Perhaps Dr. Seuss said it best: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
There’s simply nothing like a good book, especially when it’s hot off the press. Fall 2020 book releases are right around the corner. So we’ve curated a list stocked with brilliant books for seniors to enjoy on their own or with friends and family. Because the one sure way to make a good book better is to share it.
You’ll quickly find the interesting, engaging books for seniors we discovered among the fall 2020 book releases include a wide variety of topics with appeal for all ages. We even included a few titles released earlier in the year that are entertaining and enlightening books to read to grandchildren, nieces and nephews — whether it’s during a virtual FaceTime chat or at a time when you’re together.
The benefits of a good story.
You know it. You’ve said it time and again. Reading is good for you. The benefits of reading start with strengthening the brain’s neural network, keeping the mind more receptive to learning, retaining information, decision-making. When you make reading part of your daily routine, you’ll find it helps reduce stress and can enhance sleep, possibly even delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The social side of reading.
As long as there have been books, people have gathered to discuss them. And whether it’s neighbors who get together in each other’s homes to share thoughts on the latest bestseller or friends from near and far who share an interest in popular books through a virtual book club, the conversation and camaraderie are what make book clubs so appealing. So let the reading begin with a few picks from the fall 2020 book releases that are terrific book club recommendations.
First some fiction.
“Inside Story” by Martin Amis
Amis follows his roots in this novel that features a cast of friends and literary luminaries, including Saul Bellow, Christopher Hitchens, Iris Murdoch, as well as his father, Kingsley Amis.
“The Evening and The Morning” by Ken Follett
In a prequel to Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth” and set in 997 England, this is the intriguing tale of a young boat builder, a noblewoman and a monk who clash with a powerful, corrupt bishop.
“Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi
Her debut novel, “Homegoing,” introduced Gyasi as a major novelist. This lyrical depiction of a Ghanian family living in Alabama is a moving portrayal of faith, science, religion and love.
“The Sentinel” by Lee and Andrew Child
Lee Child and his brother, Andrew, collaborated to write the 25th gripping Jack Reacher thriller. This one is set in Nashville, where Jack’s not looking for trouble, but it soon finds him.
“The Royal Governess: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II’s Childhood by Wendy Holden
Told through the eyes of Marion Crawford, a tutor for Elizabeth and Margaret in 1933, when the future queen was 9 years old, through WWII and Elizabeth’s first meeting with Philip.
“Daddy” by Emma Cline
Cline’s second book after bestseller The Girls sets a range of fraught domestic scenes in the Southwest part of our country and Southern California through stories that explore pain under a placid surface.
“Just Like You” by Nick Hornby
This novel explores an unexpected love match and the rewards of opening your heart to find that sometimes who we think we’re supposed to end up with turns out to be all wrong.
Biographies and books about real life.
“Gabrielle Chanel” by Miren Arzalluz with photographs by Julien T. Hamon
Follow the life of the fashion icon who introduced the little black dress, women’s trousers and the first couture perfume (No. 5).
“Billion Dollar Loser” by Reeves Wiedeman
In his first book, journalist Wiedeman explores the rise and fall of shared workspace provider WeWork, suggesting the excesses of its founder shaped a corporate culture unlike any other.
“The Daughters of Yalta: The Churchills, Roosevelts, and Harrimans: A Story of Love and War” by Catherine Grace Katz
Katz reveals what the daughters of Churchill, FDR, and Averell Harriman, U.S. ambassador to the USSR, were up to at the 1945 Yalta Conference as their fathers tangled with Stalin.
“Lady Bird Johnson: Hiding in Plain Sight” by Julia Sweig
Sweig reevaluates the life of Texas-born Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson and shares the significant impact she had as first lady during the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.
“Ages of American Capitalism” by Jonathan Levy
From the colonial era through the 2008 crash, this economic historian traces the evolution of American capitalism and argues that today’s economy is at another historical turning point.
“It’s Never Too Late: Make the Next Act of Your Life the Best Act of Your Life” by Kathie Lee Gifford
Former “Today” host and co-host of “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee,” Gifford reveals her story of struggle and success as inspiration for readers to go after dreams and embrace change.
“Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times” by Katherine May
Memoirist May explores the transformative power of rest and retreat, considers the ways life operates cyclically, and encourages us all to actively accept, and sometimes sit in, our sadness.
Books to share with children.
We all know the benefits of reading to children, but it’s also a lovely benefit when children read to you. Here are a few 2020 releases for children at different ages and stages. Consider sending a book to a youngster in your family and reading it together during a one-on-one virtual book club. Or simply jump on the phone and discuss the book with older children who will soon find books they enjoy can also be books for senior citizens.
Preschool
“You Matter” by Christian Robinson
A Caldecott Honor- and Newbery Medal-winning author-illustrator, Robinson uses the simplest of phrases and diverse illustrations to spark emotions and prompt meaningful conversations.
“The Seed of Compassion” by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, illustrated by Bao Luu
In his first picture book, this Nobel Peace Prize laureate shares special moments from his childhood to teach kids inspirational lessons in compassion and kindness.
6+
“I Am Leonardo da Vinci” by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
Part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series, this book spotlights the brilliant, multitalented, and definitely ahead-of-his-time artist/engineer/scientist of the Italian Renaissance.
“I Am Love” by Susan Verde and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds
Part of the best-selling “I Am…” series, the thoughtful main character in this story is a self-aware messenger of love and features a diverse cast of genders, skin colors and friends to love.
8+
“The Best of Iggy” by Annie Barrows
Barrows is the author of the popular “Ivy + Bean” series. This is the story of a fun-loving fourth grader named Iggy who has a habit of getting carried away, into trouble and learning from it.
“City Spies” by James Ponti
Diverse young characters are recruited by a spy agency for assorted world-saving missions. Readers will pick up all kinds of computer, technology and science-related history.
12+
“Making Our Way Home: The Great Migration and the Black American Dream” by Blair Imani
Beginning after the Civil War and ending in the 1970s, this story chronicles the journey of Black Americans who fled the racism of the South in search of better lives, exploring issues still relevant today.
“The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh” by Candace Fleming
A true depiction of the aviator’s life, beginning with his childhood and days as a barnstorming stunt pilot to his rise to international fame as the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic.
Read up on The Stayton at Museum Way.
The Stayton is inspired by the neighborhood it thrives in. Where art and architecture, science and history, opera, theater and music play alongside natural parklike beauty. Our residents are curious-minded and fun-loving readers who would love to welcome you to their book club or one of many, many groups and gatherings that focus on continuing to learn and live well. To learn more about our community, contact us via our website or give us a call at 855-778-8934.We can talk about your favorite book.
