paigesbookshelf

30 | midwestern lesbian | always with a book in hand | mainly sci-fi, fantasy, romance

2306 points

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My Taste

Reading...

37%

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me (Maggie the Undying, #1)

35%

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

amalgama

Most Anticipated July Reads

Hello, everyone! It's a new month and I'm feeling curious: what are everyone's most anticipated reads for July?

I'm not totally sure what I'll be reading this month (because my mood reader tendencies keep getting on the way 🙄), but I'm pretty sure I'll finally be picking up Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon during my holiday next week 🤩 I love the Roots of Chaos series and I've been waiting to be in the mood for fantasy again since I reread A Day of Fallen Night in February

I hope July will be an amazing reading month for all of you, here's to hoping for many five-star reads! 🤞

paigesbookshelf commented on honeydijon's review of Yesteryear

honeydijon

Apr 27, 2026

Yesteryear

3.5

Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 3.5Characters: 3.5Plot: 3.5

🤳

✝️

🐓

Yesteryear is one of the buzziest releases of 2026 so far. This book is everywhere: it’s been picked up for a movie already (with Anne Hathaway), it’s a book club pick multiple times over, it’s on airport shelves. With its union of commentary on social media influencers, religious fundamentalism, trad wives, political radicalization, and modern motherhood, I think Yesteryear will be part of our Zeitgeist. But does that mean it’s actually good?

My feelings on Yesteryear are mixed. It’s an incredibly ambitious debut, but its degrees of execution vary. At times I found it truly brilliant. At others I felt disappointed. I do think Caro Claire Burke is an author to watch; she has talent and vision that I think could shine even brighter in her next book. Yesteryear didn’t at all feel like a first draft, but it didn’t feel like the final one either.

My biggest criticism of the book is the pacing: it needed to either lose or gain a hundred pages. To Burke’s credit, I was captivated on every page — yet the cohesion and strength of the narrative structure still felt compromised. I don’t have a prescription for how I’d have remedied the pacing, but some areas could have benefited from pruning while others yearned for supplementation. The book quickly transports the reader to the 1800s, but it’s afraid to stay there. We constantly ping-pong back and forth from the narrator’s realtime experience to her flashbacks. I found it tiresome and stagnant despite the illusion of movement, despite enjoying each timeline’s content itself. The author’s ideas are undeniably there, but stronger guidance from the editor(s) would have rendered them more effectively.

Without giving spoilers, the final hundred pages did finally pick up the pace as we came to the Big Reveal. I didn’t feel that it was a total cop-out — the general concept made sense within the context of the characters and story. But it wasn’t totally satisfying, either, and certain elements of the explanations lacked believability which cheapened the denouement.

As someone who grew up very religious and has since deconstructed, I am particularly interested in religious trauma as a theme in fiction. Yesteryear absolutely delivers on that front, with trenchant social commentary on the insidious machinations of the religious right in the US, both on its public consequences and impact on individuals. It’s never explicitly stated which sect Natalie belongs to, and I actually liked this nebulous portrayal as it casts a wide net over the various flavors of American religious fervor. Burke gives us a lot of material to ponder on the topic and you may find me in the forums doing exactly that.

I suspect Natalie will garner little sympathy from many readers, but I found myself sad for her and the real-world women she represents. Though she is an active participant in upholding the image of the trad wife life and all its accompanying ideologies, she is also very much a victim of a patriarchal system which first dehumanized her and divorced her from the sense of selfhood that could have liberated her. The novel captures the internal tug-of-war and cognitive dissonance required of women to join and stay in the fundamentalist world. Perpetrators can still be victims, and victims can still be perpetrators.

Yesteryear opens a portal into multiple heavy and layered themes, but it shies away from fully stepping into them. This is a novel felt like it wanted to be a profound literary fiction but was stuffed into the more commercially viable realm of contemporary fiction. This is not an insult to contemporary fiction, but I do wonder if perhaps this novel was done a disservice by the publishers and the movie deal that was orchestrated before it was ever released.

While I appreciated and enjoyed quite a few things from this novel, ultimately Yesteryear falls short of the glory of its premise. I still felt it was worth reading, but my recommendation would come with some disclaimers.

‼️ CW include domestic abuse (including SA on p210), child abuse/neglect, religious trauma, religious fundamentalism, postpartum, mental health/illness, misogyny/patriarchy, violence (please do not consider this to be a complete list; I am not very skilled at mapping CW)

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paigesbookshelf finished a book

Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 2

Kamome Shirahama

TRIAL BY FIRE Join Coco as she continues her spellbinding journey of magic and discovery! After traveling to the mystical township of Kalhn with her new master to buy a casting wand, a strange, masked witch transports Coco and her three sister apprentices to an eerily quiet city. But they soon find out that they're not alone, and they encounter a ferocious dragon! Do these fledgling witches have what it takes to defeat the fire-breathing beast, or will their plans and lives go up in flames?!

paigesbookshelf made progress on...

Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 2

Kamome Shirahama

100%

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

Cirkacat

How do you get yourselves in the mood for a "big" read

For the last few months I have only been reading "quickie" books (as in either fast paced, simple prose or just short) and now I have a kind of hard time reading Crime and Punishment, as it is none of those 3 things. I am very ashamed of myself, as socal media fried my brain so much that I have been struggling with it for half a month and only go like 25% on it. I actually really like the story and Raskolnikov, the pathetic wet cat he is, however I need to get used to that I don't have constant stimulation. So yeah, does anyone have any advice on how to battle my content addicted-stimulation craving late gen Z brain? Thank you in advance!

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

BlueWaterLily

Edited

What's your favourite book so far this year?

We're now roughly halfway through this year, so I was wondering what your favourite read has been so far this year? My favourites are Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb, Red Rising by Pierce Brown, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, and Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. I would really recommend all of these.

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

astralslayer1

book-choosing fatigue?

does anyone else get burnt out from how many books they want to read? every time i go to pick something up i freeze and get overwhelmed by the wonderful creative stories I'm curious about and end up not reading anything at all😭

paigesbookshelf TBR'd a book

Retro

Jessica M. Goldstein

An out-of-work actress gets a job as a tour guide for an ultra-luxury time travel company—only to discover her trips to the past could upend her present—in this sharp, speculative debut novel.When Ash spots an ad for Retro during a depressing Instagram scroll—she’s in debt and unemployed; everyone else is, evidently, thriving—she’s surprised the algorithm sent it her way. She’s heard of recreational time travel, but it’s way out of her budget. Then she sees the Come away with us! We’re hiring.So begins Ash’s life as a Time Travel Agent, leading wealthy tourists on vacations to historical hotspots. She takes bachelorette parties to live out their cowboy-romance fantasies in the Old West and throws “'20s for your twenties” birthday bashes at speakeasies; she smiles politely as rich Wall Street guys give prospecting a shot in the Gold Rush. It's all thrilling, outrageous, and totally surreal. Bygone America is just a Retro Metro ride away. Despite Ash’s tendency toward cynicism, she finds herself swept up in her dazzling new job. Sure, Ash isn’t the actress she always dreamed she’d be. But isn’t this so much better? It’s like Ash’s life is a movie, complete with an impossible love triangle. How is she supposed to choose between her mysterious office crush and the handsome private eye pursuing her in 1937? For the first time in years, Ash’s life feels enviable—so she’d really rather not pay attention to the strange things happening to her memory and relationships outside Retro. But as her trips threaten to unravel her real life, she confronts an unsettling “escaping” into the past was never really an escape at all.

paigesbookshelf TBR'd a book

One Golden Summer

Carley Fortune

A radiant, new escape to the lake from #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune I never anticipated Charlie Florek. Good things happen at the lake. That’s what Alice’s grandmother says, and it’s true. Alice spent just one summer at a cottage with Nan when she was seventeen—it’s where she took that photo, the one of three grinning teenagers in a yellow speedboat, the image that changed her life. Now Alice lives behind a lens. As a photographer, she’s most comfortable on the sidelines, letting other people shine. Lately though, she’s been itching for something more, and when Nan falls and breaks her hip, Alice comes up with a plan for them both: another summer in that magical place, Barry’s Bay. But as soon as they settle in, their peace is disrupted by the roar of a familiar yellow boat, and the man driving it. Charlie Florek was nineteen when Alice took his photo from afar. Now he’s all grown up—a shameless flirt, who manages to make Nan laugh and Alice long to be seventeen again, when life was simpler, when taking pictures was just for fun. Sun-slanted days and warm nights out on the lake with Charlie are a balm for Alice’s soul, but when she looks up and sees his piercing green gaze directly on her, she begins to worry for her heart. Because Alice sees people—that’s why she is so good at what she does—but she’s never met someone who looks and sees her right back.

paigesbookshelf made progress on...

Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 2

Kamome Shirahama

51%

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

kenjivibes25

Edited

Recommendations for a girl trying to read different genres

Hi! I’m currently trying to veer away from reading fantasy all the time because I’m literally flying through them. And I was wondering, I’m enjoying Kathleen Glasgow’s book like girl in pieces. Does anyone have any similar recommendations? Mind you I’d prefer if they’re like upper YA? A bit like girl in pieces. Hope you have a great day! And thanks in advance for any recommendations! Or any book you recommend to try to avoid fantasy a bit

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

paigehf

Question for Ereader Owners

So I've developed a little conundrum now that summer has rolled around. I've been using my phone for library-loaned ebooks and only been using physical loans when the ebook isn't available. I've noticed that when I read poolside, my phone tends to overheat (even when it's just sitting next to me unused). It's been consistently 90°F/32°C+ so I'm not surprised that I've run into this issue, but I obviously don't want to damage my phone. All this is just to ask: do ereaders overheat or get warm at all when used outdoors in higher temperatures? Double question: I can link Libby, and hence my library ebooks, to an ereader right? If the answers are no and yes respectively, I'm thinking this might be my solution, but I just wanted to get some more input. Thanks in advance and for reading this far!

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

azulot

What's a recent win for you?

I've had a pretty rough/emotional week and could really use some uplifting anecdotes! I would love to hear anything that's brought a smile to your face recently.

For me, I was on a several-months-long reading slump but I'm back to reading almost every day even with my long work hours. Between reading, logging and chatting here on PB, seeing all of you reading too, and going through the various discussions, it's really helped keep me going ❤️ 💙 💜 💖

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

unabellaguerra

Looking for suggestions for manga section at a library

Heya! I do a bit of volunteering work (at the side) at our local library. I'm responsible for the manga section that we've started a year ago and it's been our greatest hit so far. The manga section has grown from being on a window-sill to now being promoted on a bookshelf with the comics.

Which brings me to the reason behind my post - the mangas are now hidden amongst a sea of comics. While I did put up small signs that label the manga section (as well as which ones are shonen and shojo), I'm thinking that the section might need some more decoration to pop out.

Does anyone - librarians, library regulars, manga fans, parents of manga fans, teens/kids themselves - have any suggestions what we can decorate along the bookshelf border or for displaying the books? Right now the mangas are occupying three shelf sections (?), but we're ordering another huge bulk and we might need an entire bookshelf by the end of summer. As long as the decorations are not in the way of the books for the kids to grab - our main reader demographic for mangas - I'm open to anything.

Incase it helps - we have a good mix of shonen and shojo mangas. Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, The Promised Neverland, and The Apothecary Diaries are using up the most space (Naruto soon too, they're a hit here too). We got Sailor Moon, Fullmetal Alchemist, Minecraft (the later books in the series, oops), Black Butler, Jujutsu Kaisen, Solo Leveling, and some Detective Conan volumes on the shelves. We're planning on getting My Hero Academia, Witch Hat Atelier, and Haikyu! to expand the choices. I'm still planning on getting more series, so far me and my siblings are the only manga experts in the library team 😎

Looking forward to some cute suggestions!

paigesbookshelf is interested in reading...

Almost Life

Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Two young women meet in Paris in this decades-spanning tour de force about the enduring power of young love and the poignant heartbreak of missed chances—perfect for fans of One Day and Normal People. Erica and Laure meet on the steps of the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, 1978. Erica is a student, relishing her first summer abroad before beginning university at home in England. Laure is studying for her PhD at the Sorbonne, drinking and smoking far too much, and sleeping with a married woman. The moment the two women meet, the spark is undeniable, but their encounter turns into far more than a summer of love. It is the beginning of a relationship that will define their lives and every decision they have yet to make… Erica and Laure’s love story spans decades, marriage, children, secret trysts, and the agonizing changes—both personal and political—that might mean they can be together, after all. But when life brings them within touching distance again, will they be brave enough to seize a future together? Beautifully capturing young love and all its complexities, Almost Life is a story of longing for the paths not taken, and the almost lives we live.

paigesbookshelf paused reading...

The Will of the Many (Hierarchy, #1)

James Islington

At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets in this new fantasy series by internationally bestselling author of The Licanius Trilogy, James Islington. AUDI. VIDE. TACE. The Catenan Republic – the Hierarchy – may rule the world now, but they do not know everything. I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus – what they call Will – to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do. I tell them that I belong, and they believe me. But the truth is that I have been sent to the Academy to find answers. To solve a murder. To search for an ancient weapon. To uncover secrets that may tear the Republic apart. And that I will never, ever cede my Will to the empire that executed my family. To survive, though, I will still have to rise through the Academy’s ranks. I will have to smile, and make friends, and pretend to be one of them and win. Because if I cannot, then those who want to control me, who know my real name, will no longer have any use for me. And if the Hierarchy finds out who I truly am, they will kill me.

paigesbookshelf paused reading...

Cue the Sun!: The Invention of Reality TV

Emily Nussbaum

Who invented reality TV, the world’s most dangerous pop-culture genre, and why can’t we look away from it? In this revelatory, deeply reported account of the rise of “dirty documentary,” Emily Nussbaum unearths the surprising origin story of the genre that ate the world, as told through the lively voices of the people who created it. At once gimlet-eyed and empathetic, Cue The Sun! explores the morally charged, funny, and sometimes tragic consequences of the hunt for something real inside something fake. Nussbaum traces four paths of reality innovation—game shows, prank shows, soap operas, and clip shows—that united in the Survivor format, sparking a tumultuous Hollywood gold-rush. Along the way, we meet tricksters and innovators—from the icy Allen Funt to the shambolic Chuck Barris; Cops auteur John Langley; Bachelor mastermind Mike Fleiss; and Jon Murray, the visionary behind The Real World—along with dozens of crew members and ordinary people whose lives became fodder for the reality revolution. We learn about the tools of the trade—like Candid Camera’s brilliant “reveal” and the notorious Frankenbite, a deceptive editor’s best friend—and the moral outrage that reality shows provoked. But Cue The Sun! also celebrates what made the genre so powerful: a jolt of authentic emotion. Through broad-ranging reporting, Nussbaum examines seven tumultuous decades, exploring the celebreality boom, reality TV as a strike-breaker, the queer roots of Bravo, and the dark truth behind The Apprentice. A shrewd observer who cares about television, she is the ideal voice for the first substantive cultural history of the genre that has, for better or worse, made America what it is today.

paigesbookshelf made progress on...

Witch Hat Atelier, Vol. 2

Kamome Shirahama

32%

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

CaitlinByHerShelf

Happy July! ☀️🍉⛱️

I can’t believe we’re halfway through the year!

What are some of your goals for the month of July, bookish or otherwise?

Wishing everyone a wonderful month filled with joy, good reading, and memory making 🩷

paigesbookshelf commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum

Night_frog

Fantasy maps

Do y'all actually check the map at the start of the book? Why?

I'm curious because I see a lot of people on tiktok do, but I never felt the need to. I trust the author telling me how far two places are and to show me where we are through description.

If a place has already been described, I recognise the name because I already heard it and don't feel the need to know exactly where it is in the city. I barely feel the need to make a map inside of my head at all. I doubt I'll ever need to orient myself there and understand where I am.

Due to this, I'm really curious, if you do use maps, how? For what purpose?

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