Notes from the Shelf

Welcome to Notes from the Shelf

Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.

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  • Book cover for Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed featuring a muddy unlaced boot

    Book Review: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

    Wild by Cheryl Strayed is an inspiring memoir about self-discovery, resilience, and finding strength in the wild. Discover why this transformative journey will leave you wanting more.

  • Cover image of Book Lovers by Emily Henry, featuring a blonde woman and black-haired man wearing sunglasses back to back sitting on suitcases of books while reading books and the woman is handing the man a book behind her back.

    Book Review: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

    Book Lovers by Emily Henry is witty, heartfelt, and full of bookish banter. Dive into sisterhood, romance, and small-town charm in this bestselling romance novel.

  • The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick cover with frozen flowers

    Book Review: The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick

    The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick is a romantasy filled with enemies-to-lovers tension, Greek myth vibes, and icy stakes.

  • Book cover for The Sun was Electric Light by Rachel Morton.

    Book Review: The Sun was Electric Light by Rachel Morton

    A quiet, reflective novel set in Guatemala, The Sun Was Electric Light by Rachel Morton explores memory, isolation, and the search for meaning.

  • April 2025 Wrap-Up with tulips

    April 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

    In my April 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover five books across science fiction, gothic horror, business nonfiction, and more.

  • logo for Book of the Month

    BOTM May 2025 Selections

    It’s that time again! Dive into May 2025’s Book of the Month selections add-ons with me—what’s new, what stands out, and what I might (or might not) be picking. Whether you’re trying to decide what to pick or just love hearing about the latest bookish buzz, this one’s for you!

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Hi, I’m Sara!

By day, I’m a packaging engineer; by night (and any spare moment in between), I’m a devoted book lover who always has a story close at hand. Whether I’m curled up at home or traveling with a book in my bag, reading is how I explore, unwind, and connect.

Notes from the Shelf is my space to share thoughtful reviews, curated recommendations, and literary commentary across genres—especially fantasy, romance, and nonfiction. But I’m a firm believer that every book has its reader, so you’ll find a wide variety here, from buzzworthy bestsellers to underrated gems.

This blog isn’t just about what I’m reading—it’s about building a community of curious, passionate readers. My goal is to inspire, challenge, and entertain through honest reviews and engaging bookish content that sparks discovery and conversation.

You can explore and purchase many of the books I feature through my Bookshop.org profile. I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), and your support helps indie bookstores and keeps this blog thriving.

If you’d like to support my work as a reviewer and writer, you can also buy me a coffee. Every bit goes toward creating more content and reaching more readers.

Thanks for being here and happy reading!

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