10+ Best Books for 35-Year-Old Woman w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you a 35-year-old woman on the lookout for your next great read? You're in the right place! Whether you're searching for inspiration, escape, or just a good story, we've curated a diverse selection of books tailored just for you. Keep reading to discover our top picks in "Books for 35-Year-Old Woman" that promise to resonate with your unique journey and interests. Let's dive into the world of books that are as intriguing as they are enriching!

Fun Books for 35-Year-Old Woman

• Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Bernadette Fox, a once-famous architect who disappears, leaving her 15-year-old daughter Bee to piece together her whereabouts through emails, official documents, and secret correspondence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and engaging read that deals with themes of personal rediscovery and the challenges of familial relationships, resonating well with readers navigating mid-life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy quirky characters and a mix of humor and mystery.

• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Drama, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the dangerous little lies that we tell ourselves just to survive and the fallout that occurs in the community after a school trivia night ends in a shocking death.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an intriguing look at the complexities of female friendships and motherhood, wrapped in a gripping mystery that keeps the pages turning.
  • Perfect for: Fans of psychological thrillers and those interested in the dynamics of social life in suburban settings.

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story is set in a magical, traveling circus that is only open at night. Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are pitted against each other in a magical competition but fall in love, which complicates their fates.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captivates with its rich, imaginative setting and a spellbinding love story. It's a wonderful escape that also explores deeper themes of choice and consequence.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy with a touch of romance and mystery.

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and routine-bound woman who starts to open up her life after she develops a crush on a local musician and forms a friendship with a new work colleague.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that addresses serious topics like loneliness and mental health with sensitivity and humor, making it a deeply relatable read for many at this stage of life.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for stories of personal transformation and resilience.

• The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Nina Hill's quiet life working in a bookstore and her comfortable routine are thrown into disarray when she discovers the father she never knew has died and left her something in his will. Meanwhile, she's also juggling challenges in her love life and a potential rivalry with a family she never knew she had.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor, romance, and a love of books in a story that's all about finding connections and learning to step out of one's comfort zone.
  • Perfect for: Book lovers and introverts looking to see themselves in a heartwarming narrative.

Educational Books for 35-Year-Old Woman

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts Tara Westover's journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho with no formal education to earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, self-education, resilience, understanding of mental health and family dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound testament to the power of education and the strength it takes to change one's life path despite overwhelming odds.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in inspirational stories of personal triumph and the transformative power of education.

• Becoming by Michelle Obama
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This memoir provides a deep and engaging look into the life of Michelle Obama, tracing her roots, her time in the White House, her public health campaign, and her role as a mother.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership, social awareness, advocacy, personal development
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an inspiring look at a woman who has continually pushed beyond boundaries and provides a unique insight into American political life from a personal point of view.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in strong female role models and insights into life in leadership and public service.

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book champions the introvert's cause, explaining how quiet individuals contribute profoundly to society and debunking the myth that being social and outgoing is the key to success.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-awareness, understanding of personality types, communication skills, leadership
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep dive into the strengths of introverts and offers valuable insights on how they can leverage these traits in personal and professional environments.
  • Perfect for: Introverts looking for affirmation and extroverts looking to understand their quieter peers.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This biography explores the life of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical judgement, scientific literacy, historical awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It sheds light on the ethical issues in scientific research and the impact of one woman's cells on medical advancements, intertwining personal narrative with scientific exploration.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science, ethics, and history.

• The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology
  • Synopsis: This book emphasizes the importance of one's twenties for personal and professional development, using real-life anecdotes and psychological research to guide readers in making the most of these years.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Career planning, relationship building, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical advice and psychological insights that are crucial for laying the groundwork for a fulfilled life.
  • Perfect for: Young adults in their late twenties and early thirties who are looking to gain clarity and direction in their personal and professional lives.

Challenging Books for 35-Year-Old Woman

• Middlemarch by George Eliot
  • Genre(s): Classic, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a fictitious English town in the 1830s, this novel explores a wide range of characters and plots, focusing on the lives of Dorothea Brooke, a young idealist, and Tertius Lydgate, an ambitious young doctor.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's complex narrative structure and depth in exploring social, political, and personal issues present a rich but demanding reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and societal pressures, making it a timeless reflection on personal and societal struggles that resonate even today.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep dives into character psychology and detailed portrayals of historical settings.

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Postmodernism
  • Synopsis: This sprawling novel covers a wide array of topics including addiction, tennis, political intrigue, and entertainment. It primarily follows the stories of the Incandenza family and the residents of a halfway house.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its nonlinear narrative, extensive footnotes, and wide range of characters and themes make it a complex and intellectually demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cerebral and often humorous exploration of modern life’s complexities, offering a unique narrative style that challenges and rewards persistent readers.
  • Perfect for: Those looking for a challenging read that combines sharp wit with deep philosophical questions.

• The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Satire
  • Synopsis: In Soviet Moscow, the devil arrives with his entourage to wreak havoc. Parallel to this, the story of Pontius Pilate, and a writer known as the Master and his lover Margarita, unfolds.
  • Why this book is challenging: The blending of different genres and deep allegorical layers that critique Soviet society require attentive reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fascinating mix of fantasy and reality, providing a scathing yet humorous critique of Soviet society while exploring themes of love and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in satirical works that blend the fantastical with political and philosophical commentary.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodernism
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the novel follows a sprawling cast of characters, including Tyrone Slothrop, an American lieutenant whose sexual escapades map mysteriously to V-2 rocket strikes.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its complex plot, a multitude of characters, and a dense, allusive narrative style make it one of the more difficult reads in modern American literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep and intricate examination of history, science, and culture, packed with dark humor and rich in detail.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a challenging narrative that requires and rewards careful analysis and thought.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Crime, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of the Karamazov brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and the events leading up to and following the murder of their father, Fyodor Pavlovich.
  • Why this book is challenging: The exploration of moral philosophy, faith, doubt, and reason alongside a complex narrative structure demands significant intellectual engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves deeply into questions of ethics, religion, and human emotion, providing a profound philosophical and psychological exploration.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in deep philosophical questions and complex character studies.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're a 35-year-old woman looking to dive deeper into the world of books, you're in for a treat. Developing good reading habits can not only enhance your knowledge but also provide a great escape and improve your mental health. Here are some tailored exercises to help you build and maintain these habits effectively.

• Set a Daily Reading Goal
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or a set amount of time to read each day.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent engagement with books, building a steady reading habit.
  • Tips: Start small, perhaps with 15 minutes or 10 pages a day, and gradually increase.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Associates this space with reading, making it easier to focus and relax.
  • Tips: Make it cozy – think comfy chair, good lighting, and perhaps a small plant or a candle.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club either locally or online.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read regularly and exposes you to different genres and perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose a club that aligns with your interests, or try something new to expand your horizons.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app to track your reading habits, set reminders, or find book recommendations.
  • How it helps: Keeps your reading goals on track and simplifies the process of choosing your next book.
  • Tips: Popular apps like Goodreads or Libby can be a great start to digitalize your reading habit.

• Implement a 'Reading Hour'
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific hour each day solely to reading.
  • How it helps: Helps in making reading a priority and a regular part of your daily routine.
  • Tips: Perhaps right before bed or first thing in the morning works best for you.

• Read Broadly
  • What it is: Make a conscious effort to read books from various genres and authors.
  • How it helps: Broadens your perspective and prevents you from falling into a reading rut.
  • Tips: Every month, try to pick a book that is outside of your usual genre preference.

• Reflect on Your Reading
  • What it is: Take time to think about or discuss the books you've read.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and enhances retention of the material.
  • Tips: Consider keeping a reading journal or discussing books with friends or in your book club.

By integrating these exercises into your daily routine, you'll not only enjoy your reading time more but also reap the benefits that come with being an avid reader. Remember, the key to developing a lasting habit is consistency, so pick the exercises that resonate most with you and stick with them. Happy reading!