Clay, Author at Clay Reads

A young girl and a mysterious teacher stand near a fractured colony on an alien world, with ravens overhead, a starship nearby, and a glowing buried machine beneath the landscape.

Review of Children of Memory (Children of Time #3) by Adrian Tchaikovsky

The Most Star Trek Book in the Children of Time Series It is time for the third installment of the Children of Time[…]

Featured image for Embrace Discomfort by Michael Easter showing a man leaving a comfortable indoor space with a couch, phone, and escalator behind as he walks toward stairs, sunlight, and a rugged mountain path.

Embrace Discomfort: Lean Into Challenge to Improve Your Life by Michael Easter

Why Michael Easter Wants You to Lean Into Challenge I discovered Embrace Discomfort: Lean Into Challenge to Improve Your Life by Michael Easter[…]

Rogue Protocol featured image showing a rogue security android and companion robot inside a damaged space station with a swirling green and blue gas giant outside

Rogue Protocol (The Murderbot Diaries, #3) by Martha Wells

Clay | April 24

Reluctant Heroes and Robot Feelings It’s time once again for another Murderbot Diary review. And honestly? Spoiler alert: these novellas just keep getting[…]

Featured image for The 5 Resets book review by Aditi Nerurkar showing a glowing brain, meditation at sunrise, a journal, walking shoes, a clock, and a gratitude jar to symbolize stress relief and resilience.

The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience by Aditi Nerurkar

Clay | April 17

Rewire Your Brain for Less Stress I discovered The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience by[…]

A terrified woman hides behind a palm tree on a tropical beach at night while masked figures gather near a bonfire and a charismatic host stands on a lit stage in the background.

How Bad Things Can Get by Darcy Coates

Clay | April 10

Cults, Influencers, & Island Horror A little life background to give context to this review: I recently vacationed in Mexico, and while sitting[…]

A cozy winter reading scene featuring an open book on a wooden table surrounded by stacked books, a glowing lightbulb, candles, and themed elements from science fiction, self-improvement, and historical fiction, with snow falling in the background.

Winter Reads Wrap Up: Sci-Fi, Self-Improvement, and Historical Fiction Reviews

Clay | April 3

Winter Reads Wrap Up: Sci-Fi, Self-Improvement, and Historical Fiction Reviews Welcome to my winter reading wrap-up! For the calendar sticklers out there, I’m[…]

A confident office worker stands under stage lights with arms open as coworkers react around him, blending workplace collaboration with improv performance and creative energy.

Improvise!: Use the Secrets of Improv to Achieve Extraordinary Results at Work by Max Dickins

Clay | March 27

Can Improv Comedy Actually Make You Better at Work? I am fascinated by improv, especially podcast improv. My favorites are Hey Riddle Riddle[…]

A weary wizard in a long coat stands on a ruined rooftop at sunset, holding a faintly glowing staff as he looks over a battered Chicago skyline; a small memorial cross and white flowers sit nearby.

Twelve Months (The Dresden Files, #18) by Jim Butcher

Clay | March 20

Aftermath, Healing, and Learning to Live Again Twelve Months by Jim Butcher is the quietest Dresden Files novel and one of the best.[…]

Conceptual split-scene landscape with a wooden signpost between storm clouds and sunshine; a giant tangled ball of rope sits on the dark path while a person walks toward a bright, calm horizon with butterflies, symbolizing releasing control and choosing intentional action.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Clay | March 13

A Two-Word Tool for Reclaiming Your Energy I have forgotten the exact details of where I discovered the Mel Robbins Podcast, but I[…]

Tall augmented security construct seen from behind in a crowded space station concourse, subtle blue cybernetic implants glowing under a dark jacket.

Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries #2) by Martha Wells

Clay | March 6

Introvert in Space I loved All Systems Red so I have basically committed to reading the complete The Murderbot Diaries sci-fi novella series[…]