I’m in the middle of reading Switzy and while it’s VERY GOOD, it’s also feeding all my anxieties about getting old. It’s reminding me of Still Alice, which I read a million years ago and still haunts my dreams. What if I’m already losing my mind? What if it’s too late for me to accomplish anything new? I know I’m being ridiculous! But also… am I?
Okay, this wasn’t meant to make you spiral too! This is meant to cheer us both up. So: If getting older / losing your faculties is freaking you out - here are a few books to cheer you up and give you hope. I for one would very much like to be a senior citizen who worries her children because she’s always off having adventures and solving mysteries.
The Correspondent, Virginia Evans — a sharp, complicated older woman with plenty left to say.
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame, Olivia Ford — for the fear that it’s too late to do something new.
Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt — for friendship and an unexpected future after loss.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Deborah Moggach — for the possibility of starting over somewhere entirely new.
How to Age Disgracefully, Clare Pooley — for refusing to become well behaved with age.
The Thursday Murder Club, Richard Osman — the perfect payoff to your wish to alarm your children by solving mysteries.
Happy, hopeful reading!
xo, L
p.s. I share the books I read in my weekly newsletter: I’ll Have What She’s Having. You should sign up!