The Best Beach Reads for Women Over 50
There are few pleasures in life that can compare to the sheer delight of immersing oneself in the pages of a truly captivating book. A great read can transport us to different eras, cultures, and perspectives, broadening our understanding of the world and awakening our empathy. The power of a well-written book lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, and to stir the depths of our souls. It challenges our intellect, ignites our imagination, and nourishes our spirit. Whether you love the feeling of pages under your fingertips or you prefer to dive into a book using a device like a Kindle, there’s sure to be a story for you on this list of the best beach reads for women over 50.
A few of these recommendations came from our AWSL community, others are favorites of my own, and some are best-sellers that I can’t wait to read myself. If you have any favorite books, leave them in the comments for others to find. I hit the local bookstore yesterday to pick up a few myself.
The Best Beach Reads for Women Over 50
“The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman
“The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman is a delightful and engaging mystery novel that follows a group of sharp-witted retirees who form a club to solve cold cases. Osman weaves together humor, suspense, and intricate plot twists, creating a captivating read that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With its endearing characters and clever storytelling, “The Thursday Murder Club” is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted whodunit.
“Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano
FromĀ New York TimesĀ bestselling author Ann Napolitano comes a rich, life-affirming, and heartbreaking novel about sisterhood, family, love, and growing up. Spanning decades and generations, “Hello Beautiful” captures what it means to be a family — the joy and tragedy, the deep trust and devastating betrayals. Split apart by stubbornness and heartbreak, the Padavano family scatters across the country.
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
This book was highly recommended by several different AWSL readers, so I picked up a copy yesterday. “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the world of science and the challenges faced by women in the 1960s. With its rich historical backdrop and complex characters, “Lessons in Chemistry” is a captivating exploration of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passions.
“Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles
I loved this one so much that I’ve read it multiple times. This mesmerizing novel is set in 1930s New York. It follows the journey of Katey Kontent as she navigates the intricacies of high society.
“Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult
Picoult’s masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this a read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you questioning the lengths we go to protect our loved ones.
“The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave
This novel is a riveting and suspenseful domestic thriller that unravels the mystery surrounding a husband’s disappearance and a wife’s determination to uncover the truth. Dave skillfully crafts a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns, that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page.
“The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly
by Margareta Magnusson
I read and loved another book by this author, so I was thrilled to see this recommendation from AWSL reader, Bea. This book is an inspiring and insightful guide that encourages readers to embrace aging with vitality, joy, and a positive mindset. This read is full of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a refreshing perspective on aging, reminding us that life can be rich, fulfilling, and meaningful at any age.
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry
This book is cleverly named. What a simple, but eye catching title… especially for a woman shopping for her next beach read! The storyline follows two rival authors as they navigate a summer of unexpected friendship, personal growth, and, of course, love. Henry’s witty dialogue, well-developed characters, and touching exploration of second chances make this book a perfect beach read that will warm your heart and leave you with a smile.
“The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
I read just enough of this book…a few paragraphs, to realize I need to be in the right headspace to read the rest of it. When books are described as an electrifyingā¦razor-sharp page-turner that delivers a sucker-punch ending youāll have to read twice to believe, I know it’s not one I want to read in the dark. Do you love books that raise the hair on the back of your neck?
“How to Kill Men and Get Away With It” by Katy Brent
I spotted this book with the catchy title in the store window and may have to go back to check it out. Have any of you read it?
Other Book Recommendations for Women Over 50:
- As I turn more of my attention to my health and well-being, Iām thoroughly enjoying this lovely new book.
- I recently read the fascinating book, “The Personal Librarian.”
- I loved listening to “Outlive: The Science of Art and Longevity” on Audible.
- My brother wrote an awesome adult thriller if you are a fan of books with lots of action.
Loved Lessons in Chemistry! Read How to kill men and enjoyed the dark humour. Currently reading Killers of a Certain Age written by Deanna Raybourn and loving it š Do check it out, you won’t be disappointed! It’s about four trained senior citizen assassins š
Thanks for the recommendations! It looks fun
Still Life by Sarah Winman–set in Florence and London. Descriptions of Florence
in the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s including the horrific flooding of the Arno, 1966. Gentle charm
and wonderful descriptions and characters.
Two non fiction:
The Treeline: The Last Forest and the Future of Life on Earth
by Ben Rawlence: about the forests at the Arctic Circle and why we need them,
and the people who live in and near them.
Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World’s Largest Owl
by Jonathan C. Slaght: The largest and spookiest looking owl near Vladivostok, Russia.
Fiction: Pachinko: Min Jin Lee (made into a really good series on TV).
Here are a couple I just finished and really enjoyed: The Collected Regrets of Clover, The Lonely Hearts Bookclub, and Pineapple Street. Love Elin Hildebrand too!
Thank you for the list–a lot of good choices. The summary for “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano isn’t correct, though.
I was up writing late, thanks, I fixed it.
Awesome list! Iāve read some on here and just ordered some others. Couldnāt put down The Last Thing He Told Her and read in one sitting! Most unusual for me. š. Just finished The Personal Librarian and enjoyed it a lot. Love reading recommendations! Mine is The Measure by Nikki Erlick. My book club read it this past January and I still think about it. SO good! Happy reading!
Wow- reading is more popular than I thought! Happy to see this..,,of your just I’ve read several but could not get into Lessons in Chemistry ( will begin again) as I found the couple quite annoying as they discussed her not (at first) wanting to participate in crew. It was a turn off for me. I grew to dislike this couple. Crazy?
Loved Thursday Murder Club, and a few of the others too! Want to read Amor Towles book
again!
All the books you list are v good, but I LOVED Lessons in Chemistry. Amor Towlesā A Gentleman in Moscow is an all time favorite. May I recommend Station Eleven and Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel? Also, News of the World by Paulette Jiles is another all-time favorite. Thanks for sharing Jennifer!
Thanks for sharing! They sound great!
Terry: I also absolutely loved A Gentleman in Moscow. Would also recommend Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout (although my favorite by her is Olive Kitteridge).
Thanks for the great list of books! I’m an avid reader and have read many on this list. Love getting good recommendations. One of my favorite authors is Elin Hildebrand. Right now I’m reading Life and Other Love Songs by Anissa Gray.
Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone is by far the most evocative book I’ve read in years. I guess Hannah is better known for The Nightingale, which you’ve recommended here, but The Great Alone is stunning! Highly recommended.
Thank you!
Agree that The Great Alone is a fantastic read! I’ve read it twice!
Bette
I totally agree! Kristen Hannah always delivers an excellent read!
Thanks for the recommendations! I have read several of these, and you are spot on.
Thanks for the tips. I’ll be looking at reader recommendations too. I loved āRules of Civilityā by Amor Towles and I also recommend “A Gentleman in Moscow” by the same author. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein is one of my favorite books. Its a story about love, family, challenges and values told from the point of view of Enzo, a dog.
As a retired librarian and avid reader I have no problem finding books to read but when I find a book that hits me I love to share! I just finished West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge; based on a true event in the 1930’s it’s the story of two men transporting a pair of giraffes to the San Diego Zoo. Couldn’t put it down!
Wow, that sounds amazing. Thank you.
I just finished West With Giraffes also. Historical fiction is always interesting.
Great suggestionsā¦
Have read some of these and look forward to reading some of the others.
Thanks so much.
Enjoy your day.
After your last post about summer beach reads (my goodness could it have been a year ago already?), I immediately went to out local library and put all of them on reserve. What a great way to broaden my literary horizons and get me out of my rut of reading the same authors all the time! So happy you did this again!
I love to hear what you ladies suggest too!
Thanks for this post. I need to turn off my tv and turn my attention to delving into my favorite past time that has gotten lost in the preverbal mess of day to day life.
These look very good and Iām definitely visiting my favorite book store soon.
A great way to beat the heat down here in Texas right now.
Youāre not alone. I get stuck on my phone way too much. Books are so much more rewarding.
Read Jodi Picoultās Wish You Were Here several months ago and it still makes me think about choices we make. She wrote the book during the pandemic.
Highly recommend itš„°
Iāve read almost all those, will have to check out Beach Read. Right now Iām reading Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone. Very exciting mystery. And just finished Romantic Comedy, more of a beach read by Curtis Sittenfeld. And when you get back from the beach h, if any of you would like a rather more serious read, check out Demon Copperhead, the Pulitzer Prize winner this year, by Barbara Kingsolver. Especially if you are a Dickens fan. Pretty sure the Murder Club books are a delightful series.
I love to read and like to read many different genres. My husband and I spend an hour at least together reading every day. Itās wonderful.
My favorite books of all time is the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I have read the series multiple times and love reading them over and over. Diana’s style of writing sends you into the stories and you feel like you’re right there with the characters.
They sound fabulous
Mad Honey and The Celebrants are very good
Great suggestions! I have read a couple of those and am always looking for more ideas. I noticed how nice your nails look in the photos. What polish is that?
Theyāre very short again but the polish is staying on! Itās this Dazzle Dry .
Thank You for all the book recommendations. I love to read and I am always looking for something new to read!
You ladies have such great recommendations!
I am reading The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly. Takes place in both WW 11 as well as post-war 1952. Very engrossing! The latest book by Kate Morton was also very good and takes place in Australia. I would also recommend Lisa Scottoline.
I am currently reading A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner. Really good parallel of two stories that are intertwined. September 1911 and September 2011. Thanks for your suggestions! I see a few that I will definitely add to my reading list.
Me too from the comment section. I love all your ideas.
Susan, A Fall of Marigolds is wonderful! I’ve been recommending it to so many others!
That looks like a good bookstore. They are hard to find these days. I went to 2 mall shops (one in WA and one in Boston), which had virtually nothing. Barnes & Noble is the same: authors I loved have new books but try to find them. The Indy stores are FAR better. Enjoy your reading.
One of the Best things about the Thursday Murder Club is that it is the first book of a series. There are currently 3 books, with the 4th set to drop in September. Iāve read them all and have pre-ordered the 4th. The books are a great read, especially for those who love British mysteries.
British mysteries are so fun.
I am new to your blog. Thanks for doing this one on beach reads. I love a good book to read especially during the summer. It is great to see what other women are reading. By the way I am from South Carolina, we have wonderful beaches to visit. I challenge you and everyone to come visit and check one out. As I have stated I am from South Carolina and use some of my vacation days each summer to visit our beautiful beaches. Have a great summer! Happy Reading!
Susan
Welcome Susan. Iām so glad youāve joined us. Iād love to visit. The beach is one of my happiest places to be.
Iām a fan of listening to audiobooks and loved The Guncle (funny and touching) and Composed, a memoir by Rosanne Cash that is so beautifully written – bonus, she narrates it. Oh, and also Randy Rainbowās memoir that he narrates personally.
Like you Ann M, I am an audiobook person. I’m currently listening to “A Woman is No Man” by Etaf Rum. It’s a story about 3 Arab-American women living in Brooklyn and Palestine and it’s by no means a light-hearted, happy summer read, but I can’t stop listening. I feel like I’m with them –in their homes, as the story is being read. [10 hours + 15 minutes]
On the other hand, for anyone looking for a joyful book about two women who develop an oddball friendship, I recommend “Miss Benson’s Beetle” by Rachel Joyce. This story gave me all the feels and a few good laughs. The narrator, Juliet Stevenson, is fabulous! [12 hours]
Thanks Missy! I will look up both of your recommendations… they sound really good.
Excellent selections of ābeach readsā I would include Elin Hilderbrand newest book, Five Star Weekend. Hereās to happy beach reading days š
Marie Benedict is one of my favorite Authors, so loved the Personal Librarian. Just read Lessons in Chemistry with my book club and it was so good.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Will definitely be checking this list out.
Thank you for the recommendations. I’ve been contemplating Hello Beautiful but I think I’ll pick up the others too. The Katy Brent title is compelling so I’ll check that one out for sure!