I love that you put pictures in video 🙏 this way it's also easier to see book cover and you don't have to hold the book throughout the video 😁 I'd absolutely pick up North Woods 🙏
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Oh I am so glad you like it. It is something new for my videos. But seems like it should stay. Hope you love North Woods.
@emilyboman60239 ай бұрын
you are one of my favorite reviewers for good quality lit fiction. You are a very refreshing voice on here! I just bought The Bee Sting and cannot wait to get into it.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Oh that makes me so happy to hear. I hope I was able to put one or two books on your list. The Bee Sting is coming up on my TBR as well. I will get to it soon I think.
@wendyryan16189 ай бұрын
Great video. I love that you read a book each month with your husband - every bookworm's idea of romance! I really like the new graphics too.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Awe thank you. I am glad he asked to do it too. And thank you regarding the graphics - he will be happy people like them. They do take some time.
@pandalyn22676 ай бұрын
I just found you and you've singlehandedly resuscitated me out of my reading slump. Thank you Thank you
@InkandPaperBlog6 ай бұрын
Oh that is so nice of you to say. I hope you have some happy reading ahead.
@jacquelinemcmenamin82049 ай бұрын
My top ten 10. All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Chein 9. Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark 8. Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur 7. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue 6. Prophets Song by Paul Lynch 5. The New Life by Tom Crewe 4. The Unseen World by Liz Moore 3. The Road to Dalton byShannon Bowing 2. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray 1. Deluge by Stephen Markley I love hearing the train horn, the airplanes, the distant hum of traffic. I can be in California while I watch you. 🍀👋☘️📚☕️📖📕🇮🇪🤗
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Little Monsters and Road To Dalton were so close to making this list. I loved both of those books. The Bee Sting is at the top of my TBR. I tried to read Deluge, but I think it was the wrong time. I loved Ohio, so need to give it another chance. Happy Reading to on of my longest viewers,. Appreciate you.
@jacquelinemcmenamin82048 ай бұрын
@@InkandPaperBlog I’d recommend reading Deluge via audio. Take it slow. It took me two months. But very well worth it.
@deborahmink51599 ай бұрын
Hi Russell Happy New Year! I like the way you are inserting the book and related info on screen! Leaves you free to express yourself with your hands free!
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Happy New Year to you too. I am glad you like the new style. I am still getting used to it to be honest. I have to remind myself to put the book down. LOL. Happy Reading.
@debbiejefferies7 ай бұрын
Thank you for a great video. Absolutely love the book pics showing which book you are talking about. Brilliant as nothing more annoying than a thumb over wording or a wavy book title!!! Added two from here to my TBR list.
@InkandPaperBlog7 ай бұрын
And makes it so much easier for me!!! Thank you and I will let the husband know!
@robinrobertson83329 ай бұрын
Loved North Woods & In Memoriam. Good list. Thanks.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Thank you my friend. Hope you are well and surviving the winter months. :-)
@christopherberry23759 ай бұрын
Oh my gosh!!! You put into practice my suggestion, regarding the page numbers! I am honored! Thank you!!! Ok, North Woods! Ugh! I tried to read it, and I just could not get past the first chapter! I must be nuts! I bought it and returned it. I may get it from the library at some point. Other than that, great list!
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
I did. I hope you like it. Dan says it is a bit of work, but if people like it we will do it. Too bad about North Woods, but that is what is great about the bookish world. Maybe try the audio. I still think about that book.
@angelagordillo18069 ай бұрын
What a fantastic list!!!
@InkandPaperBlog8 ай бұрын
Thank you . I sure loved all of these books.
@melissachapman70279 ай бұрын
North Woods was also my number one. I just want to go back to the house. I haven’t read Wellness yet but I read The Nix last year and it was definitely in my top 5 reads of the year.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
That’s so good to hear! I need to get back to The Nix. Happy reading!!
@EuphoricImpact9 ай бұрын
You have truly contributed to the diversity of my personal library! For almost two years now, I have been taking recommendations from your channel. Thank you! I ordered three books after viewing this video: The English Understand Wool, In Memoriam, and Wellness. Also I purchased Chain Gang All Stars when you did your first video regarding this work. It was an emotional roller-coaster and it was excellent story telling! Again.... thank you!
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Oh that first statement makes me so happy. I like to make people think differently about what they read. I hope that you like all three of those, and am so glad that you enjoyed Chain-Gang. Happy Reading in 2024!
@BonnieNicoleWrites9 ай бұрын
The Only One Left made my top 10 as well!! I really enjoyed it.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
It certainly was full of twists and turns. I am glad it made your list as well.
@gailhewitt14679 ай бұрын
Thank you for all the fabulous content throughout the year, and you've talked me into books that I would not normally pick up. I'm loving the new style presentation. My favourite book of 2023 was Black Butterflies.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
oh you are just too nice. I will let the hubby know you like the new video style, he works hard on it. I have never heard of Black Butterflies, I will need to take a look for sure.
@sophietennyson41039 ай бұрын
I got North Woods as an ebook from the library. I hadn't read very much when I realized this was a book I had to own. I am a voracious reader and I love the moments when an author writes so beautifully that I am stopped in my tracks. I just got the actual book today so I can restart it. I have no doubt I will agree with all you said.
@InkandPaperBlog8 ай бұрын
I totally love this story! it is a book I am still thinking about
@lindysmagpiereads9 ай бұрын
I was so impressed by The English Understand Wool and am delighted to see it made your top ten. I hadn’t heard of Daughter Ship and will definitely check out that book. Thanks for sharing your passion!
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Right - only 55 pages, but goodness! I cannot with that book. I hope you like The Daughter Ship. I want more people to pick it up. Happy Reading.
@LauraR009 ай бұрын
I look forward to hearing your favorites every year. North Woods is high on my TBR for 2024. Happy New Year to you and your family 😊
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
You too!! Thank you so much for watching. Hope you enjoy North Woods 😊
@LouiseReader9 ай бұрын
Hi Russell, it's been a while since I caught one of your videos, but I'm very glad to have found this one... you've pushed meo ver the line to seek out The English Understand Wool. I've already bought Day and North Woods, but clearly need to read them.Soon.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Oh I am so glad you found me again my friend. I think you will really like The English Understand Wool - it is an us story. I hope you like the other two as well, i keep thinking about them both. They have set high expectations for 2024.
@suedavy53949 ай бұрын
As usual with watching your videos, I have added 6 more books to my list of want to read. Thank you Russell! Happy New Year and Happy reading in 2024.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
That is what I love to hear. Thank you so much for watching, and hope you have a great reading year in 2024!
@HardcoverHearts9 ай бұрын
We had the exact same experience with The English Understand Wool- it was the last book I read 2022 and it changed the trajectory of my 2023! I’ve started reading short stories because of it and started a series reading Helen DeWitt’s works. If you haven’t read The Last Samurai, it’s mind blowing in content and craft. Given your reaction to this one, I think you would enjoy it.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
I will certainly pick up The last Samurai, I have heard nothing but raves. I think that The English Understand Wool is a hidden gem, more need to pick up. Happy 2024 reading my friend!
@rafd35939 ай бұрын
Alice Winn’s In Memoriam was the only one of your books that featured in the 2023 bestseller listings here in the UK. An excellent read.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
That tracks for me. I am not a usual bestseller type reader. I am so happy for Winn though, she deserves all of her success.
@bbbartolo8 ай бұрын
I subscribed after seeing "The English Understand Wool" on your list. A novella at best, but was certainly a highlight of mine! (Read 2 Bryan Washingtons already, so that confirms my respect for your judgmenmt)
@InkandPaperBlog8 ай бұрын
Thank you so much. I am glad we both have great taste in reading material! I hope you like what you find.
@PhillipOliver8 ай бұрын
I just finished "North Woods" and absolutely loved it. I haven't enjoyed a book as much as this one since reading "The Signature of All Things" many years ago. If you haven't read that one, I would recommend it.
@InkandPaperBlog7 ай бұрын
Oh I am so glad. I love when people love the books that I loved as well. Happy reading.
@KendraWinchester9 ай бұрын
Welp, just ordered North Woods. Great list. Thanks for the recommendations! ❤
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Hi Friend! Yes, I hope you like it. Hope all is well over you on your side of the US. keep the corgi content coming LOL
@paayal6499 ай бұрын
Yes!! I have been waiting for this video!! Thank you for always having unique and wonderful recommendations!! ❤✨
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Oh I am so glad. I hope you like it. I try to keep people on their bookish toes.
@nancychiok72099 ай бұрын
Greetings from Singapore! and a Happy 2024 Russell, Thanks so much for your top 10 books review. As usual, I am always looking forward to your recommendations every time. Currently, reading Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur you recommended a few weeks ago. It is an amazing book! Absolutely a page-turner! Thank you, Russell
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Hello! Thank you so much for watching on the other side of the world! I loved Little Monsters and am so glad you are enjoying it too! Happy Reading.
@mauraherlihy44729 ай бұрын
North Woods made my Top books of 2023 as well. You should not miss Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. Hauntingly realistic “possible” future for so many. It was my top book of the year. Anxious to read In Memoriam.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Oh, I am so glad to hear that. Prophet Song I think comes out soon here in the US. I plan to pick it up when I see it. Thank you for the recommendation.
@Leoslittlebooklife9 ай бұрын
Day was my favorite of last year. Stunning is indeed the right word for Cunningham’s prose.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Totally agree my friend. And you read way more than I do, so if it came out on top of your reading year it has to be amazing. Happy New Year.
@rosinaforteskiglidden74199 ай бұрын
Hi from Brazil, your vídeos are awesome.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
hello Brazil! Thank you so much for watching. You are just too sweet.
@Girlytang9 ай бұрын
I think ‘context’ may be the word that you were thinking of. (And I hate when that happens.) Love your personality and your direct, no frills presentation style. I am currently reading In Memoriam and it is everything that everyone has claimed. I also added several from your list to my TBR. Thanks for sharing! Oh, and I subscribed! 🤍
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
oh thank you so much. Sometimes I worry I am too casual. I watch other videos and am amazing at the execution . But I just like to talk about books LOL. In Memoriam is a ride, hope you continue to enjoy it. And thank you for sticking around. I appreciate it so much.
@lindaklinedinst92369 ай бұрын
Hi Russell North Woods sounds really great - I will be buying this book and reading this. Happy Reading ❤️🤗📘📒📕🔰📚📖❤️
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Happy Reading to you too! I hope you like North Woods. Tell me what you think for sure.
@lindaklinedinst92369 ай бұрын
@@InkandPaperBlog - I will - Thank You ❤️🔰❤️
@louisep19629 ай бұрын
My goodness, you made me want to read them all! Even Wellness, and I DNF'd The Nix because I did not enjoy it at all; I may give Nathan Hill another chance. My whole top 10 of 2023 can flip daily. I like the new graphics, so well done to your husband. Happy New Year Russell, I'm looking forward to another year of your videos 😊
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Happy New Year my friend. Hope all is well. I am so glad you like it, and I will let him know. I agree that a top 10 is fluid! Hill is a specific type of writer. I hope you like Wellness, but can understand if it is not your jam.
@nicolereed29139 ай бұрын
Great reviews Russell! As always I end up with a list of literary fiction that wasn't on my radar. Thank you and Happy New Year!
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
That is my goal, and I am so happy to introduce you to new books. Hope you like whatever I helped you pick up. Happy Reading!
@louisity9 ай бұрын
Chain-Gang All Stars, Family Meal, North Woods are on my radar.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Three excellent books. I hope you like the ones you pick up for sure.
@ObscureBookAdventures9 ай бұрын
Love to see everybody’s best books of last year.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Are they not the best. I love them too!
@neetupd85109 ай бұрын
Wish you a Happy 2024 Russell!🎉😊
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much. And thank you for watching so many of my videos. I really appreciate you!
@neetupd85109 ай бұрын
@@InkandPaperBlog A big Thank you for truly making my tbr explode!😊
@eliotopian9 ай бұрын
In memoriam sounds amazing. And Bryan Washington is already on my tbr cause of Jillian(who loves you) I was hoping to have read one of his books in time for his Indy bookstore visit here in Houston but was caught up in too much and couldn’t get to it. Boo.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Bryan Washington is a gem. All of his books are just amazing. I think you will like In Memoriam, but also cry a lot - so be ready.
@nilulal5459 ай бұрын
Happy New Year, Russell ❤
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
You too! And happy happy reading..
@trainorsue9 ай бұрын
I really appreciated your selections. North Woods was mindblowing - how did Mason do what he did??? Nathan Hill is just a genius - I loved his first book and can't wait to purchase Wellness. Your excitement about the English Understand Wool made me giggle - I felt the same way. DeWitt manages to tell such a unique story. Overall just a great list of books. Thanks so much.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
I totally agree about North Woods. It is a book I will be thinking about for a bit. I think you will really like Wellness if you liked the Nix. thank you so much for watching, and happy reading.
@spexi5139 ай бұрын
Ooouhweeeee I’ve been waiting on thissss 📖🪱💚
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
That is what I love to hear. Thank you so much for watching.
@HappyKnitter20209 ай бұрын
I read The English Understand Wool on Christmas Eve here in the UK, I absolutely loved it too. It will be my favourite re read 📚
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
I cannot believe it took me that long to read it. It has been on my self for ages. But now I am a fan. I clearly need to read more DeWitt.
@Sheep_commemoi9 ай бұрын
Only 18% of my reading was Non-fiction last year but it makes up half o f my top ten list which really surprises me. Of your top ten, I've read none of them but five of them are on my TBR for this year and I guess the other five will be as well. I just finished my first read of 2023 with Homeland by Fernando Aramburu which I cannot rave about enough. It is mainly about two families navigating the violence of the Basque separatist movement ETA over decades.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Isn’t that the way it is. Some times a small subsection can dominate the good reads. I hope you like the ones that are on your TBR. i have not heard of Homeland, I will have to search for it.
@kwilsonnc9 ай бұрын
Oh! North Woods sounds wonderful, searching now at my library. For me, The Bee Sting was my top pick. Gripping, devastating, beautiful, funny, and resonant. And so.many.lies. ❤️📖
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
I am planning to read The Bee Sting soon, as I have heard nothing but good things. I am a little worried about all the hype, but am super excited to give it a go.
@kwilsonnc9 ай бұрын
@@InkandPaperBlog Hype is a funny thing. I know I'm just a stranger on the internet, but rest assured people think this book is good because it is good. Enjoy and report back!
@eliotopian9 ай бұрын
North woods: started it. It was going okay. Then I just KEPT having my mind roam off! I could NOT get passed one of the chapters! I tried for all two weeks of my library checkout and it finally expired. I put another hold on it and I’m gonna give it another try.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Sometimes a book is not ready when you are. Try it again, and let me know what you think. Look at you reading all this literary fiction.
@dottypetrosky11849 ай бұрын
Just finished "North Woods" - one of my top three reads!
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
I am so glad to hear that. I still think about this book. People need to read it more.
@oklahomaread44779 ай бұрын
I don't read enough literary fiction. I've only read one of those. I have The Nix by Nathan Hill and Inifinite Jest by David Foster Wallace on my TBR for this year. I have a copy of The Instructions by Adam Levin, but I'm not sure if I'll get around to it any time soon. Inifinite Jest might burn me out on long books for the year. I read Wellness and loved it. Glad it made it in your top 3. It's easily my #1. Scythe by Neal Shusteran is my #2. For a book whose basic premise doesn't make a lot of sense, it was very entertaining. #3 is Time Traveling with a Hamster by Ross Welford. I read mostly middle grade science fiction since that's what I write. #4 is Venomous Lumpsucker by Ned Beauman. It's science fiction with dark humor, but more on the literary side. If I have to pick a #5, I'll go with The Humans by Matt Haig. Very funny and dark.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
And I would say I don’t read enough middle grade, but usually love what I do read. I have had Scythe on my TBR for ages. Clearly I need to get to it. Hope that you have a great 2024 reading year.
@Reesespiecesomar9 ай бұрын
I adored ‘North Woods’, it’s such a feat in writing!
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Right,. It just was so fluid. I cannot imagine keeping the story together as well as he did. It was amazing.
@BisayaReader9 ай бұрын
North Woods. Made me smell the apple trees and sheeps. Reading this was an experience I will never forget. Daniel Mason's "North Woods" is a no-brainer 5 star captivating read that left me spellbound. The prose is a symphony of skills, weaving a captivating tale from start to finish. Mason's exceptional writing skills shine on every page, reminiscent of the brilliance seen in Hernan Diaz's works. This novel has transformed me into a devoted fan of Mason's works. "North Woods" unfolds as a clever narrative centered around a yellow house and the land it stands on. It delves into the profound themes of grief and the exquisite beauty that emerges after overcoming it. The story explores endings and also the beginnings it bring, offering a hopeful perspective on handling loss and embracing change as a precious gem. A truly enlightening and inspiring read! This book will not give you a plot, but instead am experience witnessing the splice of lives the characters you will meet.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
100%. I think that the sense of place in North Woods is next level. I have not been taken somewhere so completely in a long time. I adored it. I need to read more Mason for sure.
@wendyvilla29049 ай бұрын
🖤💚
@janethansen96129 ай бұрын
I struggled to rank my top books this year, but North Woods falls within my top five for sure.
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
So many good books, so I understand the struggle. I am glad you loved North Woods too. It was just so good.
@Phillybookfairy9 ай бұрын
Soooo many of these sound fantastic. I’m going to read NorthWoods (omg I just know I’ll love that) and Chain Gang this upcoming year very shortly. Right now I’m reading 1984 Julia having just finished the original 1984 anddd I did a video review and I’d love it if you’d give it a listen… I didn’t film myself so it’s probably very boring to watch and my Philly accent is very evident lol, but I’d be honored if you’d check it out. My very first video review posted to KZbin - …
@InkandPaperBlog9 ай бұрын
Great job on your first video. I think you will find Chain Gang also scary because it is not a hard jump to see us going there.
@Phillybookfairy9 ай бұрын
@@InkandPaperBlog thanks so much for checking it out and subscribing. Very honored!! Yes I’m looking forward to that one as well.