Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
Blog
-
Bookstore Review: The Book Rack in Springfield, IL
The Book Rack in Springfield, IL is a well-organized used bookstore that invites hours of browsing. It’s a haven for book lovers seeking both nostalgia and new discoveries.
-
Book Review: Tress of the Emerald Sea
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson is a fun and accessible entry into the Cosmere. Tress is quirky and bright, and you can’t help but fall in love with her and the rest of the crew.
-
Book Review: The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek
From the minds of Rhett & Link, The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek was darker than expected, but just as weird as I’d hoped.
-
Book Review: The Book Eaters
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean is dark, unsettling, and strangely sympathetic. Everyone’s a monster, and I loved it.
-
Zodiac Sign Book Recommendations
Looking for your next great read? Let the stars decide. These zodiac-based book picks match your sign’s vibe.
-
Book Review: The Dead Cat Tail Assassins
An enjoyable, quick read with a twist, The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark grabs you from page one and never lets go.
Subscribe
Enter your email below to receive updates.
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 