The Buzz...About Books

Life at age 65 is full of possibilities! It's a time to pursue dreams and hobbies, travel, connect with family and friends and, of course, claim senior discounts and pensions. As the saying goes, "Age isn’t a number, it’s an attitude." Many of the title recommendations for our category "a book about a person over age 65" feature protagonists whose attitudes are both inspiring and energizing.

These are my recommendations:

Dava Shastri's Last Day by Ramisetti Kirthana

This book has an unusual premise. Dava Shastri, a 70-year-old billionaire with a terminal disease, decides to end her life – but not before she arranges the leak of her death to the media so that she can read her obituaries. She expects acclaim for her business success and philanthropy but instead finds that social media is abuzz with her hidden secrets and scandals. The defining part of the book for me was when Dava tasks her young grandchildren to think of ideas that can help others through her foundation.

Other categories:

• A book about survival
• A book with multiple timelines
• A book about an optimistic future

Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood by Danny Trejo

I am always drawn to inspirational stories based on people who, against all odds, manage to do well in life. Danny Trejo, who has died brutal deaths in innumerable movies , talks candidly about how he broke free from his addictions to lead a life of sobriety. The author, now 78, is a model spokesperson for those struggling with drugs and alcoholism.

Other categories:

• A book about survival
• A book about an optimistic future

Shadow Life by Hiromi Goto

This graphic novel with lovely artwork by debut artist Anne Xu follows the life of 76-year-old Kumiko, whose well-meaning adult daughters place her in a long-term care facility. Deciding to seek adventure instead of being confined to a small space, she escapes, finds an apartment and begins to live a carefree life enjoying the simple pleasures of life. However, not everything goes as planned when when the thing she was trying to escape follows her. A poignant story about aging and independence with beautiful illustrations.

Other categories:

• A book about survival
• A book about friendship

Staff Recommendations

The following books were picked by Toronto Public Library staff:

Cat Brushing: And Other Stories by Jane Campbell

This is a terrific collection of short stories about and/or from the perspective of people over 65. The author published her first book around her 80th birthday. She captures the loneliness, confusion, humour and longing — both emotional and erotic — of her cohort. You sense dread, pleasure and freedom in her characters as they achieve different kinds of release.

—Joel, Librarian

Left on Tenth: a Second Chance at Life by Delia Ephron

This book is an evocative memoir touching upon themes of love and illness that can inspire the reader to be open to new beginnings and opportunities at any age. Trigger warning for heavy topics such as depression and suicidal thoughts.

Other categories:

• A book about survival

—Monica, Librarian

Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun by Sarah Ladipo Manyika

Morayo Da Silva, a cosmopolitan Nigerian woman, lives in hip San Francisco. On the cusp of seventy-five, she is in good health and makes the most of it, enjoying road trips in her vintage Porsche, chatting to strangers and recollecting characters from her favourite novels. Then she has a fall and her independence crumbles. 

A subtle story about ageing, friendship and loss. This book is also a nuanced study of the erotic yearnings of an older woman.

—Joan, Page

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Winter Solstice challenges us to consider the opportunities that can present themselves after retirement from a lengthy and fulfilling career. Following success on the London stage, Elfrida retires to a small village in Scotland, becoming the catalyst to others around her by supporting family and friends and offering them stability and encouragement. Elfrida defies the rules, and this book defies ageism. Just as the winter solstice is a turning point in the seasons, so too is Rosamunde Pilcher's novel a turning point for many of its characters.

A subtle story about ageing, friendship and loss. This book is also a nuanced study of the erotic yearnings of an older woman.

—Joan, Page

Other categories:

• A book about survival
• A book about an optimistic future

Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout

I am not sure of the age of the protagonist, but she seems to be older and has adult children. It is a story about life and family and how they changed at the onset of COVID in New York. A lovely book and a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Other categories:

• A book about survival

—Catherine, Librarian

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

Six-year-old Sophia, her father and her grandmother spend their summers at a tiny cottage on a small island in the Gulf of Finland. This book follows the relationship between Sophia and her grandmother — they go on expeditions across the island, poke at things that wash up in the surf, make art, examine bugs and create imaginary worlds. And they have great, sometimes hilarious, conversations about all sorts of things. A favourite quote: “A very long time ago, grandmother had wanted to tell about all the things they did, but no one had bothered to ask. And now she had lost the urge.” A gem of a book.

Other categories:

• A book about survival
• A book about friendship
• A book about a land you would like to explore

—Maureen, Librarian

The Housekeeper and the Professor by Stephen Snyder

A young housekeeper takes on the challenging job of looking after a professor who, following a car accident, has only 80 minutes of short-term memory. Each day they re-introduce themselves to one another and navigate the challenges of living and working together. The housekeeper’s 10-year-old son often comes by after school, and he and the professor bond over baseball and math. The book is a wonderful story of intergenerational friendship.

Other categories:

• A book about friendship
• A book by a person living with a non-apparen't disability
• A book about sports

—Georgia, Librarian

Tuesdays with Morrie: an Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom

I am reminded instantly of Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom for this category. I have re-read this book again and again. Morrie's grace and courage in dealing with Lou Gehrig's disease and his zest for life and love remain with me. Mitch, the author is fortunate to have known him.

—Eunice, Branch Head

Fight Night by Miriam Toews

Even though this story is narrated by 9-year-old Swiv, it is her grandmother Elvira who steals the story. Swiv lives with her heavily-pregnant mother and grandmother in Toronto. When she is expelled from school, Elvira becomes her teacher and, in some ways, vice versa. Their relationship is a combination of slapstick comedy and love. When Swiv and Elvira fly to Florida, it is an adventure they won't soon forget.

Other categories:

• A book told from a child's point of view

—Debra, Librarian

Recommendations from the Facebook Group

These are just some of the suggested titles from our Facebook TPL Reading Challenge 2023 discussion group. You do not need a Facebook account to read the suggestions.

• The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly by Margareta Magnusson
• Arthur Bryant & John May series by Christopher Fowler
• This Much is True by Miriam Margolyes
• The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared  by Jonas Jonasson
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
• Old Man's War by John Scalzi
• The Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin
• The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by  Annie Lyons
• Betty White: 100 remarkable moments in an extraordinary life by Ray Richmond
• The Book of Ebenezer Le Page by G.B. Edwards

French Recommendations

If you like to read in French, check out the list of recommended books for the category in French Personnages âgées de plus de 65 ans : suggéstions pour le Défi lecture . There's a mix of books, ebooks and digital audiobooks to try!

What would you recommend for "A book about a person over age 65"? Add your suggestions in the comments section below.