10+ Best Books for 50-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you hitting the big 5-0 and looking for your next great read? You're in the right place! Our carefully curated list of books for 50-year-olds offers a variety of captivating choices that resonate with your life's experiences and adventures. Whether you're in the mood for a deep dive into transformative narratives or just a fun escape, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are perfect for this exciting chapter of your life!

Fun Books for 50-Year-Olds

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Ove, a curmudgeonly old man whose life changes when a new family moves in next door and challenges his solitary, rigid lifestyle.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that highlights the importance of community and connection, themes that resonate strongly at any age, but particularly for those in their 50s looking to find joy and meaning in everyday interactions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uplifting stories about unexpected friendships and second chances.

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this novel revolves around a magical competition between two young illusionists, whose fates are unknowingly intertwined with a mysterious circus that appears only at night.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a magical escape with rich, imaginative storytelling that can rekindle a sense of wonder and the possibilities of magic and love in one's life.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and romance who appreciate lush, descriptive prose and intricate plots.

• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Epistolary
  • Synopsis: Through a series of letters, this novel unfolds the experiences of Juliet Ashton and her correspondence with the residents of Guernsey Island, revealing the island's German occupation during WWII.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming read that combines historical depth with light-hearted storytelling, ideal for those who appreciate learning about history in an engaging, personal way.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and lovers of stories told through letters and documents.

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction, Creativity
  • Synopsis: Gilbert shares her wisdom and perspective about creativity, offering insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to embrace their curiosity and live a life driven more strongly by creativity and less by fear, which can be incredibly liberating in one's 50s.
  • Perfect for: Anyone looking to inject creativity into their daily life or seeking motivation to pursue personal passions.

• Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
  • Genre(s): Humor, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows 15-year-old Bee as she compiles email messages, official documents, and secret correspondence in an attempt to find her agoraphobic mother, Bernadette, who has disappeared.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and sharp novel that deals with themes of identity, anxiety, and family dynamics, all wrapped up in a compelling mystery.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a mix of humor and mystery with quirky, well-developed characters.

Educational Books for 50-Year-Olds

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book provides a compelling overview of the history of our species, from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, critical thinking, understanding of human societies and cultures
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fascinating look at how humans have evolved over time, both biologically and culturally, making complex historical and scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in anthropology, history, and science, looking for insights into the development of human societies.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951 and led to significant scientific breakthroughs, touching on issues of ethics, race, and medicine.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, scientific literacy, understanding of medical and racial history
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores complex themes of scientific ethics and the impact of racism in medical research, presented through a compelling narrative that is both educational and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in medical history, ethics, or science, and those who appreciate stories that highlight important but overlooked figures in history.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Psychology, Economics
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive our thoughts: System 1, fast and intuitive; and System 2, slow and deliberate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, cognitive psychology, self-awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides deep insights into how we think and make decisions, offering readers tools to make better choices and understand the biases that affect their thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking to improve their critical thinking, decision-making skills, and understanding of psychological processes.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the author'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: Empathy, understanding of educational disparities, self-motivation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of resilience and the pursuit of education against all odds, encouraging readers to think about the value of learning and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy powerful personal stories and anyone interested in the transformative power of education.

• Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: Diamond examines the reasons why some societies prosper and others fail, attributing societal success to geographical and environmental factors rather than racial genetics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical analysis, understanding of global societies, ecological and geographical awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges conventional narratives about the development of civilizations with a well-researched and widely acclaimed argument, making it a must-read for those interested in the forces that shape human history.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by history, geography, and the factors that influence the rise and fall of civilizations.

Challenging Books for 50-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel presents a complex, multi-layered narrative that explores themes of addiction, entertainment, and the pursuit of happiness in contemporary America.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is non-linear, featuring extensive footnotes, which creates a challenging reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offering a deep and rewarding exploration of modern life's complexities.
  • Perfect for: Avid readers looking for a substantial, intellectually stimulating challenge.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the novel follows several characters as they attempt to uncover the secrets of a mysterious rocket weapon.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its complex plot, a vast array of characters, and richly detailed thematic content make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterful blend of science, history, and conspiracy that offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on human behavior and technology.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dense, complex narratives with deep historical and scientific underpinnings.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Fiction
  • Synopsis: This landmark novel details the peripatetic appointments and encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin in the course of an ordinary day, 16 June 1904.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its stream-of-consciousness technique and dense allusions to a vast body of literature, history, and culture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of the most important works of modernist literature, offering profound insights into the details of everyday life and the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Literary enthusiasts who appreciate intricate narratives and are looking for a deep dive into early 20th-century literature.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This epic novel chronicles the French invasion of Russia and the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the eyes of five aristocratic families.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its broad scale, with extensive philosophical digressions and a large cast of characters, requires significant commitment and concentration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a sweeping view of 19th-century Russian society and a meditation on history and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in Russian history and epic tales that weave personal lives with historical events.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Fiction, Mystery, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the bitter rivalry among four brothers in Russia of the 1870s when their father is murdered, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves deeply into philosophical debates on God, free will, and morality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of ethical and existential questions that will enrich any reader's philosophical pondering.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy deep philosophical questions woven into compelling narratives.

• The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
  • Genre(s): Southern Gothic, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of the Compson family’s struggles and decline over several decades in the southern United States.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its use of stream-of-consciousness narrative, shifting perspectives, and non-linear time structure make it a complex read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful examination of the themes of cultural decay and the bonds of family, delivered through innovative narrative techniques.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a challenging read that offers a deep dive into family dynamics and societal changes in the American South.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're in your fabulous fifties and looking to build or enhance your reading habits, you've come to the right place. Here are some tailored exercises to help you dive deeper into your books and make the most out of your reading time. Let's get started!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month or year.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation and a clear target to aim for.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more often and exposes you to different genres and perspectives.
  • Tips: Look for a club that aligns with your interests, or consider starting your own.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special place in your home where you can comfortably read.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it more enjoyable and relaxing.
  • Tips: Ensure your reading spot has good lighting, a comfy seat, and minimal distractions.

• Use Technology
  • What it is: Utilize e-readers, audiobooks, or book-related apps to enhance your reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more accessible and convenient, especially for those on-the-go.
  • Tips: Experiment with different formats to find what works best for you.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Practice reading books aloud, either solo or with a partner.
  • How it helps: Improves focus and retention, and can make reading a more interactive activity.
  • Tips: Try reading aloud for a few minutes each day to build the habit.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from your readings.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Schedule Regular Reading Times
  • What it is: Dedicate specific times of the day or week exclusively for reading.
  • How it helps: Ensures consistent reading time and helps form a lasting habit.
  • Tips: Consider reading during moments of calm, like early morning or before bed.

So, there you have it! Integrating these exercises into your daily routine can significantly enhance your reading habits and make your literary journey even more rewarding. Pick the ones that resonate with you the most, and happy reading!