Top Shelf with Russell Library

Russell Library

On Top Shelf, you’ll hear about compelling reads from the people who know books best, librarians! Our bookish staff will share titles that connect to a unique theme each episode. This show will also share the many services offered here at Russell Library. Not local? No worries! Our staff will inspire you to connect with a public library in your own community. 

  1. Nov 3

    Nonfiction November | Stephanie, Kim, & Shan

    The pumpkins have been carved, the candy has been eaten, the costumes have been packed away, and just like that, it's November! If you're looking for something new to read, consider jumping on the Nonfiction November bandwagon. If the thought of reading nonfiction puts you to sleep, you haven't explored the variety of fascinating subgenres available on the shelves. There's truly something for everyone; biographies/autobiographies; memoirs; true crime; science; history; business; self-help; philosophy & social sciences; cookbooks & food writing; essays; investigative journalism, the list goes on and on. No matter how niche your interests might be, there's a nonfiction read to match your topic of choice. In today's conversation, Steph sits down with Kim and Shan to explore the wide range of nonfiction books they've enjoyed over the years. They'll even offer a librarians' perspective on the Dewey decimal system in modern libraries. Your mind will be buzzing after this conversation! Book Recommendations  The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Greene In Cold Blood by Truman Capote John Adams by David McCullough  The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls: A Memoir by T Kira Madden Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism-Understanding the Social Science of Cult Influence by Amanda Montell Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story by Chuck Klosterman Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West Pure Innocent Fun by Ira Madison III  Intro Music by nikitsan

  2. Oct 20

    Japanese Gothic | Stephanie, Briana, & Christy

    It's the perfect time of year to grab a spooky read, and if you enjoy atmospheric horror, you simply won't want to miss Japanese Gothic by Kylie Kee Baker. This novel touches upon several themes common to gothic literature; such as, the past haunting the present, buried secrets and hidden curses, mental instability and dreams, claustrophobia and isolation, and folklore and the supernatural. In today's conversation, Stephanie, Christy, and Briana explore all these themes and more as they share their experience with this captivating novel. Japanese Gothic is one of those books that keeps the reader thinking long after they finish the last page. You may even need to read it twice to fully grasp each twist and turn!  Book Recommendations Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker Bat Eater by Kylie Lee Baker Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim Lone Women by Victor LaValle Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Intro Music by nikitsan

  3. Oct 6

    Strangers | Christy, Cate, & Shannon

    How well can you really know another person? Is it possible to live side by side for decades, sharing children, friends, and finances and yet still be strangers? In Belle Burden's bestselling memoir Strangers, she offers an honest account of the collapse of her 20-year marriage. Since the release, Burden's memoir has been met with both praise and backlash. In today's conversation, Christy, Shan, and Cate discuss their experience reading Belle's story. They'll explore how privilege, societal expectations, and the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic created a layered and moving memoir.  Book Recommendations  Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden  Intro Music by nikitsan

  4. Sep 15

    Sarah J Maasverse | Briana & Christy

    There's no denying that Sarah J. Maas has created a whole new generation of fantasy and romantasy lovers. Through atmospheric world-building, she has enticed readers to delve deeper and deeper into the mythical and magical. The Maasverse, a name given by fans to encompass the interconnected multiverse, is made up of three unique series; Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. In today's conversation, Christy sits down with Briana, an avid reader of Maas's work, to discuss her experience engaging with these novels. Whether you're already a fan or simply considering the series, you won't want to miss this conversation!  Book Recommendations  by Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass (8 Book Series) A Court of Thorns and Roses (7 Book Series) Crescent City (3 Book Series) Intro Music by nikitsan

  5. Sep 1

    Why We Read Classics | Briana, Kim, & Shan

    There's a reason why generations of high schoolers have been tasked with reading the classics. These books endure, not only because they're well-written, but because they help us better understand the human condition. The classics force us to think for ourselves; they encourage empathy and connect us to the struggles of those that came before us, struggles that may not be so different from the challenges we face in present day. The characters in classic literature are flawed, multi-dimensional, and sometimes contradictory, their stories make us feel something. So why do so many people resist these novels? Has the "required reading" element tainted the classics for generations of readers? In today's conversation, Briana, Kim, and Shan explore these questions and more, while also sharing their reasons for returning to these timeless tales.  Book Recommendations  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain  Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad  Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy  Intro Music by nikitsan

  6. Aug 18

    Same Author Different Book | Shan, Cate, Kim, & Stephanie

    There's something beautiful about a summer read. When you're lying on the beach or sitting by the pool, you want a novel that draws in you without asking too much of you. Summer reads require a perfect blend of vivid settings, steamy romance, and effortless pacing; the reader should feel like they're on their own mini-vacation with each turn of the page. In today's episode, Shan sits down with Kim, Steph, and Cate to discuss an author who has mastered the summer-read recipe, Carley Fortune. They'll dive into character development, the power of place, and challenging plot lines. Before the season comes to a close, pick up one of Carley Fortune's novels and escape into a summer romance you won't soon forget! Book Recommendations  Every Summer After by Carley Fortune One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune  Intro Music by nikitsan

  7. Aug 4

    Book Series | Briana, Stephanie, & Dillon

    Choosing to engage with a book series is a personal decision every reader has to make. Some people easily commit to this type of reading experience because they value the guarantee of a next read. Many readers also appreciate the deeper character growth and world building that series reading provides. On the other hand, book series can frustrate readers when plots fall flat or drag on, not to mention, painfully long stretches between book releases. In today's conversation, Briana sits down with Dillon and Stephanie to discuss how they approach series reading. They'll explore topics; such as, pacing, character regression and growth, foreshadowing and more. By the end of this episode, you'll know what to look for before tackling your next series.  Book Recommendations  The Dungeon Crawler Carl Series by Matt Dinniman Bleach (Manga Series) by Tite Kubo The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All (Manga Series) by Sumiko Arai Wayward Children Series by Seanan McGuire Intro Music by nikitsan

  8. Jul 21

    Audiobooks | Cate, Kate, Kim, & Dillon

    The consumption of audiobooks continues to rise with each passing year. Originally created for visually impaired veterans, "talking books" are now enjoyed by a wide spectrum of readers. Tasks such as driving, cleaning, and exercising become significantly more engaging with the accompaniment of an audio book. In today's conversation, Cate sits down with Kim, Kate, and Dillon to discuss this growing trend among readers. They'll explore topics; such as, narrator quality, multi-tasking while listening, and stand-out audiobook experiences. They'll even answer the persistent question, "Do audiobooks really count as reading?". It's safe to say that librarians have strong feelings about this debate!  Audio Book Recommendations   The Wizards of Once Series by Cressida Cowell narrated by David Tennant  Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (166 person cast of narrators)  The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien narrated by Rob Inglis and Andy Serkis  Intro Music by nikitsan

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

On Top Shelf, you’ll hear about compelling reads from the people who know books best, librarians! Our bookish staff will share titles that connect to a unique theme each episode. This show will also share the many services offered here at Russell Library. Not local? No worries! Our staff will inspire you to connect with a public library in your own community. 

Information

  • Creator
    Russell Library
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Top Shelf with Russell Library
  • Show Website
    Top Shelf with Russell Library

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