https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/notes-from-the-shelf--6701446enBooksCopyright Sara Younghttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/5f9e3e50aa5199e57f8a402f498a7f9e.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/notes-from-the-shelf--6701446Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:03:30 +0000Sara YoungSara Youngsarayoung@notesfromtheshelf.comA podcast for curious readers and literary enthusiasts. Book reviews, recommendations, and thoughtful conversations from the creator of the Notes from the Shelf blog, Sara.trueb41347ef-4faa-590b-82c6-33ec4164ae47episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-28-project-2025-explained-breaking-down-every-objective--75904382 (00:03:00) USAID
(00:05:16) Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
(00:05:40) Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
(00:06:06) National Institutes of Heath (NIH)
(00:07:26) White House
(00:13:01) Dept. of State
(00:17:06) Dept. of the Interior
(00:23:03) US Agency for Global Media (ASAGM)
(00:24:32) Dept. of Defense
(00:28:21) Personnel
(00:30:16) Dept. of Energy
(00:33:42) Dept. of Homeland Security
(00:43:00) Dept. of Commerce
(00:45:15) EPA
(00:48:23) Dept. of Justice
(00:54:29) Housing and Urban Development
(00:55:54) Intelligence Community (IC)
(00:57:09) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
(00:57:39) Dept. of Education
(01:03:33) Dept. of Health and Human Services
(01:09:30) Dept. of the Treasury
(01:12:17) Dept. of Veteran Affairs
(01:13:13) Dept. of Agriculture
(01:15:45) CDC
(01:18:09) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
(01:19:11) Dept. of Transportation
(01:20:39) Dept. of Labor
(01:24:40) Federal Reserve
(01:25:03) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
(01:26:56) Small Business Administration
(01:27:25) Federal Communications Commission
(01:28:18) Federal Election Commission
(01:28:30) Federal Trade Commission
(01:28:58) FDA

Project 2025 Tracker: https://www.project2025.observer/en

6 Most Surprising Objectives to Me:

1. Weaken regulations on baby formula
2. Lessen child labor regulations to allow teenage workers to work inherently dangerous jobs
3. Repeal Section 235 of the TVPRA which protects unaccompanied minors encountered near the border
4. Repeal the Antiquities Act of 1906 which protects national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Olympic, and Acadia
5. Cut funds to states that do not provide detailed abortion reports
6. Enforce the Comstock Act of 1893 which would make it illegal to mail abortion pills such as mifepristone

I know this is different from my usual episodes, but for those who have said books shouldn’t be political or people who talk about books should stay in their lane: books are inherently political, and this is an issue I care deeply about.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, I wanted to take a closer look at Project 2025 and understand the full scope of what's being proposed. In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I'm working through every objective on the tracking site (what’s been completed, what’s in progress, and what hasn’t been started yet), starting with the ones that surprised me most.

This is a long one, and it's a lot to take in, and even I felt overwhelmed at times while recording, but that's exactly why I think it's important to keep talking about it. We can't afford to look away just because there's so much to unpack. Let's talk about what's in Project 2025 and why paying attention matters.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/11/10/post-election-book-recs/

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75904382Wed, 21 Oct 2026 19:23:47 +0000Sara YoungProject 2025 Tracker: https://www.project2025.observer/en 6 Most Surprising Objectives to Me: - Weaken regulations on baby formula - Lessen child labor regulations to allow teenage workers to work inherently dangerous jobs - Repeal Section 235 of... (00:03:00) USAID
(00:05:16) Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
(00:05:40) Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
(00:06:06) National Institutes of Heath (NIH)
(00:07:26) White House
(00:13:01) Dept. of State
(00:17:06) Dept. of the Interior
(00:23:03) US Agency for Global Media (ASAGM)
(00:24:32) Dept. of Defense
(00:28:21) Personnel
(00:30:16) Dept. of Energy
(00:33:42) Dept. of Homeland Security
(00:43:00) Dept. of Commerce
(00:45:15) EPA
(00:48:23) Dept. of Justice
(00:54:29) Housing and Urban Development
(00:55:54) Intelligence Community (IC)
(00:57:09) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
(00:57:39) Dept. of Education
(01:03:33) Dept. of Health and Human Services
(01:09:30) Dept. of the Treasury
(01:12:17) Dept. of Veteran Affairs
(01:13:13) Dept. of Agriculture
(01:15:45) CDC
(01:18:09) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
(01:19:11) Dept. of Transportation
(01:20:39) Dept. of Labor
(01:24:40) Federal Reserve
(01:25:03) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
(01:26:56) Small Business Administration
(01:27:25) Federal Communications Commission
(01:28:18) Federal Election Commission
(01:28:30) Federal Trade Commission
(01:28:58) FDA

Project 2025 Tracker: https://www.project2025.observer/en

6 Most Surprising Objectives to Me:

1. Weaken regulations on baby formula
2. Lessen child labor regulations to allow teenage workers to work inherently dangerous jobs
3. Repeal Section 235 of the TVPRA which protects unaccompanied minors encountered near the border
4. Repeal the Antiquities Act of 1906 which protects national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Olympic, and Acadia
5. Cut funds to states that do not provide detailed abortion reports
6. Enforce the Comstock Act of 1893 which would make it illegal to mail abortion pills such as mifepristone

I know this is different from my usual episodes, but for those who have said books shouldn’t be political or people who talk about books should stay in their lane: books are inherently political, and this is an issue I care deeply about.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, I wanted to take a closer look at Project 2025 and understand the full scope of what's being proposed. In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I'm working through every objective on the tracking site (what’s been completed, what’s in progress, and what hasn’t been started yet), starting with the ones that surprised me most.

This is a long one, and it's a lot to take in, and even I felt overwhelmed at times while recording, but that's exactly why I think it's important to keep talking about it. We can't afford to look away just because there's so much to unpack. Let's talk about what's in Project 2025 and why paying attention matters.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/11/10/post-election-book-recs/

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>5693accountability,advocacy,awareness,books,censorship,democracy,education,election,freedom,government,legislation,literature,midterms,objectives,politics,project2025,reading,research,rights,votingtrue128fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-27-books-to-help-you-create-a-more-intentional-life--75760646
Books mentioned:

• The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age by Katherine May
• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Year of the Witch: Connecting with Nature’s Seasons through Intuitive Magick by Temperance Alden
• The Call of Intuition by Kris Franken
• Life Cycles: Your Emotional Journey to Freedom and Happiness by Christine DeLorey
• The Magical Writing Grimoire by Lisa Marie Basile
• Positive Manifestation: The Beginner’s Guide to Manifesting Your Dreams with Ease by Stephanie Keith
• The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide to Ancient Self-Care by Emma Loewe and Lindsay Kellner
• Moon Magic: Your Complete Guide to Harnessing the Mystical Energy of the Moon by Diane Ahlquist

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/11/11/the-energy-of-11-books-to-manifest-and-create-with-intention/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/03/21/zodiac-sign-book-recommendations/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75760646Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungLooking to bring a little more magic and intention into your life? From witchy reads perfect for spooky season to books about creativity, intuition, manifestation, and mindful living, these recommendations might just inspire your next chapter. Grab a...
Books mentioned:

• The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age by Katherine May
• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Year of the Witch: Connecting with Nature’s Seasons through Intuitive Magick by Temperance Alden
• The Call of Intuition by Kris Franken
• Life Cycles: Your Emotional Journey to Freedom and Happiness by Christine DeLorey
• The Magical Writing Grimoire by Lisa Marie Basile
• Positive Manifestation: The Beginner’s Guide to Manifesting Your Dreams with Ease by Stephanie Keith
• The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide to Ancient Self-Care by Emma Loewe and Lindsay Kellner
• Moon Magic: Your Complete Guide to Harnessing the Mystical Energy of the Moon by Diane Ahlquist

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/11/11/the-energy-of-11-books-to-manifest-and-create-with-intention/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/03/21/zodiac-sign-book-recommendations/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>606affirmations,astrology,books,creativity,growth,inspiration,intention,intuition,journaling,magic,manifestation,meditation,mindfulness,nonfiction,numerology,reading,recommendations,rituals,spirituality,witchyfalse127fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-26-best-moody-gothic-books-to-read-this-fall--75485705
Books mentioned:

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
• Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
• If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
• Babel by R.F. Kuang
• The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
• A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
• A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig

Add these to Your Shelf: 
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf: 
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75485705Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIf you’re looking for moody gothic reads to add to your autumn TBR, look no further! In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share seven books that give Dark Academia gothic vibes, perfect for reading on a gloomy rainy day. Books mentioned: - The...
Books mentioned:

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
• Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
• If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
• Babel by R.F. Kuang
• The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
• A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
• A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig

Add these to Your Shelf: 
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf: 
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>871academia,author,autumn,book,books,dark,drama,fall,fantasy,gothic,magic,novel,obsession,occult,reading,reads,recommendations,recs,vibes,witchfalse126fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-25-best-horror-books-for-fall--75440281
Books mentioned:

• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
• The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
• The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
• Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting by Richard Chizmar and W.H. Chizmar  

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf
Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75440281Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:04 +0000Sara YoungIf you’re looking for horror reads to add to your autumn TBR, look no further! In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share seven books that will make you question the strange noises in the middle of the night, perfect for kicking off spooky...
Books mentioned:

• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
• Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
• The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
• The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
• Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting by Richard Chizmar and W.H. Chizmar  

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf
Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>800author,autumn,book,books,fall,fantasy,gothic,halloween,horror,magic,novel,reading,reads,recommendations,recs,spooky,supernatural,vampire,witch,zombiefalse125fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-24-fall-tbr-reading-challenge--75306751Notes from the Shelf, I share how I did with my summer TBR bingo challenge. I did not get a bingo, but I did read seven books off my physical TBR, so that’s still a win! Join in on my fall 2026 bingo challenge by printing off your bingo card here: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/09/22/fall-2026-tbr-bingo-reading-challenge/ and let me know when you get a bingo! Also drop your fall TBR book recs in the comments.

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75306751Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:04 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share how I did with my summer TBR bingo challenge. I did not get a bingo, but I did read seven books off my physical TBR, so that’s still a win! Join in on my fall 2026 bingo challenge by printing off your...Notes from the Shelf, I share how I did with my summer TBR bingo challenge. I did not get a bingo, but I did read seven books off my physical TBR, so that’s still a win! Join in on my fall 2026 bingo challenge by printing off your bingo card here: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/09/22/fall-2026-tbr-bingo-reading-challenge/ and let me know when you get a bingo! Also drop your fall TBR book recs in the comments.

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>6902026,autumn,bingo,books,challenge,contemporary,fall,fiction,halloween,historical,horror,literary,mystery,nonfiction,read,reading,recommendations,romance,sci-fi,thrillerfalse124fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-23-best-cozy-autumn-reads--75152934Books mentioned:

• The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
• If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
• The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
• The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
• The Crescent Moon Tea Room by Stacy Sivinski
• Weyward by Emilia Hart 

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75152934Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:04 +0000Sara YoungIf you’re looking for cozy reads to add to your autumn TBR, look no further! In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share seven books that feel like a crisp autumn day, perfect for reading on a rainy day with a warm drink. Books mentioned: - The...Books mentioned:

• The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
• If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
• The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
• The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
• The Crescent Moon Tea Room by Stacy Sivinski
• Weyward by Emilia Hart 

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>881author,autumn,book,books,cottagecore,cozy,fall,family,fantasy,magic,novel,reading,reads,recommendations,recs,romance,vibes,whimsical,whimsy,witchfalse123fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-22-invisible-women-by-caroline-criado-perez-walkthrough--75003643
There are so many good references in this book, and it covers many different areas of life where there isn’t enough data on how things impact women, so it’s a great read, although it will probably make you mad to learn about.

I think it’s so important everyone reads this book at least once, so check out your library or used bookstore if they have a copy or consider buying it through my Bookshop.org affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9781419735219. If you do buy from my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75003643Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I break down the things that surprised me the most when I read Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez. There are so many good references in this book, and it...
There are so many good references in this book, and it covers many different areas of life where there isn’t enough data on how things impact women, so it’s a great read, although it will probably make you mad to learn about.

I think it’s so important everyone reads this book at least once, so check out your library or used bookstore if they have a copy or consider buying it through my Bookshop.org affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9781419735219. If you do buy from my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>2342bias,book,criado-perez,data,design,invisible,labor,math,men,nonfiction,novel,research,review,science,stem,studies,unpaid,walkthrough,women,worldtrue122fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-21-my-thoughts-on-dungeon-crawler-carl-so-far-books-1-3--74740155
I do worry about how the end will be since there are only supposed to be two more books, and it seems like the most recent book ended on Level 11, so I doubt Carl and Donut will make it to the end at Level 18 in just two more books. I’ve also heard Matt Dinniman is a horror author, so the ending is bound to be tragic. But I’m still interested in reading them to the end.

Let me know your thoughts on the series!

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/08/18/reading-slump-survival-guide/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593820254

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74740155Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungI’ve heard so much about the Dungeon Crawler Carl series that I’ve finally started reading them, and I’m loving it so far. I’ve just finished Book 3 which is The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook, and I think each book just keeps getting better. I do...
I do worry about how the end will be since there are only supposed to be two more books, and it seems like the most recent book ended on Level 11, so I doubt Carl and Donut will make it to the end at Level 18 in just two more books. I’ve also heard Matt Dinniman is a horror author, so the ending is bound to be tragic. But I’m still interested in reading them to the end.

Let me know your thoughts on the series!

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/08/18/reading-slump-survival-guide/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593820254

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>1644anarchy,anti-capitalism,anti-corporations,author,books,carl,cookbook,crawler,dinniman,dungeon,fantasy,literary,litrpg,matt,novels,review,scenario,sci-fi,series,tragedytrue121fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-20-future-classics--74688720
Books mentioned:

• James by Percival Everett
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
• Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
• The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
• The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
• The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
• Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
• The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

From the Shelf Archive: 
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/10/03/review-the-song-of-achilles-by-madeline-miller/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/06/book-review-the-prophets-by-robert-jones-jr/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/12/15/book-review-the-girl-with-the-louding-voice/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/09/01/review-the-vaster-wilds-by-lauren-groff/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/07/07/book-review-the-correspondent-by-virginia-evans/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/08/08/book-review-daisy-jones-the-six-by-taylor-jenkins-reid/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/12/08/book-review-this-tender-land/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/03/06/book-review-the-four-winds-by-kristin-hannah/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

 Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74688720Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungThese are the books from the hundreds that I’ve read that I think have the greatest chance to become a future classic. Books mentioned: - James by Percival Everett - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - Exit West by Mohsin Hamid - The Prophets...
Books mentioned:

• James by Percival Everett
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
• Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
• The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
• The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
• The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
• Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
• The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

From the Shelf Archive: 
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/10/03/review-the-song-of-achilles-by-madeline-miller/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/06/book-review-the-prophets-by-robert-jones-jr/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/12/15/book-review-the-girl-with-the-louding-voice/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/09/01/review-the-vaster-wilds-by-lauren-groff/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/07/07/book-review-the-correspondent-by-virginia-evans/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/08/08/book-review-daisy-jones-the-six-by-taylor-jenkins-reid/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/12/08/book-review-this-tender-land/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/03/06/book-review-the-four-winds-by-kristin-hannah/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

 Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
]]>19272026,books,booktok,classic,classical,contemporary,controversial,debut,fiction,future,historical,history,literary,new,novel,old,popular,prediction,viral,writingfalse120fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-19-reading-slump-survival-guide--73572873
From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/01/09/20-anticipated-fiction-books-for-2026/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/06/09/24-anticipated-fiction-for-2026-pt-2/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73572873Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIf you saw my July wrap-up, you saw I only read one book in July. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but a reading slump hit me hard. I’m recovering in August, so here is my Reading Slump Survival Guide if you, too, find yourself in a slump. From the...
From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/01/09/20-anticipated-fiction-books-for-2026/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/06/09/24-anticipated-fiction-for-2026-pt-2/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>727audiobooks,books,bookstagram,booktok,fiction,guide,health,hobbies,listicle,media,mental,nonfiction,novels,reading,relaxation,rest,short,slump,social,survivalfalse119fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-18-romantasy-starter-pack--73570389Notes from the Shelf, I recommend 8 books to dip your toes into romantasy.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/03/16/series-review-letters-of-enchantment/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/02/23/book-review-emily-wildes-encyclopedia-of-faeries/

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Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73570389Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:00:02 +0000Sara YoungIf you’ve always wanted to get into Romantasy, but not sure where to start, this is the episode for you! In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I recommend 8 books to dip your toes into romantasy. From the Shelf Archive:...Notes from the Shelf, I recommend 8 books to dip your toes into romantasy.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/03/16/series-review-letters-of-enchantment/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/02/23/book-review-emily-wildes-encyclopedia-of-faeries/

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>1277books,competition,cozy,enemies,fantasy,historical,listicle,lovers,novels,pack,reading,recommendations,recs,review,rivals,romance,romantasy,starter,tropes,vampiresfalse118fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-17-the-current-ai-book-burning-crisis-banned-book-recs--73455427Notes from the Shelf, I talk about the AI book burning going on right under our noses, and I give some banned book recs to build your own personal library to preserve knowledge.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/11/10/post-election-book-recs/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/02/07/summary-on-tyranny/

Articles Discussed:
https://fortune.com/2026/07/31/dutch-bookseller-ai-spam-phishing-3000-book-copies-scan-destroy/
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/02/australian-book-sellers-alarm-destruction-rare-titles-ai-supply-chain
 https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/ai-book-burning-companies-destroying-163825061.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAA91BhX0IjY0SI86d5OCDzEKQg_nleE3cHRyOVm3ODK04-AV-Y8VPRGJ1kHFAGNtifI6AZA3VgdEO5PHXUTCH1QzATh87tspU39S1gnNf1Eymr5I12bVpRbt-nF_4pmMpWqDmhhFvJ5QUA2yloFjvETHE3_uuTWaRG0RgTzANGWp

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73455427Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I talk about the AI book burning going on right under our noses, and I give some banned book recs to build your own personal library to preserve knowledge. From the Shelf Archive:...Notes from the Shelf, I talk about the AI book burning going on right under our noses, and I give some banned book recs to build your own personal library to preserve knowledge.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/11/10/post-election-book-recs/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/02/07/summary-on-tyranny/

Articles Discussed:
https://fortune.com/2026/07/31/dutch-bookseller-ai-spam-phishing-3000-book-copies-scan-destroy/
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/02/australian-book-sellers-alarm-destruction-rare-titles-ai-supply-chain
 https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/ai-book-burning-companies-destroying-163825061.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAA91BhX0IjY0SI86d5OCDzEKQg_nleE3cHRyOVm3ODK04-AV-Y8VPRGJ1kHFAGNtifI6AZA3VgdEO5PHXUTCH1QzATh87tspU39S1gnNf1Eymr5I12bVpRbt-nF_4pmMpWqDmhhFvJ5QUA2yloFjvETHE3_uuTWaRG0RgTzANGWp

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>1393ai,anti-ai,awareness,book,books,burning,collection,corporation,destroy,destroying,fiction,greed,history,knowledge,library,lost,nonfiction,purge,recommendations,recstrue117fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-16-reading-5-star-reviews-of-my-dnfs--73222846Notes from the Shelf, I read the glowing 5-star reviews of books I’ve DNF’d. Will they convince me to try reading them again, or will they firmly be placed in my DNF list. Let me know if I should give any of these another try.

Books mentioned:
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Magicians Impossible by Brad Abraham
We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina
The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft
Fourteen Days by Margaret Atwood and others
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Add these to Your Shelf: 
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf  ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73222846Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I read the glowing 5-star reviews of books I’ve DNF’d. Will they convince me to try reading them again, or will they firmly be placed in my DNF list. Let me know if I should give any of these another try....Notes from the Shelf, I read the glowing 5-star reviews of books I’ve DNF’d. Will they convince me to try reading them again, or will they firmly be placed in my DNF list. Let me know if I should give any of these another try.

Books mentioned:
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Magicians Impossible by Brad Abraham
We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina
The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft
Fourteen Days by Margaret Atwood and others
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Add these to Your Shelf: 
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf  ]]>33065-star,book,books,collaboration,consciousness,contemporary,dnf,fantasy,fiction,historical,lgbt,literary,literature,magical,realism,reflective,review,translation,urban,yatrue116fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-15-book-vs-movie-people-we-meet-on-vacation--72999265Notes from the Shelf, I go over the differences and similarities between the book and the movie for People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/10/17/review-people-we-meet-on-vacation/

Add this to Your Shelf:
https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9781984806758

Support the Shelf: 
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72999265Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I go over the differences and similarities between the book and the movie for People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. From the Shelf Archive:...Notes from the Shelf, I go over the differences and similarities between the book and the movie for People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/10/17/review-people-we-meet-on-vacation/

Add this to Your Shelf:
https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9781984806758

Support the Shelf: 
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>1127analysis,book,comparison,contemporary,differences,emily,fiction,film,friends,henry,lovers,meet,movie,netflix,novel,people,romance,similarities,vacation,wefalse115fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-14-true-crime-books-i-ve-read-for-my-other-podcast--72973686Notes from the Shelf, I go over the many books I’ve read for research on the episodes of my other podcast, The Paranoid Perspective. These include true crimes, paranormal activities, and other mysteries.

Check out The Paranoid Perspective podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-paranoid-perspective--6466070

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/04/18/from-spine-to-sound-my-podcast-reading-list/

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72973686Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I go over the many books I’ve read for research on the episodes of my other podcast, The Paranoid Perspective. These include true crimes, paranormal activities, and other mysteries. Check out The Paranoid...Notes from the Shelf, I go over the many books I’ve read for research on the episodes of my other podcast, The Paranoid Perspective. These include true crimes, paranormal activities, and other mysteries.

Check out The Paranoid Perspective podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-paranoid-perspective--6466070

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/04/18/from-spine-to-sound-my-podcast-reading-list/

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>1749aliens,books,coldcase,conspiracies,crime,curious,investigation,japan,murder,mystery,nonfiction,paranoid,paranormal,perspective,podcast,reading,recommendations,unknown,unsettling,unsolvedtrue114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-13-2026-books-i-ve-read-so-far--72860861Notes from the Shelf, I review the 6 books I’ve read so far that were published in 2026.

From the Archive:
The Black Dahlia podcast episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2-ep-13-who-killed-the-black-dahlia--71323545

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72860861Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:15:36 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I review the 6 books I’ve read so far that were published in 2026. From the Archive: The Black Dahlia podcast episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2-ep-13-who-killed-the-black-dahlia--71323545 Add these...Notes from the Shelf, I review the 6 books I’ve read so far that were published in 2026.

From the Archive:
The Black Dahlia podcast episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2-ep-13-who-killed-the-black-dahlia--71323545

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>16632026,book,books,cozy,dualpov,fantasy,fiction,investigation,magic,mystery,new,nonfiction,novel,podcast,recommendations,retelling,review,romance,series,thrillertrue113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-12-reading-1-star-reviews-for-my-5-star-reads--72730202Notes from the Shelf, I read one star reviews for the books my top books I read in 2025. Some of these reviews I can agree with, and some are just harsh.

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72730202Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I read one star reviews for the books my top books I read in 2025. Some of these reviews I can agree with, and some are just harsh. Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf Affiliate...Notes from the Shelf, I read one star reviews for the books my top books I read in 2025. Some of these reviews I can agree with, and some are just harsh.

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>32871star,2026,5star,books,classic,contemporary,fantasy,favorites,fiction,horror,literary,mystery,novel,rating,reading,retelling,reviews,sci-fi,series,trendingtrue112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-11-spring-tbr-bingo-challenge-update--72654866
From the Shelf Archive:
Get your free Summer TBR Bingo Card printable here: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/06/19/summer-2026-tbr-bingo-challenge/
Audrey Wilson interview: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/20/author-interview-audrey-wilson/
Stephanie Jayne interview: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/10/21/author-interview-stephanie-j-scott/

The Paranoid Perspective first episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-1-sara-joins-a-cult--63981585

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72654866Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode, I go over the 10 books I read for my Spring TBR Bingo Challenge, and I actually got a bingo this time! Join in on the Summer TBR Bingo and let me know how you do! From the Shelf Archive: Get your free Summer TBR Bingo Card printable...
From the Shelf Archive:
Get your free Summer TBR Bingo Card printable here: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/06/19/summer-2026-tbr-bingo-challenge/
Audrey Wilson interview: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/20/author-interview-audrey-wilson/
Stephanie Jayne interview: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/10/21/author-interview-stephanie-j-scott/

The Paranoid Perspective first episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-1-sara-joins-a-cult--63981585

Add these to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>1066bingo,book,books,challenge,contemporary,cozy,fantasy,fiction,magical,nonfiction,novel,poetry,reading,realism,review,romance,spring,summer,tbr,thrillertrue111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-10-books-hot-for-the-summer--72374315Notes from the Shelf, I list 14 books to add to your TBR list this summer.

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72374315Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:02 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I list 14 books to add to your TBR list this summer. Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelfNotes from the Shelf, I list 14 books to add to your TBR list this summer.

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>6842026,books,contemporary,cozy,drama,fantasy,fiction,historical,horror,list,literary,new,reading,recommendations,releases,review,sci-fi,summer,tbr,thrillerfalse110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-9-dark-academia-starter-pack--72374270Notes from the Shelf, I recommend 11 books to serve as your Dark Academia starter pack. These stories are filled with complicated characters, secrets, murder, privilege, elite schools, and they question whether intelligence actually makes someone a better person.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/04/08/if-you-enjoyed-the-atlas-six-trilogy/

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72374270Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:02 +0000Sara YoungHave you been curious about dark academia, but not sure where to start? This episode is for you. In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I recommend 11 books to serve as your Dark Academia starter pack. These stories are filled with complicated...Notes from the Shelf, I recommend 11 books to serve as your Dark Academia starter pack. These stories are filled with complicated characters, secrets, murder, privilege, elite schools, and they question whether intelligence actually makes someone a better person.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/04/08/if-you-enjoyed-the-atlas-six-trilogy/

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>719academia,aesthetic,ambition,architecture,art,books,classics,colonialism,dark,education,fantasy,institutions,knowledge,magic,morality,mystery,obsession,recommendations,tarot,translationfalse19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-8-14-short-books-that-hit-hard--72301492Notes from the Shelf, I share 14 books under 300 pages that packed a punch for me. Some are fiction, some are nonfiction, some are cozy, some are horrifying, and a few completely changed the way I think about the world.

From the Shelf Archive:
On Tyranny summary
Monk & Robot series review
Discontent book review
The Sun was Electric Light book review
What Moves the Dead book review
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins book review
Tilt book review
Horrorstor book review

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72301492Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:02 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share 14 books under 300 pages that packed a punch for me. Some are fiction, some are nonfiction, some are cozy, some are horrifying, and a few completely changed the way I think about the world. From the...Notes from the Shelf, I share 14 books under 300 pages that packed a punch for me. Some are fiction, some are nonfiction, some are cozy, some are horrifying, and a few completely changed the way I think about the world.

From the Shelf Archive:
On Tyranny summary
Monk & Robot series review
Discontent book review
The Sun was Electric Light book review
What Moves the Dead book review
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins book review
Tilt book review
Horrorstor book review

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>725books,civic,collection,contemporary,fantasy,fiction,government,horror,literary,nonfiction,novella,philosophy,poetry,politics,recommendations,review,self-help,short,society,thrillerfalse18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-7-dnf-confessions-10-books-i-couldn-t-finish--72173617Notes from the Shelf, I confess to the books I just could not get through. Are any of these worth a second try? Let me know!

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/01/17/five-books-ive-dnfd-and-why/

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72173617Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I confess to the books I just could not get through. Are any of these worth a second try? Let me know! From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/01/17/five-books-ive-dnfd-and-why/ Support the...Notes from the Shelf, I confess to the books I just could not get through. Are any of these worth a second try? Let me know!

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/01/17/five-books-ive-dnfd-and-why/

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf]]>1113book,books,confession,contemporary,dark,dnf,fantasy,fiction,gay,historical,history,lgbtq+,magical,realism,review,romance,series,sports,urban,yatrue17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-6-underrated-books--72072436Notes from the Shelf, I go over books and series I think aren’t talked about enough. Have you read any of these books? What are books you think are underrated?

Books/Series Discussed in this Episode:

• Jack West Jr. series by Matthew Reilly
• Ghosts of the Tsunami by Richard Lloyd Parry
• The Anomaly by Michael Rutger
• All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai
• Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang
• To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins
• The Coincidence Makers by Yoav Blum
• The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal
• Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore
• Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence by Chris Mamula, Brad Barrett, Jonathan Mendonsa
• The Smallest Lights in the Universe by Sara Seager
• Coffee Days, Wiskey Nights by Cyrus Parker
• The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
• The Nine Worlds Rising series by Lyra Wolf
• Fate of the Fallen series by Kel Kade
• An Heir Comes to Rise series by C.C. Penaranda
• Dare to Know by James Kennedy
• The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark

Add these to your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72072436Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:04 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I go over books and series I think aren’t talked about enough. Have you read any of these books? What are books you think are underrated? Books/Series Discussed in this Episode: - Jack West Jr. series by...Notes from the Shelf, I go over books and series I think aren’t talked about enough. Have you read any of these books? What are books you think are underrated?

Books/Series Discussed in this Episode:

• Jack West Jr. series by Matthew Reilly
• Ghosts of the Tsunami by Richard Lloyd Parry
• The Anomaly by Michael Rutger
• All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai
• Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance by Ruth Emmie Lang
• To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins
• The Coincidence Makers by Yoav Blum
• The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal
• Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore
• Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence by Chris Mamula, Brad Barrett, Jonathan Mendonsa
• The Smallest Lights in the Universe by Sara Seager
• Coffee Days, Wiskey Nights by Cyrus Parker
• The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
• The Nine Worlds Rising series by Lyra Wolf
• Fate of the Fallen series by Kel Kade
• An Heir Comes to Rise series by C.C. Penaranda
• Dare to Know by James Kennedy
• The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark

Add these to your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

]]>1729books,fantasy,fiction,history,horror,hyped,magic,memoir,mystery,nonfiction,novella,novels,poetry,recommendations,retelling,review,sci-fi,thriller,underrated,yatrue16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-5-reviewing-the-emily-wilde-series-by-heather-fawcett--71982911Notes from the Shelf, I review the Emily Wilde trilogy by Heather Fawcett, a cozy fantasy series centered around faerie expert Emily Wilde and her academic rival Wendell Bambleby during their misadventures into the faerie realm.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/02/23/book-review-emily-wildes-encyclopedia-of-faeries/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/04/11/book-review-emily-wildes-map-of-the-otherlands-by-heather-fawcett/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/06/13/book-review-emily-wildes-compendium-of-lost-tales-by-heather-fawcett/

Add these to Your Shelf:
(Affiliate link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)
Emily Wilde book 1: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593500156
Emily Wilde book 2: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593500217
Emily Wilde book 3: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593500248

Support the Shelf: 
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71982911Wed, 13 May 2026 12:00:02 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I review the Emily Wilde trilogy by Heather Fawcett, a cozy fantasy series centered around faerie expert Emily Wilde and her academic rival Wendell Bambleby during their misadventures into the faerie realm....Notes from the Shelf, I review the Emily Wilde trilogy by Heather Fawcett, a cozy fantasy series centered around faerie expert Emily Wilde and her academic rival Wendell Bambleby during their misadventures into the faerie realm.

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/02/23/book-review-emily-wildes-encyclopedia-of-faeries/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/04/11/book-review-emily-wildes-map-of-the-otherlands-by-heather-fawcett/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/06/13/book-review-emily-wildes-compendium-of-lost-tales-by-heather-fawcett/

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Emily Wilde book 1: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593500156
Emily Wilde book 2: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593500217
Emily Wilde book 3: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593500248

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https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>672academic,book,bookish,books,compendium,cozy,dark,emily,encyclopedia,faerie,fantasy,fawcett,heather,map,novels,review,rivals,romance,series,wildetrue15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-4-ranking-romance-tropes--71878401Notes from the Shelf, I rank 100 romance tropes from a teirmaker list I found. Follow along and rank them yourself at https://tiermaker.com/create/all-romance-tropes-15980767

Watch the video version on Youtube: https://youtu.be/aHEI65vgplQ  

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/13/romance-tropes-i-love-and-hate-with-book-recs/

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https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71878401Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I rank 100 romance tropes from a teirmaker list I found. Follow along and rank them yourself at https://tiermaker.com/create/all-romance-tropes-15980767 Watch the video version on Youtube:...Notes from the Shelf, I rank 100 romance tropes from a teirmaker list I found. Follow along and rank them yourself at https://tiermaker.com/create/all-romance-tropes-15980767

Watch the video version on Youtube: https://youtu.be/aHEI65vgplQ  

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/13/romance-tropes-i-love-and-hate-with-book-recs/

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https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>2762bookish,books,cliches,enemies,fantasy,friends,hero,list,love,lovers,novels,opinions,ranked,relationship,review,romance,romantasy,tier,tropes,villaintrue14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-3-what-i-ve-read-so-far-in-2026-influence-my-tbr--71720057Notes from the Shelf, I discuss what I’ve read so far in 2026. Leave in the comments which book from my physical TBR I should read next out of these five:
1. Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams
2. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
3. The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
4. The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
5. My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney

Check out the Black Dahlia episode on the Paranoid Perspective podcast!
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2-ep-13-who-killed-the-black-dahlia--71323545

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/04/21/once-upon-a-book-clubs-romantasy-box-ft-the-east-wind/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/17/book-review-best-offer-wins-by-marisa-kashino/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/03/10/book-review-one-only-by-maurene-goo/

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https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71720057Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I discuss what I’ve read so far in 2026. Leave in the comments which book from my physical TBR I should read next out of these five: 1. Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams 2. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte...Notes from the Shelf, I discuss what I’ve read so far in 2026. Leave in the comments which book from my physical TBR I should read next out of these five:
1. Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams
2. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
3. The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
4. The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
5. My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney

Check out the Black Dahlia episode on the Paranoid Perspective podcast!
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2-ep-13-who-killed-the-black-dahlia--71323545

From the Shelf Archive:
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/04/21/once-upon-a-book-clubs-romantasy-box-ft-the-east-wind/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/17/book-review-best-offer-wins-by-marisa-kashino/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/03/10/book-review-one-only-by-maurene-goo/

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Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/notesfromtheshelf

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https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>7032026,bookish,books,crime,current,fantasy,fiction,influence,new,nonfiction,read,reading,review,romance,romantasy,sci-fi,tbr,thriller,writer,writingtrue13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-2-blood-over-bright-haven-book-review-and-recs--71538361Notes from the Shelf, I’m review Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang as well as recommending five books that give the same vibes. If you loved Blood Over Bright Haven, be sure to add these to your TBR!

From the Shelf Archive: 
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/01/13/book-review-blood-over-bright-haven/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/01/16/if-you-enjoyed-blood-over-bright-haven-read-these-next/

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Get these books through Bookshop.org (I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).
Babel by R. F. Kuang- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780063021433
The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780062662583
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9781250854544
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593128503
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780316229296

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71538361Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:00:03 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I’m review Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang as well as recommending five books that give the same vibes. If you loved Blood Over Bright Haven, be sure to add these to your TBR! From the Shelf Archive: ...Notes from the Shelf, I’m review Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang as well as recommending five books that give the same vibes. If you loved Blood Over Bright Haven, be sure to add these to your TBR!

From the Shelf Archive: 
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/01/13/book-review-blood-over-bright-haven/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/01/16/if-you-enjoyed-blood-over-bright-haven-read-these-next/

Add this to Your Shelf:
Get these books through Bookshop.org (I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).
Babel by R. F. Kuang- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780063021433
The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780062662583
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9781250854544
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593128503
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin- https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780316229296

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>829academia,blake,bookish,books,corrupt,dark,fantasy,hierarchy,jemisin,kuang,magic,magical,novik,oppression,reading,recommendations,rulers,suppression,systems,wangfalse12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s1-ep-1-project-hail-mary-book-vs-movie--71321423Notes from the Shelf, I’m going full spoiler-mode on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and its film adaptation. I break down exactly what changed, what worked, and what didn’t.

From character arcs and emotional beats to the science-heavy details that made the book so immersive, I’m comparing the page to the screen and asking the ultimate question: did the adaptation capture the heart of the story?

We’ll talk about the biggest differences, the moments I wish had stayed the same, the changes that actually improved the story (yes, a few!), and how the overall experience shifts depending on how you consume it. 

From the Shelf Archive: 
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/04/03/book-review-project-hail-mary-by-andy-weir/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/04/10/book-vs-movie-project-hail-mary/

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https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71321423Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:02 +0000Sara YoungIn this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I’m going full spoiler-mode on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and its film adaptation. I break down exactly what changed, what worked, and what didn’t. From character arcs and emotional beats to the...Notes from the Shelf, I’m going full spoiler-mode on Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and its film adaptation. I break down exactly what changed, what worked, and what didn’t.

From character arcs and emotional beats to the science-heavy details that made the book so immersive, I’m comparing the page to the screen and asking the ultimate question: did the adaptation capture the heart of the story?

We’ll talk about the biggest differences, the moments I wish had stayed the same, the changes that actually improved the story (yes, a few!), and how the overall experience shifts depending on how you consume it. 

From the Shelf Archive: 
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/04/03/book-review-project-hail-mary-by-andy-weir/
https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/04/10/book-vs-movie-project-hail-mary/

Add this to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593135228

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>1108analysis,astronaut,book,bookish,cinematic,comparison,differences,discussion,fiction,hail,mary,movie,project,reading,sci-fi,space,spoilers,storytelling,survival,versusfalse11full