Needless to say, there is nothing as interesting as reading a good book. They bring us to places we’ve never been to, motivate us to follow our deepest passions, but most importantly, help us understand the world we live in other ways. No matter how wise we think we are, reading a great book can only make us wiser. The more we read, the more we recognize how books bring people from different generations or walk paths together, improving our understanding of those minds we find it hard to connect with.
It’s important to mention that recent studies conducted at Northcentral University’s Graduate School suggest that reading improves memory, concentration, and decreases stress. So, whichever your reason is – maybe preparing for your favorite Senior book club or improving your lifestyle – books will always be popular and helpful! So, if you haven’t read a good book in a while, you must make sure that you do so soon. Here’s a list of books you’ll find fascinating!
- Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Exploring the love story between two characters coming from two different worlds, Water for Elephants is definitely a must read. The action is set in the circus era around 1932, when Jacob Jankowski, fearing the Great Depression, chooses to save himself from it by joining the world of freaks and misfits. Here, he meets Marlena, a bewildering star of the circus’s equestrian act. The woman is married to August, the animal trainer, so Jacob must find a way to capture her attention. Rosie, the beautiful, almost untamed elephant, is an interesting addition to the narrative. “This story will make you want to fall in love again and experience the passion of being alive!” writes Best Essays co-founder, James McCarthy.
- The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
An abstract yet beautifully written novel, The Old Man and the Sea proves to be more than just another American fiction book. The story of the Cuban fisherman fighting with a giant marlin right in the middle of the Gulf Stream captures our attention, making us wonder what the hidden language of this fable is. Is the story really about a man fighting a huge fish, or is the author trying to convey a powerful message about humanity?
- Prime of Life by P.D. Bekendam
For anyone interested in unexpected storylines, Bekendam’s Prime of Life is a must. Completely disregarding societal rules, doctor Ben gives up on his whole career to become a janitor and live a stress-free life. He is truly enjoying his freedom, realizing how much he’s been missing out all these years. In the search of a liberating lifestyle, Ben makes his deepest fears conscious and becomes a truly wise, passionate… janitor!
- A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman
The solitary man’s world is turned upside down when a mysterious young family moves next door! This man called Ove is grumpy, points at people when he dislikes them, and has a strict life, following strict routines. He’s not fun to hang out with, he’s a bitter human being, he’s not interested in living life anymore, until…. he realized that someone actually cares about his life. His background story matches his behavior, and this unexpected friendship with a young family will change his life forever.
- The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson
This story of Chicago’s World Fair is suspenseful, daring, and extremely absorbing. Two handsome men meet; one of them is an architect, the other one is a doctor and a murderer. The architect builds Chicago’s fair attractions, time in which the doctor constructs his own torture chamber right outside the fairgrounds. Once you start reading this book, you will not be able to put it down. The impressive storytelling along with the fascinating plot will drag you into the narrative in a quick second.
- I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
A beautiful story about a girl whose life is put in danger when she is only fifteen. Nobody expected she would survive after an ultimate shot in the head while riding the bus back from school. But she is Malala – she mysteriously recovered and traveled from the north side of Pakistan to the United Nations hallways in New York. At only sixteen, Malala became the international symbol of peaceful protest, miracle, and determination.
- The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules – Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
Have you ever heard of the League of Pensioners? If not, definitely read this book. Along with her group of friends (also known as the league), Martha Anderson decides to rob a bank and change her tedious lifestyle into an adrenaline adventure. She is 79, but who counts? The women rebel against the assisted living rules that are being imposed on them and ultimately, manage to escape the facility. “A daring story with a daring ending, this book is another must read,” argues essay writers coordinator, John Cullen.
- The Art of Dying by S.N. Goenka
A real manual on how to deal with death anxiety and fear of death, The Art of Dying teaches us to accept everything that comes with an open mind and heart, but most importantly, with equanimity and awareness. Understanding the Law of Nature – everything changes! – we start to understand life and ultimately, death. Reading this book will help you accept impermanence, nonself, and suffering, and perceive death with different eyes.
- Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Stage by Jo Ann Jenkins
It’s important to be aware of the way we old; in her book, Disrupt Aging, Jo Ann Jenkins explains how to embrace all the opportunities life throws at us and engage in an adventurous lifestyle full of grace and honesty! She discusses her own life path and those of others, suggesting that we can actually get younger and sharper as we old, as long as we know how to live prosperously. Jenkins touches on all the main issues that people 50+ usually face, making her book a top seller.
- Lost & Found by Brooke Davis
When Millie Bird, Karl, and Agatha Pantha meet, little do they know that their whole lives are about to change. Millie is seven, Karl is 87, and Agatha is 82; however, for some reason, they seem to friend an unforgettable friendship as time passes. Together, they discover happiness, love, and joy. Davis’s book teaches us that senior age is not only about aches and pains and misery – it’s about living life to the fullest.
- I’m Too Young to Be Seventy by Judy Viorst
This witty collection of humorous poems will make your day! They are wise, they are touching, they are loving, and they care extremely well-written! To give you a brief example, one of the book’s poems is entitled, “If I should die before I wake, here’s the wife you next should take.” If you don’t feel your age and wanna joke about it, here’s your chance to enjoy some great, comical Viorst lines.
Conclusion
Retirement should be a time of relaxation, peaceful contemplation, and untold stories. It should feel like a permanent vacation that you are more than entitled to, a celebration of freedom from any obligations, a promise to pursue new, exciting interests. So, make sure you live big and bold and beautiful! These eleven books will help you rediscover yourself, your life, and your inner passions!
