Reading is not only
beneficial for a senior’s mind but it is also a way to travel the world, to
live many different lives, chase dreams, and broaden horizons. You can read
about any subject you like whether it’s about cars, sports, gardening, or
fiction topics like romance, adventure, or suspense…the options are truly
endless! If someone says they don’t like to read, it often means they just
hasn’t found the right book yet. If you’re an avid reader, you know that
feeling you have when you get a book so riveting that you literally do not want
to put it down! We at UMC at Collingswood put
together a list of five inspiring books we feel will help anyone fall in love
with reading.
- The Nightingale by
Kristen Hannah. This novel is a page-turner about two strong minded
sisters in world war two, and their very different reactions to the war.
It is a story about love, freedom, and survival, and celebrates the
resilience of the human spirit and strength of these two sisters. It is a
must-read for anyone who loves US History.
- The
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley. Sorry, this one
isn’t actually about pie, but you won’t be disappointed. This is an
old-fashioned murder mystery set in the 1950s English countryside. The
main character is a child who is an aspiring chemist and is determined to
clear her father’s name of a murder charge. This novel is written with an
impressive tone and in-depth character development. Even better, it’s a
ten-book series so you’ll have a story to follow for a long time!
- The Help by
Kathryn Stockett. A heartbreaking and hilarious story of African American
women, the white woman they work for, and the children they raise. The
author says this is a fiction story although it depicts many truths of the
cultural differences in America in 1962. You will really feel for the
characters in this book and come to love them. This book has also been
made into a movie, so once you finish the book you can enjoy the movie as
well.
- The
Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. This is a
true story about an enslaved southern tobacco farmer who unknowingly had
some of her cells taken from her. Although she passed away over 60 years
ago, her cells become one of the most important tools in modern medicine.
Her stolen cells were responsible for the polio vaccine, uncovering
secrets of cancer and other viruses, as well as fertilization, gene
mapping, and cloning. This story spans her life, when the cells were
stolen, her death, all the amazing things that were developed with her
cells, and controversial information regarding scientists. Author Rebecca
Skloot covers all the details in this must-read book!
- The
Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. This novel is set in a future
dystopia where women lose all the rights they have today and, because of
declining birthrates, are only truly valuable if they are able to bear
children. This story speaks to women’s rights, women’s role in society,
the role of childbearing, and the complex role religion and government has
in society.
If none of these books get
you excited to read, we hope that you don’t give up on reading and encourage
you to find a topic that sparks your interest. UMC at Collingswood believes
there is a book for everyone.
Reading
is riveting at Collingswood
UMC at Collingswood actually
has a well-established and active resident book club! Here residents get
together monthly to decide what books to read and to discuss their opinions
afterward. In February the group read “The Giver of Stars” by JoJo Moyes, and
in March they read “The Gods of Heavenly Punishment” by Jennifer Cody Epstein.
Committing to a book club is a great way to keep yourself dedicated to reading,
as well as an opportunity to enjoy a great discussion with friends.
If you are a resident of
the assisted
living community and would like to join the book club or have any
questions, please contact us at UMC at Collingswood. Visit our website at
– https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/
Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/5-inspiring-books-for-seniors/
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