Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
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Independent Bookstore Day 2025: Visiting About Time Bookstore in Libertyville, IL
Celebrating Independent Bookstore Day 2025 with a visit to About Time, a women-owned indie bookstore in Libertyville, IL — cozy vibes, local authors, and more!
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Book Review: Mickey7 by Edward Ashton
A sci-fi premise with promise, Mickey7 by Edward Ashton was entertaining but lacked depth, with a protagonist who felt more like a placeholder than a person.
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2 Must-Visit Independent Bookstores in Crystal Lake, IL
Discover two amazing independent bookstores in Crystal Lake, IL — Abalabix Books and The Green Read — perfect for book lovers and weekend day trips.
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Book Review: The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
A haunting gothic novel, The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister explores family, sacrifice, and magical realism.
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From Spine to Sound: My Podcast Reading List
A curated list of books that inspired my podcast episodes—spanning conspiracies, true crime, cultural analysis, and the uncanny. These reads shaped the questions we asked and the stories we told, offering deeper context to our audio investigations. Dive into the pages behind the episodes.
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April Indie Books & Independent Bookstore Day
A roundup of April’s most anticipated indie releases—from thrillers to queer nonfiction—plus a look ahead to Independent Bookstore Day on April 26. Discover new reads and celebrate the charm of local bookshops.
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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!
Notes from the Shelf 