Jordi's Reading Nook

"Your words could be the ones that resonate with someone and change their mind" (Nielsen, 2025). This is why it's important to choose your words and delivery carefully. Speaking on Climate by Rune Kier Nielsen is a compelling and practical guide for anyone passionate about using the power of words to drive meaningful climate actions Nielsen is a Danish social anthropologist and United Nations environmental expert. I knew as soon as he talked about ethos, pathos, and logos in the introduction that he knew what he was talking about, and he doesn't disappoint! Overview Speaking on Climate combines theory and practice to provide the reader with the tools needed to craft impactful speeches that inspire and motivate others to act in support of climate justice. It covers topics like persuasion, the role of emotion, framing your world view, and storytelling. Positives The great thing about Speaking on Climate is it's not doom and gloom. Nielsen even provides case studi...

Discover how climate change is not just an environmental crisis, but a pressing threat to global human health, as unveiled in  Enviromedics: The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health .  Enviromedics: The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health , by Day Lemery, MD and Paul Auerbach, MD is an essential read for anyone researching or concerned about climate change. This book continues to be a cornerstone in my climate change research; I still reference it frequently. Overview The authors are doctors whose positions have given them a front seat view of our evolving health. after noticing significant increases in certain health conditions, they began to research the cause. Once it was discovered that these conditions were being worsened by the effects of climate change. Through detailed case studies, personal anecdotes, and scientific analysis, Enviromedics explores how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and other climate-related changes are already affecting global ...

I quit reading after about the sixth book, but about four months later, I constantly wondered how it ended, so I went back to find out. Conquered World Series, by Elin Wyn is an 18-book science fiction romance series. Each book features a new alien warrior and human woman, except one that features the first couple again. Technically, each can be read standalone. Overview There is a battle going on in space. Things go very wrong, and a portal opens, three ships are pulled through the portal and crash land into an unknown world. Vrehx: Vrehx's ship literally crashes into Geneva's world. He brings new monsters into an already dangerous world. They need to work together to handle both. Axtin: They couldn't be more different. Leena is a strong, serious scientist Axtin is a warrior who loves the thrill of battle. How can they be expected to work together? Tu'ver: Mariella doesn't have time for romance. No, really, she's going to die young. So she might as well avoid a...

The arrival of colonists brought devastation to indigenous populations through manipulation and overwhelming force. It's ironic that on the day we commemorate that event, Columbus Day, humanity is abruptly thrown into an intergalactic war for which we are woefully unprepared. Overview Expeditionary Force's first book, Columbus Day  by Craig Alanson starts off with Earth joining up with the Kristang to get the Ruhan off of the planet. We follow Joe Bishop as he reports to his new station. He doesn't get much time to get comfortable before things start getting fishy. After a battle we are introduced to "Skippy the Magnificent" an Al program. He is able to start making sense of what's going on. Along with the similarities with colonialism and imperialism we also see how two cultures intermixing can lead to a variety of issues. Mostly prejudice and loss of culture on either side.  Positives There is a lot of use of humor and sarcasm. But it is used well. Both Joe...

Villain redemption arc- Bridgeton style. Heartbreaker of the Ton is a captivating historical romance that truly excels in character development. It's the seventh book in the Misfits of the Ton series. The novel is set in Regency-era England, and the main female character has a strong character metamorphosis. Overview Juliette, who goes by Ettie now, is ruined. She hides in a small town with her illegitimate toddler,  letting the locals believe she is a young widow. All her focus is on raising her son. But when the kind vicar, Andrew, strives to be her friend, she finds herself hoping for more again. The twist is that the vicar was friends with and even considered marrying Eleanor, the sweet sister Ettie tried to ruin. We spend the first six books practically hating Juliette, as how can we be convinced to like her? One of the supporting characters puts it best: "If two doves are caged together, eventually they will turn against each other to survive,” she said. “But rather th...

I'll never look at a steak the same way again. René Zografos' The Ego System: The Awakening , is a compelling and urgent call to action that discusses the devastating impact of the meat industry on the planet. The author provides many facts, case studies, and other references to prove their point.  As someone who is already practicing no-meat days to live sustainably, I thought this would be a light read. I was wrong. Zografos provides eye-opening insights into the hidden suffering of animals and the political inaction that allows these practices to continue. It definitely has me considering a fully vegan lifestyle.  Trigger warning: René Zografos provides explicit descriptions of their research into animal cruelty cases. The Positives The book is filled with compelling anecdotes and case studies that illustrate the real-world consequences of our dietary choices. The argument is clear and persuasive. There is an emotional appeal that really triggers the desire ...

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you,” Maya Angelou’s, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a masterpiece of autobiographical literature. First published in 1969, this book is the first of a seven-volume series chronicling Angelou’s remarkable journey of self-discovery, resilience, and triumph over adversity.  Since this is a classic, there are many other, and better, reviews to read. I promised myself that I would only review books where I have something to add to what is already out there. In this case, I saw so much of myself (past and present) in this book. Summary of the Book The story begins with a young Maya (born Marguerite Johnson) and her brother Bailey being sent to live with their grandmother in the segregated town of Stamps, Arkansas. Through her eyes, we experience the harsh realities of racism, discrimination, and poverty in the Deep South during the 1930s and 1940s. Angelou’s vivid depiction of her childhood is both heart-wrenching and i...

While most paranormal series often fall into the same predictable formula, each Mate Hunt story somehow stands out on their own. I have a few theories on how Lola Glass was able to pull this off. Dive into a world where the supernatural isn't just a backdrop, but an integral and enthralling part of the story, setting the series apart from the rest. Lola Glass's Mate Hunt series is a captivating and imaginative dive into the realm of fantasy, romance, and self-discovery. With each book featuring a unique plot and a diverse cast of female protagonists, this series stands out not only for its enthralling storytelling but also for its celebration of different backgrounds. Glass weaves together romance, humor, and adventure in a way that keeps readers hooked while also fostering a sense of representation and inclusivity. Unique Story We are introduced to the concept of the Mate Hunt. In this series, when a Werewolf looks at his fated mate, he turns and is stuck in wolf form until hi...

Countdown, is no misnomer—time is of the essence, and Ottosen masterfully creates a sense of urgency that leaves readers almost breathless.  Johan Ottosen's Countdown is a gripping blend of political intrigue, action, and suspense that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. The Danish author crafts a story that delves into themes of conspiracy, power, and the fragility of global peace, making it a must-read for fans of intense, high-stakes thrillers. The narrative weaves through several interconnected threads, including political corruption, religious extremism, and covert operations, all culminating in a nail-biting race against time. Ottosen’s ability to juggle multiple perspectives and plotlines is commendable, and he ties everything together with precision. Strengths Fast-Paced Action: The relentless pace of the book mirrors the ticking clock of its central plot. Ottosen wastes no time plunging the reader into the action, and the energy rarely lets up. Global Scope: The no...

You known its a good story when it still shines through a virtual voice narrator. This box set is currently part of the Audible Plus catalog. There is one thing that is unanimous among book lovers, virtual voice is the worst way to experience an audiobook. The Lost Creek Shifter series is a captivating collection of paranormal romance novels set in the quaint mountain town of Lost Creek. The series follows the lives of various shifters, both bears and wolves, as they navigate love, secrets, and the challenges of their double lives. The first book, "Arlo", introduces us to Poppy, who takes a vacation to Lost Creek and meets the mysterious and handsome Arlo. As Poppy delves deeper into the town's secrets, she discovers that Arlo is not just a diner owner but a shifter with a hidden past. Their romance is filled with tension, passion, and the struggle to bridge the divide between their worlds. Each subsequent book in the series focuses on different characters, all connected ...

The Xiveri Mates series by Elizabeth Stephens is a thrilling, steamy, and action-packed sci-fi romance saga that’s impossible to put down. Across the first six books, Stephens weaves a gripping tale of survival, love, and interspecies connection, wrapped in a richly detailed alien universe.  Note, I am only going over books 1-6, This is an ongoing series, I will review the remaining books this summer.   Overview of the Series The Xiveri Mates books are set in a galaxy where humans have become a commodity, sold and traded by alien species. Each book explores a new heroine’s journey as they are thrust into dangerous situations and unexpected romances with alien beings. If you’re a fan of strong heroines, dominant alien heroes, and high-stakes adventures, this series is for you! Each story is standalone but interconnected, building on the overarching themes of resilience, love, and the clash (and blending) of cultures. Stephens expertly balances pulse-pounding tension with s...

 "Once you took the first step, anything was possible." (Katherine Johnson) That is the last line of the book, Hidden Figures, and it's so true.  I'm working through the Goodreads list of Books That Everyone Should Read At least Once. There's like 31,000 books on that list, so it's going to be a while. Luckily, I already read a good chunk of them.  So, I came across Hidden Figures and was surprised to find out the film was based on this book. Now, this book is non-fiction, so it's not written in the storyline like the movie. This suits me just fine, it just took a few minutes to change the narrative in my head, lol.  In case you don't know, Hidden Figures follows three brilliant mathematicians: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. These women have to overcome not only sexism but also racism (they are all black) in the 1950s and 60s as they grow in their NASA careers. Throughout their personal and professional lives, they maintain their...

Dr. Amanda Hanson's Muse: The Magnetism of Women Who Stop Abandoning Themselves  is supposed to be a transformative and inspiring book that encourages women to reclaim their true selves and embrace their inherent power.  Unfortunately, that does not line up with the book I just read. The book does dive into the historical and societal structures that have kept women confined to roles defined by patriarchal norms. Dr. Hanson challenges these norms and offers practical rituals and practices to help women reconnect with their inner Muse and build authentic and fulfilling lives.  Where I would have really dissected how to overcome the limitations the patriarchy has placed on women and how to combat it for future women, Dr. Hanson goes on tangents about not putting poisons in our body and how Western medicine was created by men, therefore it's harmful to women. I understand her sentiment that "our bodies know best". However, from personal experience, that is not always the...

Who else is celebrating National Single Awareness Day this Saturday? Well, Rayna had the bright idea one Saturday night after her friends stood her up for their boyfriends to conjure up her own hottie. So, she gathered up her lavender-scented candle, jasmine oil, sandalwood oil, and patchouli oil. She then applied the oils under moonlight and did her incantation. It was just a lonely, drunk woman whim...oops! Next thing she knows there is a horned purple demon in her room! They share an unbelievable (literally, she thought it was all a dream) night together. Come morning she sends him on his way so she can return to her boring life. Unfortunately, the universe had other plans.  I loved the rom com feel of the story. I don't encounter that a lot in sci-fi romance and romantasy. The female lead is also a black woman, and I love seeing the diversity. I don't know if it's just me, but I don't find a lot of black female characters in sci-fi and fantasy romances. It's act...

Welcome to my book blog! I'm so glad you stopped by to share my passion for reading. My name is Jordi, and I am an avid reader with a voracious appetite for books from various genres.  I love immersing myself in different worlds and experiences, from science fiction that takes me to distant galaxies to heartwarming romance tales. Fantasy and historical fiction transport me to magical realms and pivotal moments in history, while self-help books motivate me to be the best version of myself. Recently, I've started to explore the thrilling realms of thrillers and horror, seeking out those spine-chilling moments that keep me on the edge of my seat. I enjoy mainstream reads that everyone is talking about, but I also thrive on the excitement of discovering diamonds in the rough, hidden gems that deserve a spotlight. Books have always been a huge part of my life, and over time, I have realized that my reading journey is full of incredible finds - both popular bestsellers and lesser-kno...