10+ Best Books for 90-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Searching for the perfect read can be a delightful journey, no matter your age. If you or a loved one are in the vibrant age bracket of 90 years and above, finding engaging and relatable books can enhance the joy of reading. In this blog, we've curated a selection of books for 90-year-olds that cater to diverse tastes and interests. Keep reading to discover our various lists of books that promise to captivate and inspire seasoned readers like yourself!

Fun Books for 90-Year-Olds

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and sullen girl who transforms along with her neglected garden as she brings it back to life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that promotes the therapeutic beauty of nature and the healing power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of transformation and the rejuvenating power of nature.

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book centers around Ove, a curmudgeonly old man whose life changes when a new family moves in next door and challenges his solitary, structured world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully blends humor and heartache, offering a touching narrative about love, loss, and the importance of community.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys stories about unexpected friendships and the impact one life can have on many.

• Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
  • Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the tender late-in-life relationship that develops between Addie Moore and Louis Waters, who seek companionship and a respite from loneliness in each other’s company.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gentle and moving portrayal of aging and companionship, showing that it's never too late to form meaningful connections.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a poignant story about love in the later years of life.

• The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
  • Genre(s): Humor, Adventure
  • Synopsis: On his 100th birthday, Allan Karlsson escapes from his nursing home and embarks on an unexpected journey that involves a suitcase full of cash, criminals, and an elephant.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous and uplifting escape with plenty of adventure, reflecting on a century of history through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy quirky stories with a mix of humor, history, and adventure.

• Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson
  • Genre(s): Comedy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Miss Pettigrew, a middle-aged governess, stumbles into a glamorous social world after being sent by mistake to the wrong address for a job.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful Cinderella story for adults, filled with charm and a whirlwind of social escapades.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy light-hearted, feel-good stories with a touch of romance and comedy.

Educational Books for 90-Year-Olds

• The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History
  • Synopsis: This epic narrative chronicles the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural awareness, empathy, understanding of social dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful and detailed account of a pivotal yet often overlooked period in American history.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and readers interested in the African American experience and the broader social transformations of the United States.

• Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Health, Medicine
  • Synopsis: Gawande tackles the hardest challenge of his profession: how medicine can not only improve life but also the process of its ending.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of medical ethics, awareness of end-of-life care, empathy, decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compassionate and eye-opening look at how our healthcare system handles aging and death, and how it could improve.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in medical ethics, aging, and the complexities of end-of-life care.

• The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway
  • Genre(s): Classic, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman, Santiago, and his grueling and triumphant battle with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Literary analysis, perseverance, themes of courage and personal triumph
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, rich text that explores the themes of strength and perseverance against seemingly insurmountable odds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate classic literature and stories that delve into the human spirit and its capacity to endure and overcome.

• The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
  • Synopsis: College student Joe Talbert interviews a convicted murderer for a biography project, uncovering truths that challenge his perceptions of justice and morality.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines suspense with deep, philosophical questions about guilt, redemption, and truth.
  • Perfect for: Mystery lovers and those who enjoy stories that challenge their moral compass.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book offers a sweeping narrative of human history, from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, scientific understanding, cultural analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thought-provoking overview of the history and impact of humankind, challenging readers to consider the ways in which we've shaped the world and each other.
  • Perfect for: Readers fascinated by history, science, and the factors that influence human society and development.

Challenging Books for 90-Year-Olds

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel takes place on a single day, June 16, 1904, and follows the experiences of Leopold Bloom in Dublin. The narrative parallels the Odyssey, with modern characters mirroring those from the ancient text.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex, incorporating stream of consciousness, symbolism, and allusions to a myriad of literary and historical texts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a landmark in modernist literature, offering readers a deep dive into themes of identity, time, and the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Those who love literary challenges and are intrigued by deep, symbolic texts.

• 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 sheer length, detailed historical descriptions, and a vast array of characters can be daunting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound exploration of life and war, providing insights into human nature and society.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical narratives and profound philosophical questions.

• In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
  • Genre(s): Modernist, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This monumental series of seven novels explores the themes of memory, time, and art, largely through the narrator's recollections of his life and experiences in France.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its lengthy sentences and intricate narrative structure, the novel requires considerable concentration and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a deep meditation on life and time that can offer personal insights and a unique reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate introspective and philosophical literature.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Mystery, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the tumultuous lives of the Karamazov family, exploring deep questions of faith, doubt, and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex ethical and existential dilemmas, woven through intricate character studies and philosophical discourse.
  • Why we recommend this book: It confronts profound questions of existence, faith, and human nature, encouraging deep thought and reflection.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a challenging narrative that explores deep philosophical and theological themes.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the novel follows several characters, including Tyrone Slothrop, whose sexual exploits appear to predict the V-2 rocket strikes.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its complex plot, dense prose, and a wide range of obscure references to science, history, and technology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a challenging, encyclopedic narrative that offers insights into technology, culture, and history.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives that make connections across a wide range of disciplines.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you or someone you love is around 90 years old and looking to keep up or improve their reading habits, here are some tailored exercises that can make reading more enjoyable and beneficial. These activities are designed to enhance engagement and make reading a regular part of daily life.

• Set Daily Reading Goals
  • What it is: Choose a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps create a predictable routine and ensures regular reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase as comfort permits.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Dedicate time to read aloud from a book each day.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and can improve memory through auditory stimulation.
  • Tips: Try reading aloud with a friend or family member to make it more engaging.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a local or online book club that meets regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages social interaction and discussion, which can enhance understanding and enjoyment of the book.
  • Tips: Look for clubs that focus on interests specific to your age group or preferred genres.

• Use Audiobooks
  • What it is: Incorporate audiobooks into your reading routine.
  • How it helps: Allows for enjoying books without the strain of reading small print, and can be accessible during other activities.
  • Tips: Utilize local library services or apps like Audible to find a wide range of audiobooks.

• Create a Comfortable Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a specific area in your home dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Promotes a comfortable and inviting environment that may increase the duration and frequency of reading sessions.
  • Tips: Ensure adequate lighting and seating to avoid strain and maximize comfort.

These exercises are not only practical but can significantly enhance the reading experience for anyone around the age of 90. By integrating these simple practices into daily life, reading can become more than just a pastime—it can be a source of joy and a gateway to lifelong learning. So, grab a book and let’s make reading a delightful habit!