Notes from the Shelf

Welcome to Notes from the Shelf

Thoughtful reviews. Curated reads. Literary love.

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  • Reading wrap-up for July 2025, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman

    July 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

    In my July 2025 reading wrap-up, I cover 2 books: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and Big Friendship by duo Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman

  • BOTM August 2025 Selections

    It’s that time again! Dive into [this month’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!

  • Tom Lake book cover Ann Patchett

    Book Review: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

    A luminous novel about love, memory, and storytelling, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett explores a mother’s past romance during a summer stock production of Our Town, revealing bittersweet truths to her daughters during the quiet days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • Boston bookstores to visit on your next trip bookstore guide

    Bookstore Review: Boston

    Discover the best independent bookstores in Boston, from cozy cafés to hidden rare bookshops—perfect for book lovers planning a literary getaway.

  • photo of S&E Black, authors of The Chimera Snare series

    Author Interview: S&E Black

    Dive into an in-depth Q&A with the creative duo behind The Chimera Snare series as they discuss their creative collaboration, musical inspirations, and starting their own publishing imprint. A candid look at passion-driven storytelling, indie author life, and building a fictional universe together.

  • book cover A Language of Dragons S.F. Williamson YA fantasy

    Book Review: A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson

    Codebreaking, class divides, and dragon politics collide in this YA fantasy about loyalty, rebellion, and the cost of doing what you’re told.

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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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