Notes from the Shelf

Sara Young
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A podcast for curious readers and literary enthusiasts. Book reviews, recommendations, and thoughtful conversations from the creator of the Notes from the Shelf blog, Sara.

  1. Oct 28

    S1 Ep. 29- Is BOTM Worth It?

    Book subscriptions sound like a reader's dream, but is Book of the Month actually worth the money? In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I'm breaking down the cost, book selection, perks, and potential drawbacks of the subscription. Whether you're already a member, thinking about signing up, or wondering if you'd be better off picking books yourself, let's talk about whether Book of the Month deserves a spot in your reading budget. If you’re interested in a BOTM subscription, consider trying it out through my referral link: https://www.mybotm.com/ro55ozuuzw Support the Shelf:  https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

  2. Oct 21

    S1 Ep. 28- Project 2025 Explained: Breaking Down Every Objective

    (00:00:00) S1 Ep. 28- Project 2025 Explained: Breaking Down Every Objective (00:03:00) USAID (00:05:16) Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) (00:05:40) Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) (00:06:06) National Institutes of Heath (NIH) (00:07:26) White House (00:13:01) Dept. of State (00:17:06) Dept. of the Interior (00:23:03) US Agency for Global Media (ASAGM) (00:24:32) Dept. of Defense (00:28:21) Personnel (00:30:16) Dept. of Energy (00:33:42) Dept. of Homeland Security (00:43:00) Dept. of Commerce (00:45:15) EPA (00:48:23) Dept. of Justice (00:54:29) Housing and Urban Development (00:55:54) Intelligence Community (IC) (00:57:09) Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) (00:57:39) Dept. of Education (01:03:33) Dept. of Health and Human Services (01:09:30) Dept. of the Treasury (01:12:17) Dept. of Veteran Affairs (01:13:13) Dept. of Agriculture (01:15:45) CDC (01:18:09) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) (01:19:11) Dept. of Transportation (01:20:39) Dept. of Labor (01:24:40) Federal Reserve (01:25:03) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (01:26:56) Small Business Administration (01:27:25) Federal Communications Commission (01:28:18) Federal Election Commission (01:28:30) Federal Trade Commission (01:28:58) FDA Project 2025 Tracker: https://www.project2025.observer/en 6 Most Surprising Objectives to Me: Weaken regulations on baby formulaLessen child labor regulations to allow teenage workers to work inherently dangerous jobsRepeal Section 235 of the TVPRA which protects unaccompanied minors encountered near the borderRepeal the Antiquities Act of 1906 which protects national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Olympic, and AcadiaCut funds to states that do not provide detailed abortion reportsEnforce the Comstock Act of 1893 which would make it illegal to mail abortion pills such as mifepristoneI know this is different from my usual episodes, but for those who have said books shouldn’t be political or people who talk about books should stay in their lane: books are inherently political, and this is an issue I care deeply about. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, I wanted to take a closer look at Project 2025 and understand the full scope of what's being proposed. In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I'm working through every objective on the tracking site (what’s been completed, what’s in progress, and what hasn’t been started yet), starting with the ones that surprised me most. This is a long one, and it's a lot to take in, and even I felt overwhelmed at times while recording, but that's exactly why I think it's important to keep talking about it. We can't afford to look away just because there's so much to unpack. Let's talk about what's in Project 2025 and why paying attention matters. From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2024/11/10/post-election-book-recs/ Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

  3. Oct 14

    S1 Ep. 27– Books to Help You Create a More Intentional Life

    Looking to bring a little more magic and intention into your life? From witchy reads perfect for spooky season to books about creativity, intuition, manifestation, and mindful living, these recommendations might just inspire your next chapter. Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and discover books that remind you to trust your instincts, embrace your creativity, and make a little room for everyday magic. Books mentioned: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick RubinThe Artist’s Way by Julia CameronEnchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age by Katherine MayBig Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth GilbertYear of the Witch: Connecting with Nature’s Seasons through Intuitive Magick by Temperance AldenThe Call of Intuition by Kris FrankenLife Cycles: Your Emotional Journey to Freedom and Happiness by Christine DeLoreyThe Magical Writing Grimoire by Lisa Marie BasilePositive Manifestation: The Beginner’s Guide to Manifesting Your Dreams with Ease by Stephanie KeithThe Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide to Ancient Self-Care by Emma Loewe and Lindsay KellnerMoon Magic: Your Complete Guide to Harnessing the Mystical Energy of the Moon by Diane Ahlquist From the Shelf Archive: https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/11/11/the-energy-of-11-books-to-manifest-and-create-with-intention/ https://notesfromtheshelf.com/2025/03/21/zodiac-sign-book-recommendations/ Add these to Your Shelf: Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf: https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

  4. Oct 7

    S1 Ep. 26- Best Moody Gothic Books to Read This Fall

    If you’re looking for moody gothic reads to add to your autumn TBR, look no further! In this episode of Notes from the Shelf, I share seven books that give Dark Academia gothic vibes, perfect for reading on a gloomy rainy day. Books mentioned: The Secret History by Donna TarttNinth House by Leigh BardugoIf We Were Villains by M.L. RioBabel by R.F. KuangThe Atlas Six by Olivie BlakeA Study in Drowning by Ava ReidA Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig Add these to Your Shelf:  Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf Support the Shelf:  https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

  5. Sep 30

    S1 Ep. 25- Best Horror Books for Fall

    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-GarciaDracula by Bram StokerThe Night Circus by Erin MorgensternSomething Wicked This Way Comes by Ray BradburyThe Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-JonesThe Last House on Needless Street by Catriona WardWidow’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

  6. Sep 23

    S1 Ep. 24- Fall TBR Reading Challenge

    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

  7. Sep 16

    S1 Ep. 23– Best Cozy Autumn Reads

    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 GilmoreThe Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu MandannaIf It Makes You Happy by Julie OliviaThe Ex Hex by Erin SterlingThe Spellshop by Sarah Beth DurstThe Crescent Moon Tea Room by Stacy SivinskiWeyward 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

  8. Sep 9

    S1 Ep. 22- Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez Walkthrough

    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

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About

A podcast for curious readers and literary enthusiasts. Book reviews, recommendations, and thoughtful conversations from the creator of the Notes from the Shelf blog, Sara.

Information

  • Creator
    Sara Young
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Sara Young
  • Show Website
    Notes from the Shelf