M.A. Kropp: Writer, Blogger, GeekGirl. My Life. My Words. My Way.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars(Disclaimer: I like the Clintons. I think they have been subject to unrelenting scrutiny and dislike that I never understood. I am trying to be honest in this review despite that.)"Living History" is Hilary Clinton's autobiography covering her life from childhood through her husband's two terms as President of the … Continue reading Friday Review: Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
On Saturday, we went to Spiedie Fest in BInghamton. Spie adies are a bit of a local thing here. It's chunks of marinated meat, originally lamb, but now made with pork and chicken also, grilled and served on slices of soft Italian bread. It's a summer thing that started in BInghamton, and isn't known too … Continue reading It’s a Local Thing
My rating: 3 of 5 starsThis third entry in the Defender's of Shannara trilogy finds Paxon Leah and Leofur Rai together again after their separation in the first two books. They are living at Paranor which allows Paxon to continue to function as the High Druid's Blade, protector of the order. Leofur is, well, not … Continue reading Friday Review: The Sorcerer’s Daughter (Defender’s of Shannara #3) by Terry Brooks
I have been able to get some steady work done on writing this week. That's a nice improvement from all of last year, where I got very little done. I have gotten through a first read-through and revision on all twenty-four of the short short stories. That was one of the big goals for this … Continue reading More Writing Getting Done
My rating: 4 of 5 starsJohn Perry just turned 75, so he did what any self-respecting 75-year-old would: he visited his wife's grave, and joined the army. Technically, he joined the Colonial Defense Force (CDF). In this Earth future universe, the CDF doesn't want young, inexperienced recruits. They want those with the knowledge, experience, and … Continue reading Friday Review: Old Man’s War (Old Man’s War #1) by John Scalzi
There is a definite nip to the air most days now. Not that I am complaining, mind you. Much as I like warm weather and dislike the really cold, this has been, overall, a not that great summer. It was either hot and humid, or raining, or both. So, now that we are seeing some … Continue reading Fall Is Definitely in the Air
My rating: 4 of 5 starsNew York city boy and recent heart transplant recipient Tony Battaglia is a reality-TV editor for one of the hottest reality TV shows around, the Cajun Louisiana based "Gator Guys". When it becomes known that Tony's new heart belonged to a recently deceased cast member of the show, he finds … Continue reading Friday Review: Duck Duck Gator by Ken Wheaton
I did get around to setting up my office this past week. A lot of moving things around and there were some tight fits, but everything is here and my computer is running again. I have my two monitor set up again so I can work the way I am used to. Not that I have … Continue reading Up and Running
Things are moving along with the unpacking and getting the new house in order. I even got a start on my office last week. It will be on hold again for a bit while I work on the dining room, but there are books on shelves and I can sit at my desk. I can't … Continue reading Settling In
My rating: 4 of 5 starsSet five years after the first book in the Defenders trilogy, we find Paxon Leah more comfortable in his role as paladin of the Druid order. He has settled in to his life at Paranor and his duties to protect and defend the Druids from any and all danger. But … Continue reading Friday Review: The Darkling Child (Defenders of Shannara #2) by Terry Brooks
And So On... 