Notes from the Shelf

Notes from the Shelfhttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/notes-from-the-shelf--6701446enBooksCopyright Sara Younghttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/5f9e3e50aa5199e57f8a402f498a7f9e.jpgNotes from the Shelfhttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/notes-from-the-shelf--6701446Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:00:09 +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-82c6-33ec4164ae47episodicS1 Ep. 21- My Thoughts on Dungeon Crawler Carl So Far (Books 1-3)https://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/

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Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593820254

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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

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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,tragedytrue121fullEp. 20- Future Classicshttps://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

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/

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https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf
]]>19272026,books,booktok,classic,classical,contemporary,controversial,debut,fiction,future,historical,history,literary,new,novel,old,popular,prediction,viral,writingfalse120fullS1 Ep. 19- Reading Slump Survival Guidehttps://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/

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

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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,survivalfalse119fullS1 Ep. 18- Romantasy Starter Packhttps://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/

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/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,vampiresfalse118fullS1 Ep. 17- The Current AI Book Burning Crisis (& Banned Book Recs)https://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,recstrue117fullS1 Ep. 16- Reading 5 Star Reviews of my DNFshttps://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,yatrue116fullS1 Ep. 15- Book vs. Movie People We Meet on Vacationhttps://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,wefalse115fullS1 Ep. 14- True Crime Books I've Read for My Other Podcasthttps://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,unsolvedtrue114fullS1 Ep. 13- 2026 Books I've Read So Farhttps://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,thrillertrue113fullS1 Ep. 12- Reading 1 Star Reviews for My 5 Star Readshttps://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,trendingtrue112fullEp. 11- Spring TBR Bingo Challenge Updatehttps://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,thrillertrue111fullS1 Ep. 10- Books Hot for the Summerhttps://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,thrillerfalse110fullS1 Ep. 9– Dark Academia Starter Packhttps://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,translationfalse19fullS1 Ep. 8- 14 Short Books that Hit Hardhttps://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,thrillerfalse18fullS1 Ep. 7– DNF Confessions: 10 Books I Couldn’t Finishhttps://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,yatrue17fullS1 Ep. 6- Underrated Bookshttps://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,yatrue16fullS1 Ep. 5– Reviewing the Emily Wilde Series by Heather Fawcetthttps://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/

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]]>672academic,book,bookish,books,compendium,cozy,dark,emily,encyclopedia,faerie,fantasy,fawcett,heather,map,novels,review,rivals,romance,series,wildetrue15fullS1 Ep. 4- Ranking Romance Tropeshttps://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/

Add this to Your Shelf:
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/shop/notesfromtheshelf

Support the Shelf:
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/

Add this to Your Shelf:
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/shop/notesfromtheshelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>2762bookish,books,cliches,enemies,fantasy,friends,hero,list,love,lovers,novels,opinions,ranked,relationship,review,romance,romantasy,tier,tropes,villaintrue14fullS1 Ep. 3- What I’ve Read so Far in 2026 (+ Influence my TBR!)https://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/

Add to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/notesfromtheshelf

Support the Shelf:
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/

Add to Your Shelf:
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/notesfromtheshelf

Support the Shelf:
https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf]]>7032026,bookish,books,crime,current,fantasy,fiction,influence,new,nonfiction,read,reading,review,romance,romantasy,sci-fi,tbr,thriller,writer,writingtrue13fullS1 Ep. 2- Blood Over Bright Haven Book Review and Recshttps://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/

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]]>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,wangfalse12fullS1 Ep. 1- Project Hail Mary: Book vs. Moviehttps://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/

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

Support the Shelf:
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