Best Books to Read for Ages 81 – 100
We’ve come so far in our Best Books to Read at each age piece! Here are the final 19 books we recommend to read in your 80s and beyond.
Age 81
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Set in the Great Depression, Water for Elephants tells the story of how Jacob Janowski ends up getting a job at the circus. Jacob soon bonds with an untrainable elephant named Rosie. You’ll see how the two, along with all the other cast of kooky characters, make the best during the hardest times.
Age 82
Call It A Gift by Valerie Hobbs
Jeronimo is seventy-seven and Emily eighty-two when they meet at the library and nearly have an argument over a book. The two fall in love, elope and get ready for a wild ride. They soon find that being married at that age in life is more complicated.
Age 83
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Science student Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with the cause of humanity decides to find out for himself by assembling a human of his own with various body parts. Shelley was 18-years-old when she started to write the gothic horror piece that has haunted readers for centuries.
Age 84
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Loosely based on Alcott and her sisters, Little Women follows the lives of four sisters as they grow into adulthood. Something to keep in mind as you see your own grandkids get older!
Age 85
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
A gripping memoir about growing up during the Great Depression in an Irish Catholic household. McCourt and his family lived in the slums of New York, wore rags for diapers, and has a father that drinks away his wages. Definitely put this on your Goodreads list!
Age 86
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
A love story that many say is the world’s greatest novel, Tolstoy beautifully writes the story of Anna Karenina. Anna is a sophisticated woman who leaves her wealthy husband Karenin and turns to Count Vronsky to fulfill her passion, but it comes with tragic consequences.
Age 87
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Two sisters who lived opposite lives reunite when their mother falls ill. The two bond over a fairytale that their mother told them as little girls. But the origin of the story is unknown. The two sisters are about to find where it came from and why it is such a sore topic in their family.
Age 88
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Because you’re never too old to battle the largest fish in the sea!
Age 89
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 by John Bishop
For an excellent mystery with a touch of comedy, pick up a copy of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. It’s a great book to read along with a friend or family member.
Age 90
Rules for Aging: A Wry and Witty Guide to Life by Roger Rosenblatt
Think of this as a “how-to” book to aging gracefully. Essayist and PBS News contributor Roger Rosenblatt writes funny rules that have truth to them. Take Rule #1: It doesn’t matter. Rosenblatt insists that if you follow this rule, it will add decades to your life.
Age 91
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
A Newbery award-winning novel of two friends who create a magical imaginary world called Terabithia. One day tragedy strikes and only the strength of family and friends coming to heal the grief. Keep the tissues close by!
Age 92
The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules by Catharina Ingelman-Sundberg
A group of women in a senior home decides they’re fed up with the accommodations and management, so they resort to white-collar crime. If you enjoyed A Man Called Ove you’ll get a kick out of this one.
Age 93
Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell
A well-written poem has the power to tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and stir up all sorts of emotions. Breakaway from a novel and enjoy this collection of poetry.
Age 94
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Find out what the battle of the sexes was like back in 1598 when Shakespeare wrote his comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Read one act, and you’ll see how far society has come!
Age 95
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Harvard professor Alice Howland seems to be forgetting things more often. She soon finds out that she is developing Alzheimer’s disease. She would have never thought at her age that she could start losing her mind. Together with her family, they find a way to cope with this uncurable diagnosis.
Age 96
Calvin and Hobbes (Volume 1) by Bill Watterson
Rather than clipping out the Clavin and Hobbes comic strip out of the paper each day, buy an entire volume of them. A fun read to enjoy with the family!
Age 97
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7) by J.K. Rowling
Join Harry, Hermoine, and Ron as you read the final and seventh book in the Harry Potter series. Will good trump over the evil that threatens the wizarding world? You’ll be guessing all the way to the end!
Age 98
Life Is So Good by George Dawson
George Dawson is a slave’s grandson who learned to read at age 98 and lived to the age of 103. In his book, Dawson reflects on his life and shares valuable lessons in living.
Age 99
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie
In 20th century India, Saleem Sinai was born the midnight of India’s independence and is endowed with a special talent. In Midnight’s Children, you get to see how Saleem’s talent helps him and his family overcome odds and obstacles.
Age 100
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
A fun feel-good book to read at 100 is The 100-Year-Old Man Who CLimed out the Window and Disappeared. On his 100th birthday Allan Karlsson (you guessed it) climbs out of his window to avoid attending his own party. What instills is a journey you take revisiting Allan’s past.
What do you think? What books do you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments!
Comments