Books older people should read

Now that autumn has arrived and the weather begins to turn, people will look to do more indoor activities. One great activity older people could enjoy is reading as there are so many incredible books out there.

The great thing about reading is that people can do it anywhere they want. People can read on the sofa, whilst travelling or even on their stairlift at home.

Older people that are interested in reading may not know where to start or which books would suit them best. Here is a guide to some of the best books older people could read and if you are concerned about storage space you can buy a kindle.

A Spool of Blue Thread

Author: Anne Tyler

Joanne Finney, Good Housekeeping’s Book Editor, has recommended the A Spool of Blue Thread book to older people.

Talking about what the book is about, she says, “Three generations of the Whitshank family gather together in the old family home, bringing with them old hurts and rivalries. Matriarch Abby just wants everyone to get along but her grown-up children have different ideas. Anne Tyler perfectly captures the little details of family life that will ring very true to older readers. This is her 20th novel and her skill shows in every beautifully written sentence.”

You will enjoy this book if you have enjoyed reading books such as Early Warning, The Illuminations or Lila.

Return to Mandalay

Author: Rosanna Ley

The Willoughby Book Club send books to thousands of subscribers living in 40 different countries.

Adam Pollard, who is the owner of the award-winning business, says, ““A number of our older subscribers have enjoyed ‘Return to Mandalay’ by Rosanna Ley; an escapist read that moves between modern day Burma and World War Two, and which centres around the unravelling of an intriguing family history. The historic setting, exotic location and compelling storyline all make for a very gripping page-turner.”

Blue

Author: Danielle Steel

This famous book by New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel tells the story of Ginny Carter. She was once a rising star in TV news and is married to a top anchorman, with a three-year-old son living happily in Beverly Hills.

However, two days before Christmas her world is turned upside down after a road accident and in the aftermath she pieces her life back together and tries to find meaning in her existence as a human rights worker in the worst areas around the globe.

On the anniversary of the accident and with her continued struggles her life changes forever after she meets a 13-year-old boy called Blue Williams. He has been living on the streets and she decides to take him in.

After some initial problems they start to become the family they each lost until she learns of a shocking betrayal that he has been hiding.

The story really is an emotionally gripping story of dark secrets, second chances, and the power of love and courage.

The Girl on the Train

Author: Paula Hawkins

This book has made the headlines in recent times after it was successfully made into a movie starring Emily Blunt.

Even if you have seen the film it is certainly worth reading the fascinating novel. It tells the story of Rachel Watson, a drink-addled and heartbroken lady that commutes every day from suburbia to Euston.

The commute reminds her about the old life she enjoyed and one that is now taken by another woman. To relieve the pain Rachel creates a fantasy, but this is shattered after she witnesses something no-one should see.

This event changes everything she has ever known and she soon no longer becomes just the Girl on the Train.

All the Light We Cannot See

Author: Anthony Doerr

This fascinating story is set in France during World War II and is about a young blind girl called Marie-Laure and an orphaned German boy called Werner. It depicts their relationship and demonstrates perpetual altruism.

Marie-Laure lived in Paris, but after the Nazis occupy the city she flees with her father to her great uncle’s house. The pair are carrying the most valuable and dangerous jewel from the Paris Museum of Natural History.

The book also looks at Werner Pfennig growing up in a mining town in Germany and how he becomes enlisted to track down the resistance. The book highlights how people try to be good to one another.

The All the Light We Cannot See book, which is available through Barnes & Noble, has won the Pulitzer Prize and was a National Book Award finalist.

399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young

Author: Nancy Linde

This illustrated game book has been created to cross-train the brain and the book boasts a lively mix of challenges, riddles, and brainteasers.

It is a great book that older people can enjoy whilst also helping six key areas of cognitive function that are vulnerable in normal ageing: long-term memory, working memory, executive functioning, attention to detail, multitasking, and processing speed.

Readers can try easy games and other games that are more difficult. The games are also labelled so that the reader will know what cognitive functions are being worked.

The book also states that by doing a custom workout people can improve their brain’s strength and flexibility.

Lower Your Brain Age in Minutes a Day

Author: Editors of Publications International

Sticking with the brain games, the Lower Your Brain Age in Minutes a Day book is designed to enhance a person’s memory, boost their creativity and offer a mental workout.

Each section of the book gets harder than the previous one and games include puzzles, drawing exercises, mazes, anagrams, math puzzles and word searches to name just a few.

You can buy a softcover version of the book from Abe Books for just £11.40 or just over £3 for pre-used books.