I like to get caught up in an enchanting novel, but I also like to read nonfiction which can teach me something new or inspirational. And I never turn down a cozy mystery even if the subtext is to eat more almond croissants in the south of France.
Of course, whether it is fiction or nonfiction, reading a book – or listening to one – can teach us new things or even remind us about events or things that we have not thought about for a while. Lifelong learning is a factor in staying healthy and enjoying our lives. Our minds are like a muscle; and our minds need to exercise regularly to stay strong. Reading and other learning pursuits are a great way to keep us healthy and vibrant as the years go by. Relaxing is also a good way to remain healthy!
My friend Dave suggested a book to me by Lisa Genova (yes, she is the author of Still Alice) called Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting. “It makes you think about how you remember things and that as you start getting older you start getting paranoid about having Alzheimer’s. It is encouraging that not remembering things is a part of aging. Your brain can’t remember everything that has gone on and that’s a normal process. Like walking into a room and not remembering why you went into the room and not being able to find your keys. In the book, she doesn’t just teach about what is happening, she offers strategies to help us remember.” (I need those strategies!).
Kelly suggested Author Kate Quinn, who has a way of making history interesting. Ms. Quinn shows “the life, the laughter, and the humanity” that runs through the people who lived at that time. Her novels take place in a variety of European countries such as England, France, Rome and Renaissance Italy. You can read them in any order as they are all stand-alone books: The Diamond Eye, The Alice Network, The Rose Code, Empress of Rome Saga, and The Huntress.
Someone told me about Margareta Magnusson, who is an 89-year-old author. I’ve started reading her book, The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly. I’ve only started the book, but so far, so good! It’s always nice to have older people as role models.
One way I acquire new authors is by subscribing to The Fuzzy Librarian and getting daily emails that allow me to try an author out for free. I’ve just been to the South of France and a little town where a ‘busy body’ by the name of Molly Sutton has moved to and runs a ‘gite’ (or, in English, a bed & breakfast). She’s very good at solving crime, eating almond croissants and learning about the French culture.
The author is Nell Goddin and she has a long list of books to choose from. I suggest you start at the beginning with a book titled The Third Girl.
Meanwhile my husband is reading the Stuart Woods series about Stone Barrington, a lawyer and ex-cop, who lives a lavish life with inherited money. Stone drinks Knob Creek Bourbon of which we now have several bottles in our cupboard! If you decide to start that series, start with New York Dead.
Enjoy your summer reading, and if you are reading this online, share your fave summer reading books in the comments.
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Laurie Mueller, M.Ed is retired and living in Victoria with her husband, Helmuth. She recently published The Ultimate Guide on What to Do When Someone You Love Dies, available on Amazon. More about Laurie can be found at www.lauriemconsulting.com or on Facebook.