Best Books to Read For Ages 41 – 60
Oh boy. Now we’re getting up there in age. Hey, 40 is the new 20 these days, right? Let’s dive right in and see what picks we had this week for readers 41 to 60.
Age 41
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Let’s start your 40’s with a good belly laugh. Comedian Amy Poehler shares poems, pictures, short stories, and lists that are dynamite! When you see a book with chapters like, “Treat Your Career Like a Bad Boyfriend” and “The Robots Will Kill Us All” you know it is going to be good.
Age 42
Wonder, by RJ Palacio
Wonder tells the story of a kid with a rare facial deformity that is enjoyable for both kids and adults alike. Auggie’s positive attitude will motivate you to be positive too!
Age 43
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
There is no better feeling than the one of accomplishing a goal. Whether that is climbing the highest mountain in the world, or finally publishing a novel, Into Thin Air will give you the motivation to do so.
Age 44
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Memoirs can be a good way to get your mind going and think about aspects of your life you are grateful for. The Glass Castle has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over seven years and counting. If nothing at all, watch the movie and you’ll see why.
Age 45
Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall
Road trip! Whistling Past the Graveyard is a coming of age story that is perfect for anyone in the mid 40’s.
Age 46
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Take a look back into the past. The Help is the story of how a black maid and a white socialite come together to write a book of what it is like to be black in the south in the early 1960’s.
Age 47
Stretching by Bob Anderson
Stay fit and healthy as you are reaching the end of your 40’s with Anderson’s infamous bestseller, Stretching. In this edition, you’ll find stretches you can do in the office!
Age 48
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
A Wrinkle in Time is the first book in the Time Quintet Series that tells the tale of brother and sister Meg and Charles going back in time to find their father who mysteriously disappeared. For a children’s book, it is more complicated than you think!
Age 49
The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time by Arianna Huffington
Losing sleep cause you’re worried about this being the last year before you hit over the hill? Not to worry. Huffington explains what’s going on with society’s relationship with sleep, the sleeping pill industry, and more. She’ll break all of that down for you and offer some tips on getting a good night’s rest.
Age 50
Mr. Mercedes: A Novel (1) (The Bill Hodges Trilogy) by Stephen King
Feel a mid-life crisis coming on now that you’ve reached over the hill? Time to have a bit of fun and get a car! Just don’t let the master of horror Stephen King scare you off with his must-read book, Mr. Mercedes.
Age 51
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Rubin had an epiphany one day and decided to dedicate a year to what she called her “happiness project.” In her book, she shares wisdom and lessons that are helpful in any age of life.
Age 52
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Sometimes reading a book as an adult that you read as a child gives new meaning to the book. Give The Giver a second chance now that you’ve lived a fulfilling life.
Age 53
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Ove is a grumpy, yet loveable old man. When a young couple moves next door, their daughter brings out something in Ove that none of the neighbors thought possible. Don’t be an Ove. You’re only 53.
Age 54
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
“I will not play at tug o’ war.
I’d rather play at hug o’ war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs…”
Silverstein’s poems are enjoyable at any age!
Age 55
Bossypants by Tina Fey
For a big belly laugh as you edge closer and closer to retirement, read Bossypants. Enough said.
Age 56
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Road is a post-apocalyptic novel about a father and son walking through America. As they look at the devastation of the country, the future seems bleak, but their attitudes remain positive. A surprisingly good to book to fuel a meditation session.
Age 57
God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut
After a serious novel like the one above, you’re due for one of the funniest books Kurt Vonnegut ever wrote. God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater is a satirical novel full of greed and hypocrisy that, by now, you’ve probably encountered plenty of similar scenarios.
Age 58
Corn-Fed: Cul-de-sacs, Keg Stands, and Coming of Age in the Midwest by Melanie LaForce
Reminisce about your first day at camp, first job, and first love with LaForce’s memoir, Corn-Fed. If you live in the midwest or know someone who does, you’ll probably be able to relate to LaForce.
Age 59
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Go out like a bang and spend your last year in your 50’s just as Jay Gatsby would. Enjoy a year of treating yourself and spending time with people you love. What more could you ask for?
Age 60
The Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
One of the finest dramas in America theater is the Pultizer Prize-winning playwright, The Death of a Salesman. Willy Loman is in his 60s, reminiscing about his past 34 years of being a failing salesman. He decides to take one final brave action, but will it fulfill his dream or be one more disappointment?
What do you think? What books did you enjoy at these ages? Let us know in the comments!
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