44 Recommended Books For Seniors

Since the very beginning, mankind has been fascinated with stories, from children’s tales to discussions of what exists beyond the world we know. Many people use books to learn more about the world, see things from a different viewpoint, and educate themselves on topics they may not have known anything about. Books allow our imaginations free reign and the chance to answer the question, “What if?” 

For seniors, books can unlock a world of possibilities, from opening new doors to worlds they’ve yet to explore to replacing the struggles of their own lives with those of another—at least for a short time. Finding a new book to read can help seniors establish social connections, learn something new about themselves or others, and relate to life a bit differently. 

Books Recommended For Seniors 

The following list of recommended books includes many titles in different categories. Each list was compiled by reviewing various best-seller rankings and recommendations, and also includes a few of our favorites. If you’re struggling to find something new to read, asking friends and family what they’re reading can also spark a conversation. 

Mystery

These books take the age-old question of Whodunnit? to the next level: 

1. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman 

2. The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

3. The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg

4. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

5. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

6. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

7. Run, Rose, Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson

Finding a mystery series can also give you something to look forward to if you really connect with a character. 

Fiction

Some of the most well-known novels are great works of fiction. Here are a few titles to explore:

1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

2. The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin Van Draanen

3. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman; translated by Henning Koch

4. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

5. Prime of Life by P.D. Bekendam

6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

7. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

8. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

9. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

10. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

11. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

12. Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty

13. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

14. The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan 

15. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

16. Take Nothing With You by Patrick Gale

17. The Citadel  by A. J. Cronin

18. The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

19. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

20. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

21. I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

22. And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer

23. We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

If you can’t find one to connect with, visiting the library and looking at titles nearby on the shelf can also give you a wider selection to choose from. 

Romance

If you enjoy a heart-warming love story, these books are sure to delight: 

1. And Then There Was You by Nancy Naigle

2. The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

3. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

4. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

If you enjoy reading a myriad of books in different genres, consider forming a book club to discuss your favorites with others! 

Non-Fiction 

Whether rooted in fact or based on a true story, non-fiction works like these can help readers relate: 

1. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

2. Educated by Tara Westover

3. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

4. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

5. Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes 

6. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

7. Managing Expectations: A Memoir in Essays by Minnie Driver

8. How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan 

9. Your Default Settings by Rad Wendzich

10. How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell

Which of the titles above did you bookmark? 

Explore the World With Right at Home Salem Caregivers 

When it comes to investigating the world around us, books offer a unique perspective that’s as interesting as the authors who wrote them. Right at Home Salem caregivers recognize that we each have our own stories to tell and welcome the chance to hear yours. If you’d like to learn more about Right at Home’s senior home care services, contact us to set up a free consultation.