Reading is a popular pastime for many people, but few realize the health benefits it offers, especially for seniors. Protecting cognitive health and promoting better sleep are just two of the many reasons why curling up with a good book is great for your well-being. And what better way to enjoy your summer reading than on a sunny day on your favorite patio lounge chair?
If you are looking for a few new titles to buy or borrow from your library, here are some predicted to be popular this summer.
What to Read This Summer
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
This comedic crime caper is set in a peaceful retirement village. Four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders, until one hits too close to home. In fact, a murder happens on their own doorstep. Can they catch the murderer before he strikes again?
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
One of the most popular releases of 2022, this story is laugh-out-loud funny. Elizabeth Zott is a world-class chemist stuck on an all-male team at Hastings Research Institute in the early 1960s. Like many institutions at that time, Hastings has a very unscientific view of equality. That eventually leads to Elizabeth accidentally becoming the star of a beloved cooking show, Supper at Six. Her antics will keep you laughing throughout this debut novel.
- The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin Van Draanen
Popular author Wendelin Van Draanen brings the story of Lincoln Jones alive in this book. He’s a boy who always has a notebook in hand. In it, he writes tales in which the hero always overcomes and the bad guy lands in jail. It helps compensate for his own messy life. Then a girl at his new school wants to know more: what he’s writing, where he goes after school and why he never talks to anyone.
- My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman; translated by Henning Koch
Seven-year-old Elsa has a strange kind of life. She lives with her grandmother, who is crazy. At night, she tells Elsa stories from the Land-of-Almost-Awake and the Kingdom of Miamas. Places where everybody is different and nobody needs to be normal. When the grandmother dies, she leaves behind letters apologizing to people she has wronged and instructions for Elsa to deliver them. The ensuing adventures teach Elsa the truth about fairy tales and about her grandmother.
- And Then There Was You by Nancy Naigle
After falling victim to a con artist who absconded with the better part of her belongings, Natalie Maynard begins working with Detective Randy Fellowes, who is assigned to her case. With few leads to follow, they aren’t having much luck. But Detective Fellowes is determined to find the con man and help Natalie get restitution. Before long, however, the two discover their interests lie in more than just solving the case.
- The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
From one of the most popular authors of summer beach reads comes the tale of Hollis Shaw. Her life unravels when her husband is killed in a car accident. In order to get her life back on track, Hollis organizes a five-star weekend—one weekend with her best friends from her teens, twenties, thirties and the present day.
- The Spectacular by Fiona Davis
This historical fiction novel takes place in New York City in 1956. Marion Brooks decides to audition for the Radio City Rockettes. People in the city, however, are living in fear over the “Big Apple Bomber.” Marion finds herself assisting the police in the search, along with a young doctor, Peter Griggs, who is trying to use profiling to catch the criminal.
One tip to help make year-round reading a little easier on a budget is to ask your local library if they are part of the Libby program. This app lets you borrow books and magazines for free!
Visit an ASC Location Near You This Summer
If you’ve been thinking about moving to a senior living community or are encouraging a loved one to make a change, summer is a great time to explore your options. With locations throughout Indiana, you’ll likely find an ASC campus near you! We invite you to call with any questions you have or to schedule a personal tour.
