Happy New Year’s Eve!
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on one of the greatest joys in my life: reading, talking about, and writing about books. Stories, ideas, and the voices behind them continue to inspire me, challenge me, and connect me to others—and today feels like the perfect moment to look back on my 2024 reading journey.
The first book I reviewed this year was Blow the Lid Off, a powerful reminder that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. While it encourages readers to define success on their own terms, its deeper message is about discovering your true value and learning how to apply it creatively across your work and life. It set a thoughtful, motivating tone for the year ahead.
My reading adventures ranged widely in length and scope. The longest book I tackled came in at 541 pages, while the shortest was just 28 pages—a testament to the idea that impact isn’t measured by size alone. On average, my books were 193 pages long, and over the course of the year I reviewed 47 books, totaling 9,104 pages. Every one of them added something unique to my reading experience.
Based on readership and engagement, Hacking Life After 50: 10 Ways to Beat Father Time and Live a Long, Healthy, Joy-Filled Life by James Alan Sturtevant and Mark Barnes emerged as a frequently viewed favorite this year, resonating strongly with many of you. My final review of 2024 was How Far Is Far?, a fitting way to close out another meaningful year of reading and reflection.
I am deeply grateful for every book review request and for the authors and readers who continue to trust me with their stories. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to share more antique books, spotlight exceptional works by lesser-known authors, and feature more author interviews. There is so much literary treasure waiting to be discovered.
Our book club Bound Together also starting the new year with Unfinished Sentences, an engaging and creative challenge built around five sentence starters that must be completed with book titles. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s responses—it’s a fun, interactive way to spark conversation and celebrate reading together.
Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful forces in the world of books, so please keep sharing what you’re reading and loving. Your recommendations matter more than you know.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Wishing you all a joyful, healthy, and book-filled 2025!
