charley) as part of the 12 Months of Reading Goodness challenge. November’s challenge is to read a book with a mode of transportation on the cover since Thanksgiving yields some of the busiest travel days in the US. Continue reading →

Book Review: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Posted in Fiction, Paranormal by

Hey, look! I read another book!

In line with the 12 Months of Reading Goodness challenge, October is the month to read a book with a supernatural or paranormal theme. Odd Thomas caught my eye because it looked more quirky than creepy, plus I’ve never read anything by Dean Koontz and I wanted to see why he’s so popular. While Odd Thomas did have some creepy parts, it wasn’t the relentless, under-your-skin creepiness that I avoid at all costs, and it was tempered with very likable characters. I ended up really liking this novel, although the ending made me cry, dang it! Continue reading →

Taking a Little Break

Posted in Opinion by

You might have noticed that I haven’t posted many book reviews recently. It’s for a really good reason – I landed a big freelance writing job with some pretty tight deadlines. Typing with my eyes is really cool technology, but frustratingly slow compared to when I could type with my fingers. I find this project is taking most of my time and with two kids approaching college age … well, it trumps my free reading habit. For now. Continue reading →

Smash ALS!

Posted in Opinion by

 

Hello Everyone,

I was diagnosed with ALS 8 years ago. It was devastating, but the ALS Association made it a little less overwhelming. They sponsor multidisciplinary clinics, fund research, facilitate support groups and offer assistive devices, to name just a few of their services. Continue reading →