Notes from the Shelf

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

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(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:

1. Weaken regulations on baby formula
2. Lessen child labor regulations to allow teenage workers to work inherently dangerous jobs
3. Repeal Section 235 of the TVPRA which protects unaccompanied minors encountered near the border
4. Repeal the Antiquities Act of 1906 which protects national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Olympic, and Acadia
5. Cut funds to states that do not provide detailed abortion reports
6. Enforce the Comstock Act of 1893 which would make it illegal to mail abortion pills such as mifepristone

I 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/

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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 Rubin
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age by Katherine May
• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Year of the Witch: Connecting with Nature’s Seasons through Intuitive Magick by Temperance Alden
• The Call of Intuition by Kris Franken
• Life Cycles: Your Emotional Journey to Freedom and Happiness by Christine DeLorey
• The Magical Writing Grimoire by Lisa Marie Basile
• Positive Manifestation: The Beginner’s Guide to Manifesting Your Dreams with Ease by Stephanie Keith
• The Spirit Almanac: A Modern Guide to Ancient Self-Care by Emma Loewe and Lindsay Kellner
• Moon 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

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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 Tartt
• Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
• If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
• Babel by R.F. Kuang
• The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
• A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
• A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig

Add these to Your Shelf: 
Affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/lists/book-recommendations-notes-from-the-shelf

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https://buymeacoffee.com/notesfromtheshelf

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

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:
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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

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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:
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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

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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