This month was crazy busy, so for my September 2026 reading wrap-up, I only finished one book, a thriller.

If you’re looking for horror reads to add to your autumn TBR, look no further! In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share seven books that will make you question the strange noises in the middle of the night, perfect for kicking off spooky season. Books mentioned: - Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia - Dracula by Bram Stoker - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury - The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones - The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward - Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting by Richard Chizmar and W.H. Chizmar   Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

It’s that time again! Dive into October’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!

Looking for spooky books to read this fall? Add these gothic horror, supernatural, haunted house, vampire, and dark fantasy books to your October TBR.

In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share how I did with my summer TBR bingo challenge. I did not get a bingo, but I did read seven books off my physical TBR, so that’s still a win! Join in on my fall 2026 bingo challenge by printing off your bingo card here: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/09/22/fall-2026-tbr-bingo-reading-challenge/ and let me know when you get a bingo! Also drop your fall TBR book recs in the comments. Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

Join my Fall 2026 TBR Reading Challenge with a fun and manageable TBR Bingo Card! Discover my book picks, get your free bingo card, and read along to complete your own autumn-inspired challenge.

Meet author Vanessa M. Knight in this behind-the-scenes interview about writing, self-publishing, character-driven stories, research, and finding inspiration in Las Vegas.

If you’re looking for cozy reads to add to your autumn TBR, look no further! In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share seven books that feel like a crisp autumn day, perfect for reading on a rainy day with a warm drink. Books mentioned: - The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore - The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna - If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia - The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling - The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst - The Crescent Moon Tea Room by Stacy Sivinski - Weyward by Emilia Hart  Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

Looking for cozy books to read this fall? Discover witchy romances, pumpkin spice cafés, magical tea rooms, and feel-good autumn reads.

My review of The Good Parts by Evann Normandin, an emotional story about grief, trauma, memory, motherhood, and whether forgetting the past can ever truly heal us.

In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I break down the things that surprised me the most when I read Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez. There are so many good references in this book, and it covers many different areas of life where there isn’t enough data on how things impact women, so it’s a great read, although it will probably make you mad to learn about. I think it’s so important everyone reads this book at least once, so check out your library or used bookstore if they have a copy or consider buying it through my Bookshop.org affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9781419735219. If you do buy from my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

I share eight books to start with if you’re interested in getting into the Romantasy subgenre.

I’m officially out of my slump! For my August 2026 reading wrap-up, I read four books across horror, science fiction, and contemporary fiction.

I’ve heard so much about the Dungeon Crawler Carl series that I’ve finally started reading them, and I’m loving it so far. I’ve just finished Book 3 which is The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook, and I think each book just keeps getting better. I do worry about how the end will be since there are only supposed to be two more books, and it seems like the most recent book ended on Level 11, so I doubt Carl and Donut will make it to the end at Level 18 in just two more books. I’ve also heard Matt Dinniman is a horror author, so the ending is bound to be tragic. But I’m still interested in reading them to the end. Let me know your thoughts on the series! From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/08/18/reading-slump-survival-guide/ Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9780593820254 Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

It’s that time again! Dive into September’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!

Read my full review for Goodnight Monsters by Suzanne Junered, a chilling psychological horror novel exploring pregnancy, mental health, intrusive thoughts, and the terrifying line between reality and hallucination.

These are the books from the hundreds that I’ve read that I think have the greatest chance to become a future classic. Books mentioned: - James by Percival Everett - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - Exit West by Mohsin Hamid - The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. - The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré - The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans - Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid - This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger - The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah From the Shelf Archive:  https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/10/03/review-the-song-of-achilles-by-madeline-miller/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/06/book-review-the-prophets-by-robert-jones-jr/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/12/15/book-review-the-girl-with-the-louding-voice/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/09/01/review-the-vaster-wilds-by-lauren-groff/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/07/07/book-review-the-correspondent-by-virginia-evans/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/08/08/book-review-daisy-jones-the-six-by-taylor-jenkins-reid/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/12/08/book-review-this-tender-land/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/03/06/book-review-the-four-winds-by-kristin-hannah/ Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf  Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

My full review for The Burn Line by Jonathan Sims, an atmospheric horror novel with a shocking creature reveal, unsettling social commentary, and plenty of tension.

Go behind the scenes with indie author Taylor LaVonne. Taylor discusses the importance of finding your voice by using your interests to fill a gap in the market.

If you saw my July wrap-up, you saw I only read one book in July. It’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but a reading slump hit me hard. I’m recovering in August, so here is my Reading Slump Survival Guide if you, too, find yourself in a slump. From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/01/09/20-anticipated-fiction-books-for-2026/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/06/09/24-anticipated-fiction-for-2026-pt-2/ Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

Have you ever dealt with a reading slump? I’m just getting over my slump from July, so I share my guide to surviving the reading slump.

Elderberry & Plumb, a new independent bookstore in Springfield, IL.

If you’ve always wanted to get into Romantasy, but not sure where to start, this is the episode for you! In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I recommend 8 books to dip your toes into romantasy. From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/03/16/series-review-letters-of-enchantment/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/02/23/book-review-emily-wildes-encyclopedia-of-faeries/ Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

I recommend 11 books to start your Dark Academia obsession.

Join me in spreading awareness for the current AI book burning crisis. I also share my banned book recs to start building a personal library at home.

In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I talk about the AI book burning going on right under our noses, and I give some banned book recs to build your own personal library to preserve knowledge. From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/11/10/post-election-book-recs/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/02/07/summary-on-tyranny/ Articles Discussed: https://fortune.com/2026/07/31/dutch-bookseller-ai-spam-phishing-3000-book-copies-scan-destroy/ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/02/australian-book-sellers-alarm-destruction-rare-titles-ai-supply-chain  https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/ai-book-burning-companies-destroying-163825061.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAA91BhX0IjY0SI86d5OCDzEKQg_nleE3cHRyOVm3ODK04-AV-Y8VPRGJ1kHFAGNtifI6AZA3VgdEO5PHXUTCH1QzATh87tspU39S1gnNf1Eymr5I12bVpRbt-nF_4pmMpWqDmhhFvJ5QUA2yloFjvETHE3_uuTWaRG0RgTzANGWp Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

I was trapped in a reading slump all of July, so for my July 2026 reading wrap-up, I only read one book, The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer.

It’s that time again! Dive into August’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!

In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I read the glowing 5-star reviews of books I’ve DNF’d. Will they convince me to try reading them again, or will they firmly be placed in my DNF list. Let me know if I should give any of these another try. Books mentioned: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro Magicians Impossible by Brad Abraham We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft Fourteen Days by Margaret Atwood and others The Wedding People by Alison Espach The Favorites by Layne Fargo The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao Add these to Your Shelf:  https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf  

Go behind the scenes with indie author Christal Marie Gonzalez as she shares her journey from self-publishing to writing paranormal romance, overcoming writer's block, balancing motherhood with creativity, and why imperfect stories still deserve to be told.

Read my honest review of I've Got My Mind Set on Brew by Stephanie Jayne, a slow-burn workplace romance, including my thoughts on the characters, beer culture, and whether the romance worked for me.

In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I go over the differences and similarities between the book and the movie for People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/10/17/review-people-we-meet-on-vacation/ Add this to Your Shelf: https://bookshop.org/a/112979/9781984806758 Support the Shelf:  https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Did the People We Meet on Vacation movie stay faithful to Emily Henry's bestselling novel? Here's a complete comparison of the biggest similarities, changes, and whether the movie or book comes out on top.

Is The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer worth reading? Read my spoiler-filled review covering the unsettling atmosphere, ambiguous ending, psychological horror, and why it wasn't quite what I expected.

In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I go over the many books I’ve read for research on the episodes of my other podcast, The Paranoid Perspective. These include true crimes, paranormal activities, and other mysteries. Check out The Paranoid Perspective podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-paranoid-perspective--6466070 From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/04/18/from-spine-to-sound-my-podcast-reading-list/ Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

Discover why Morgenstern Books in Bloomington, Indiana, is worth the visit. Read my review of Indiana's largest independent bookstore, featuring a huge selection of books, a café, signed editions, and local artisan gifts.

My review of The Husbands by Holly Gramazio, a wildly original novel that blends speculative fiction, relationships, and multiverse questions into one of my favorite reads of the year.

In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I review the 6 books I’ve read so far that were published in 2026. From the Archive: The Black Dahlia podcast episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2-ep-13-who-killed-the-black-dahlia--71323545 Add these to Your Shelf: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

A surprisingly emotional read, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is an epistolary novel about connection, grief, and the lasting impact we have on one another.

In my June 2026 reading wrap-up, I cover five books across romance, contemporary fiction, and science fiction.

In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I read one star reviews for the books my top books I read in 2025. Some of these reviews I can agree with, and some are just harsh. Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

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!

A heartfelt blend of family drama, grief, and magical realism, Before I Forget by Tory Henwood Hoen explores dementia, first love, and the memories that shape us.

In this episode, I go over the 10 books I read for my Spring TBR Bingo Challenge, and I actually got a bingo this time! Join in on the Summer TBR Bingo and let me know how you do! From the Shelf Archive: Get your free Summer TBR Bingo Card printable here: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/06/19/summer-2026-tbr-bingo-challenge/ Audrey Wilson interview: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2026/02/20/author-interview-audrey-wilson/ Stephanie Jayne interview: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/10/21/author-interview-stephanie-j-scott/ The Paranoid Perspective first episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-1-sara-joins-a-cult--63981585 Add these to Your Shelf: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

Discover The Noble Capybara in Lisle, Illinois, a charming independent bookstore featuring new and used books, cozy reading spaces, local author events, and plenty of capybara-themed gifts.

Join my Summer 2026 TBR Reading Challenge with a fun and manageable TBR Bingo Card! Discover my book picks, get your free bingo card, and read along to complete your own summer-inspired challenge.

A twist-filled psychological thriller that will leave you questioning every character and every chapter. Read my review of My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney and find out why I couldn't stop turning the pages.

Author interview with fantasy author Lacie M. Lou, discussing her writing journey, self-publishing experience, NaNoWriMo beginnings, writer's block, inspiration, and upcoming sapphic fantasy romance prequel.

Discover my 24 most anticipated fiction releases for the second half of 2026, featuring upcoming novels I can’t wait to add to my TBR.

In my May 2026 reading wrap-up, I cover nine books across nonfiction, fantasy, thriller, contemporary fiction, and poetry collections.