8 Books With Older Adult Protagonists

About Tori Thurmond

Tori Thurmond combines her creative writing background with her marketing experience in her role as the Content Specialist at Brookdale. When she's not writing, she's probably spending time with her two cats or knitting.

Do you love to read but have trouble finding main characters like yourself? While reading about characters that are different than yourself can be fun, it can also be nice to have similarities with the characters you read about. Here’s a list of eight popular books with older adult protagonists to add to your reading list.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This unique story where the point of view is split between a 70-year-old woman, Tova, and a giant Pacific octopus became an instant New York Times bestseller. After Tova’s husband passes away, she begins working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium where she forms an unexpected friendship with Marcellus, the octopus. Can Marcellus help uncover what happened to Tova’s 18-year-old son who vanished in the Puget Sound over 30 years ago? Dive into this charming novel to find out.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

If you’re a fan of whodunit stories, you may want to give Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club a go! A group of mystery enthusiasts who call themselves the Thursday Murder Club meet weekly to discuss unsolved crimes. However, when a current murder mystery pops up in their community, they use their knowledge to try to crack the case.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

This novel is a New York Times bestseller was turned into a popular movie starring Tom Hanks. To find out what happens when a less-than-friendly man gets some lively new neighbors, pick up a copy of Backman’s heartfelt and comical novel.

All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle

When his daughter decides to come for a visit, Hubert Bird is met with an interesting challenge: to make his life actually resemble the one he’s been describing over the phone. While he’s been telling his daughter that he has a flourishing social life, he spends his days alone. If you choose to read how Hubert’s predicament plays out, you’ll follow him as he gets a second chance at love, friendship and community.

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

Addie Moore and Louis Waters are neighbors who have both been living alone in empty houses after their spouses passed years before. When Addie visits Louis unexpectedly, an inspiring story of second chances begins.

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

When the city council plans to sell the community center where a social club for older adults meets, the uniquely talented group joins forces with other members of the community to save the space. Pick up a copy of Pooley’s latest novel to learn how it’s never too late to stand up for what you believe in—and maybe cause a little chaos along the way.

The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg

Doris, a 96-year-old woman, has kept track of everyone she’s met since her father gave her an address book as a child. Wanting to help her grandniece move past some difficult life experiences, Doris dives into the past hoping to unlock family secrets for a brighter future.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

The Joy Luck Club was started by four Chinese women who immigrated to San Francisco in 1949. Together, they play mah jong, catch up and explore their past. In her novel, Tan explores the experiences that make these women who they are. If you love stories exploring womanhood and mother-daughter relationships, The Joy Luck Club might be for you.