September 2026 Reading Wrap-Up

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

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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-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

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BOTM October 2026 Selections

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!

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Best Horror Books to Read This Fall

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

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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

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Fall 2026 TBR Bingo Reading Challenge

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.

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Author Interview: Vanessa M. Knight

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.

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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 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

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Best Cozy Autumn Books to Read This Fall

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

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Book Review: The Good Parts by Evann Normandin

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.

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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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Romantasy Starter Pack

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

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August 2026 Reading Wrap-Up

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.

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S1 Ep. 21- My Thoughts on Dungeon Crawler Carl So Far (Books 1-3)

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

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BOTM September 2026 Selections

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!

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Book Review: Goodnight Monsters by Suzanne Junered

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.

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Ep. 20- Future Classics

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

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Book Review: The Burn Line by Jonathan Sims

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.

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Author Interview: Taylor LaVonne

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.

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S1 Ep. 19- Reading Slump Survival Guide

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

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Reading Slump Survival Guide

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.

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A New Indie Bookstore in Springfield, IL: Elderberry & Plumb Bookstore

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

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S1 Ep. 18- Romantasy Starter Pack

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

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Dark Academia Starter Pack

I recommend 11 books to start your Dark Academia obsession.

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AI Book Burning Awareness (& Banned Book Recs)

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.

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S1 Ep. 17- The Current AI Book Burning Crisis (& Banned Book Recs)

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

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July 2026 Reading Wrap-Up

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.

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BOTM August 2026 Selections

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!

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S1 Ep. 16- Reading 5 Star Reviews of my DNFs

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  

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Author Interview: Christal Marie Gonzalez

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.

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