My Top 10 Books of 2024 & A Life Update

Hello Everyone! 2024 is over and the new year has started. That means it is time to share our top reads of the year. I had a great reading year and loved so many books. Also, I have some big life news to share. So, come take a look and let me share my favorite reads of the year, books that I do not want you to miss.
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Books Discussed:
The Most by Jessica Anthony (Little Brown) 144 pages, Paperback
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy (Godine) 240 pages, Hardback
Real Americans by Rachel Khong (Knopf) 416 pages, Hardback
Hombrecito by Santiago Jose Sanchez (Riverhead) 336 Pages, Hardback (I did not have this book)
The Safekeep by Yale Van Der Wouden (Avid Reader Press) 272 Pages, Hardback
Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst (Random House) 496 Pages, Hardback
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout (Random House) 352 Pages, Hardback
Universality by Natasha Brown (Random House) 176 Pages, Hardback
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (FSG) 454 Pages, Hardback
Small Rain by Garth Greenwell (FSG) 320 Pages, Hardback
James by Percival Everett (Doubleday) 303 Pages, Hardback

[@jenniereece1158]

Adding some of these to my TBR list. I appreciate you including the page count for each book mentioned! Thanks.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

you are so welcome. it may stop for a little while as we move, but I will work to get us back on track once we settle in.

[@sharonbrock7060]

I enjoy your reviews! Thank you for introducing me to Sipsworth. I had to come back to tell you how much I enjoyed it.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

You are so welcome. I’m glad you loved it. Thank you for watching

[@sharonbrock7060]

Thank you for recommending Sipsworth! I got it and just finished it. I just loved it!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh I am so glad you liked it. Just a little hug for the hear right! Happy Reading.

[@liliapereira8474]

Wow, good luck with your new movements in 2025! 🎉 Lots of work with your books on the road! ❤

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. Hope you have an amazing reading year.

[@janethansen9612]

How have I never heard of Small Rain? Adding to my tbr. Happy New Year Russell, it sounds like exciting times ahead for you.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I don’t know, but I am so glad I could help you out. I hope you find it and love it. Happy Reading.

[@curioushmm9027]

wishing you a wonderful new start in 2025 russell.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

You too my friend. 2025 will be full of such change.

[@lightbyiris]

Welcome to Portland!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you! Almost there. Cannot wait to learn more about the city.

[@CharlieBrookReads]

Sounds like a lot of change ahead but I hope it all goes well. Sending you all the love. Amazing best books as always Russell ❤

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you … I am so excited or what will come next in life.

[@openlybookish]

So happy you'll be local to Powell's. Excited for you and Dan. I think you both will love OR.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. I think we will love it too. End of an era for sure.

[@openlybookish]

@ I know you'll miss SF. I haven't back to the East Bay in over a decade. I think you'll love Oregon's greenery.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Good luck with your move and new job Russell. Happy New Year 🎉

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. :-)

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

Congratulations on your life update! Moving is stressful and exciting all at the same time. The Most sounds interesting. The Safe Keep and The Evenings are definitely on my radar. 😊💙

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. Yes - stressful for sure. I hope you pick up both of those books and love them as much as I did. Happy Reading.

[@SprinGiddinessify]

Definetely adding Small Rain to my tbr for this month. Congratulations on your new journey :)

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. I hope you love Small Rain as much as I did. It is amazing.

[@DeniseMeagles]

Happy New Year Russell🎉! Thank you for your amazing Top 10 list. I have read most of these based on your previous recommendations and they did not disappoint. I would not have read Intermezzo without your encouragement and I loved it. I am a Californian who went to university in Oregon and recently relocated to Shanghai. I know what you are going through and wish you a smooth transition.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh I am so glad you loved Intermezzo, so good. University of Oregon is right around the corner from my parents. Shanghai -so great. Hope you have an amazing year.

[@DeniseMeagles]

Russell I just wanted you to know how special you are. I look forward to every update from you as we have the exact same taste in books. I read 375 books in 2024. I read to keep my English fluency as my job requires me to use Mandarin Chinese 24/7. You introduced me to Dalton Maine and I absolutely loved both books. I would have never discovered Shannon Bowring without you. I look forward to staying in touch. Best wishes to you in your transition, Denise Meagles

[@InkandPaperBlog]

@@DeniseMeagles goodness so many books! I am in awe!! Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@LouiseReader]

Congratulations on the new job and big move. Exciting times ahead. I really must find Sipsworth. Ah - it's finally been published in Australia last month!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh I think you will really love it. Let me know what you think.

[@susan3037]

Have to add: love, love, love this top eleven books of the year!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. I am glad you liked it.

[@TiggerTellsTales]

I absolutely loved Sipsworth! What a beautiful story!! Happy New Year 🎉

[@marciaalbaum2597]

sipsworth was lovely

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh I am so glad you loved it.

[@lindysmagpiereads]

100% agree about Everett’s James and I am really looking forward to Our Evenings. Hope your move goes smoothly. 😊

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. I think you will love Our Evenings. James - a masterpiece.

[@booklover6963]

Happy New Year ! Good luck on the move about 4 years ago I sold my house and down sized into an apartment. O man what a lot of work !! I did love Sipsworth and James. I will pick up The Most tomorrow at the library.....I was way late to the party but I read all the Harry Potter books this summer and loved them.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. We are doing the opposite LOL. I am so glad you loved all those, and Happy Reading of The Most. Harry Potter - those books have gotten so many readers through the days. Have a great one.

[@janethughes7661]

Sending good vibes for an easy move as well as an easy transition for you and your husband in Portland! Can’t wait to watch episodes of your channel from your new place!💜

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. I am excited to know what the new space it will look like.

[@nancychiok7209]

Greetings from Singapore Russell! Great to see the change happening. Wow Portland, plenty of snow! Thanks for your past recommendation, I have already finished James by Percival Everett, The Safekeep (Yale Van Der Wouden, and Intermezzo (Sally Rooney). They are simply wonderful reads and took me to their world totally! Will try to get my hands on The Most, Real Americans , and Our Evenings. Looking forward to your next update! Ciao

[@InkandPaperBlog]

hello! lets hope little snow in Portland - I am not ready for that. I am so glad you loved all those books. I hope that you love all of those other books as much. Happy Reading.

[@readandre-read]

Exciting times! I hope your move goes smoothly. The Most seems like a sleeper hit that is showing up on Booktube lists. Tell Me Everything and James made my list as well and I really enjoyed The Safekeep as well. Great list!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Love that we had a few repeats on our lists. The Most - a book not enough people talk about. Thank you for your kind words and Happy Reading.

[@MsSculptress]

good luck with the move

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much.

[@Nixreads]

The Most is going in my TBR! Ahh I was offered an ARC for Sipsworth, now I wish I re add it back then!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I think you will really like The Most. What a punch of a book. And Sipsworth was missed by many, but luck you - you get to read it for the first I’m soon. It is just lovely.

[@jaynehunter-ar]

Congratulations on your new job opportunity and good luck with your relocation. I hadn't heard of Our Evenings but it sounds fantastic. Definitely adding it to my list. I already want to re-read James again - it was so good.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much! Our Evenings is amazing. I support a re read of James. So worth it right!

[@fitjock1]

I waited for this video. I loved James. I’ve also read other books by the author. Good luck on your move and I’ve been to Powell’s Bookstore on a visit to Portland 😍

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh I am so glad. James is amazing and he has so many great books. Powells is going to take so much of my money LOL.

[@GemofBooks]

Great list! I’ve seen a couple of people talk about Small Rain, I’m going to have to get to it! Completely agree on your comments on James, amazing book

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I hope you love Small Rain. James is worth every page. Happy Reading.

[@neetupd8510]

Wish you a very Happy 2025 Russell!🎉And all the best for your move and new job....😊

[@InkandPaperBlog]

You too! 2025 is going to be full of change. So exciting.

[@Michelle777-l2w]

The only previous Elizabeth Strout novel I'd read was Olive, Again. I like it, didn't love it. That said? I absolutely LOVED Tell Me Everything, even having never gotten pre- acquainted with Bob. lol. It was wonderfully warm and slow and comforting to me. Great list, and good luck with the big move! :)

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Oh I am so glad that you loved Tell Me Everything. So amazing. Thank you so much, and Happy Reading.

[@AdventuresinPolishland]

Congrats on the new job, and best of luck with the big move!!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. Happy Reading.

[@susan3037]

Best wishes for you new move and your new job! Exciting times ahead! I’ll be looking forward to your posting as they occur, whenever they occur. You’ve go a lot going on! Happy, healthy and prosperous new year for you and Daniel! 💕

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much! We are excited for this new chapter in our lives. We will see what the future has in store.

[@ann-kathrinmeyenburg7265]

Happy new year, Russell! How exciting! I wish you good luck and strong nerves with your move! 🍀💫

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much.

[@BookishAdventuresInWellbeing]

What a great collection! Happy new year Russel and good luck with the move!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

thank you so much. I am glad you like the list.

[@oklahomaread4477]

I hate moving. I did it 4 times in the span of 18 months back in 2017-18, and it was so exhausting every time. I also sold two houses and bought a house during that time, also exhausting endeavors. Best of luck.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

It is 100% stressful. But I hope that in the end it will be worth it. Happy Reading.

[@jennymcevoy8961]

Brilliant video Russell!...Good luck and best wishes for your move .😊

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much, you are very kind.

[@louisep1962]

Happy New Year! Sounds like you've got an exciting one coming up. Good luck with your move, and the buy/sell thing. I did it once, never want to do it again. I've read three of these: Real Americans, Sipsworth and James. Sipsworth and James are in my top five for the year along with There Are Rivers in the Sky, All the Colours of the Dark and Parnassus on Wheels.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. Moving is so much. I am so glad you loved all those books. I need to get to There Are Rivers in the Sky - it has been on my TBR forever. Have a great reading year my friend.

[@booksgurrsandpurrs]

Congratulations on the move! I'm so happy for you.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much! I am excited for this new chapter.

[@booksgurrsandpurrs]

@InkandPaperBlog There's a somewhat new independent bookstore called Bold Books and Coffee an author friend of mine told me about. Just thought I'd mention if you're in the area. ❤️

[@MadoCar-n4s]

Happy new year🎉

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much.

[@anaisr1804]

Looks like a really great list! I''ll add a few titles to my TBR. Thanks from a new subscriber :)

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much for watching. I appreciate it. Hope you like what you pick up.

[@keisharivera748]

Happy new year! Thanks for sharing !❤

[@InkandPaperBlog]

You too, and thank you for watching.

[@toweringtbr]

I loved Small Rain! Garth Greenwell is so unbelievably talented.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Right. He writes such amazing books, and I really do think that this is his best yet.

[@barbaralemon4170]

I read Sipswofth. What a wonderful novel!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

yes yes it was. I think that more people need to read it.

[@DaveNYC]

Currently reading Our Evenings and enjoying it. I have read all of Garth Greenwell's other books but read a terrible review of Small Rain that scared me off. You've convinced me to give it a try (also 4.11 stars on Goodreads lol)! Good luck with the move. Portland is great!

[@marciaalbaum2597]

small rain was an interesting read. try it

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. Portland is amazing and I cannot wait to call it home. Garth’s book is his best so far in my opinion, and I love all of his books.

[@Molly-s6u]

Enjoy Oregon! Maybe you’ll get snow:)

[@InkandPaperBlog]

LOL I am not ready for snow. Let me deal with all the rain first.

[@robert3482]

You gotta read Strout’s Burgess Boys for Bob’s backstory. Tell me Everything is really EVERYTHING lol

[@InkandPaperBlog]

That is the only Strout I have not read. I need to pick it up.

[@Rainierbooks]

I visited Portland last summer, it's me and my daughter's favourite city in the US. Good luck! "The Most" was also on my top 10 list, just a little bit higher up. "James" came in as #2 only because I also read "Americanah" for the first time. Both of these novels are modern classics.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Love Portland. I am so glad you loved The Most. It could have been higher too. Americanah is a fantastic book, and I think that it is a very worthy #1

[@marciaalbaum2597]

no one talks about bear by julia phillips. it is my favorite book this year

[@InkandPaperBlog]

I loved Bear. And if I had a top 15 it would have been here. It was just outside the top 10 for me.

[@aleidadiaz2261]

How can you be from California and say ‘y’all’?!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

It is a word choice. Anyone from anywhere can say y’all. It belongs to no one LOL.

[@AnnaShuk]

I wish you all the amazing things in new place 🫂💛. And what an amazing list!

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you - cannot wait to start this net chapter.

[@spexi513]

I too Love(d) The Safekeep ; I’ve heard Intermezzo plugs for months, but this was the first that compelled me to add to TBR. Congratulations on the upgrades and 😂 first thing I thought of was powell’s 📖🪱💚💚💚💚

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Thank you so much. I hope you love Intermezzo as much as I did. It really is a fantastic family story. And more people need to read The Safekeep, it is 100% worth the time.