Welcome to Notes from the Shelf
Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.
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Book Summary: On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
On Tyranny provides a timely, accessible roadmap for recognizing and resisting early signs of authoritarianism. In an era of political instability and disinformation, Snyder’s insights serve as a crucial reminder of how democracies can erode, and how citizens can actively defend them. In this post is a summary of each lesson.
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Top 3 Finance Books
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through Bookshop.org, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog and indie bookstores! Managing money can feel overwhelming, but the right books can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve read several finance books that have changed the…
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January 2025 Wrap-Up
In my January 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover seven books, in a wide range of genres, from nonfiction and a poetry collection to horror and historical romance.
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BOTM February 2025 Selections
It’s that time again! Dive into February 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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Book Review: Gallant
This post contains spoilers. This post also contains affiliate links. If you buy through Bookshop.org, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog and indie bookstores! Gallant by V.E. Schwab is a 338-page YA horror novel. Olivia Prior grew up in Merilance School for girls as an…
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Book Review: November Road
This post contains spoilers. This post also contains affiliate links. If you buy through Bookshop.org, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog and indie bookstores! November Road by Lou Berney is a 320-page historical fiction thriller. Set against the assassination of JFK, the novel centers around…
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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 