Notes from the Shelf

Welcome to Notes from the Shelf

Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.

Blog

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Spring 2025 Library Reading Challenge

    A fresh lineup of spring-themed reading prompts from my local library’s 2025 challenge. I’m sharing the books I picked, how they fit the prompts, and ideas to spark your own seasonal reads.

  • Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands book cover Heather Fawcett

    Book Review: Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

    In Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, Emily Wilde returns with faerie maps, academic feuds, and heart-stirring magic in a sequel that blends cozy fantasy with real peril.

  • If you enjoyed The Atlas Six trilogy…

    Here are four books I’ve read that I think fit the vibe of The Atlas Six trilogy by Olivie Blake.

  • Series Review: The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

    My review on each book in The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson, which is a 10 book planned series. Currently contains Book 1: The Way of Kings through Book 5: Wind and Truth. This post will be updated each time a new book comes out.

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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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