Are you about to turn 50 and looking for some guidance, inspiration, or just a good laugh? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about turning 50 that are sure to make this milestone birthday a memorable one. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, advice on navigating midlife, or simply a relatable story from someone who’s been there, these turning 50 books have got you covered. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and dive into these must-reads for anyone entering their fifth decade.
Contents
- 1 The Middlesteins
- 2 The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
- 3 The Year of Living Danishly
- 4 The Secret Life of Bees
- 5 The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
- 6 The Rosie Project
- 7 The Art of Racing in the Rain
- 8 The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
- 9 The Little Paris Bookshop
- 10 The Light Between Oceans
- 11 The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
- 12 The Alchemist
- 13 The Unbearable Lightness of Being
- 14 The Remains of the Day
- 15 The Poisonwood Bible
- 16 The Joy Luck Club
- 17 The Color Purple
- 18 The Catcher in the Rye
- 19 The Great Gatsby
- 20 The Lord of the Rings
- 21 Conclusion
The Middlesteins
by Jami Attenberg
The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg is a captivating book on hitting the half-century mark that explores the complexities of family, love, and food addiction. Set in the suburbs of Chicago, this compelling story about reaching a milestone age follows the lives of the Middlestein family as they navigate the challenges that come with turning 50.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
by Rachel Joyce
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an extraordinary journey of self-discovery that captures the essence of a book about turning 50. This heartfelt and poignant novel by Rachel Joyce takes readers on a unique adventure that explores life, love, and the power of second chances.
The Year of Living Danishly
by Helen Russell
Are you approaching the big 5-0? Looking for a refreshing and hilarious perspective on this milestone? Look no further than The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell. This delightful book takes you on a journey through the author’s experience of turning 50, but with a twist. Instead of dwelling on the usual mid-life crisis clichés, Russell decides to embark on a year-long adventure in Denmark, a country known for its happiness and high quality of life.
The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees is a captivating and heartwarming novel that explores the journey of self-discovery and transformation, making it the perfect book for those who are entering a new chapter in their lives. This poignant tale, often described as a ‘book on turning 50’, ‘book about turning 50’, or a ‘turning 50 book’, takes readers on a rich and evocative adventure.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle Zevin
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is a captivating and heartwarming tale that revolves around the life of A.J. Fikry, a curmudgeonly bookstore owner who finds himself at a crossroads in his life as he approaches the milestone of turning 50. This remarkable book on turning 50 takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, second chances, and the transformative power of literature.
The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
The Rosie Project: A Book on Reaching the Milestone of 50
Are you about to embark on the thrilling journey of turning 50? If so, then The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is the perfect book to accompany you on this milestone. Settle in and join Don Tillman, a brilliant genetics professor with Asperger’s syndrome, as he navigates the complexities of love, relationships, and self-discovery.
Don Tillman is not your typical protagonist. With his meticulous routines, lack of social skills, and unwavering commitment to logic, he decides it’s time to find a wife. And thus, the Wife Project begins. Don creates a 16-page questionnaire to find the perfect partner, someone who will fit his highly specific criteria. But love, as we all know, has a way of defying expectations.
Enter Rosie, a spontaneous and free-spirited woman who disrupts Don’s carefully structured life. Rosie is everything Don is not looking for in a wife, but they embark on a project together: the Father Project. As they search for Rosie’s biological father, Don’s world transforms in unexpected ways.
Through Don’s unique perspective and Simsion’s witty writing style, The Rosie Project explores themes of self-acceptance, human connection, and the beauty of embracing life’s surprises. This heartwarming tale will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the joys and challenges of turning 50.
So, if you’re seeking a turning 50 book that will entertain, inspire, and remind you that it’s never too late to find love or embark on new adventures, then The Rosie Project is a must-read. Join Don Tillman on his quest for love and self-discovery, and discover that age is just a number when it comes to finding happiness.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
by Garth Stein
Looking for a captivating and heartwarming book about reaching a milestone age? Look no further than The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This remarkable novel is not just a book about turning 50, but a story that explores life, love, and the power of our furry companions.
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
by Phaedra Patrick
Introducing The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, a captivating journey into the world of a man on the brink of his half-century mark. This heartwarming and enchanting novel explores the transformative power of adventure, self-discovery, and the unexpected connections we make along the way.
The Little Paris Bookshop
by Nina George
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George is a heartwarming story that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing. This enchanting novel follows the life of Monsieur Perdu, a middle-aged man who runs a floating bookstore in Paris. As he approaches the milestone age of 50, Monsieur Perdu finds himself longing for something more in his life, feeling as though he has lost his way.
One day, Perdu embarks on a spontaneous adventure, setting sail on his book-filled barge along the Seine River. Along the way, he encounters an array of colorful characters and discovers the power of literature to heal emotional wounds. With each book he recommends to his customers, Perdu finds himself facing his own past and coming to terms with his regrets and losses.
The Little Paris Bookshop is not just a book about turning 50; it is a celebration of life, love, and the transformative power of literature. Through George’s lyrical prose, readers are transported to the beautiful streets of Paris and the breathtaking landscapes of the French countryside. This enchanting tale is a reminder that it is never too late to find oneself and that books have the ability to change lives.
The Light Between Oceans
by M.L. Stedman
The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman is not your typical book about turning 50. Instead, it dives into the depths of human emotion and moral dilemmas. Set in the early 20th century, this captivating novel takes readers on a journey to a remote Australian island where a lighthouse keeper and his wife reside. Their life takes an unexpected turn when they discover a baby washed ashore in a boat. As they raise the child as their own, their decision haunts them, unraveling their love and challenging their sense of right and wrong. With its beautiful prose and thought-provoking themes, this book on turning 50 explores the complexities of life, love, and the choices we make.
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
by Jonas Jonasson
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson is not your ordinary book about turning 50. In fact, it is a hilarious and adventurous tale that follows the journey of Allan Karlsson, a centenarian who decides to escape his nursing home on his 100th birthday.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Are you searching for a book that captures the essence of embarking on a new phase of life? Look no further than The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This mesmerizing tale weaves together elements of adventure, spirituality, and self-discovery, making it the perfect companion for anyone entering the golden years of their life.
Set in the vast deserts of Egypt, The Alchemist follows the journey of Santiago, a young shepherd who yearns to find his true purpose in life. Filled with dreams and a burning desire for something more, Santiago sets off on a quest to discover a hidden treasure and fulfill his destiny.
As Santiago encounters various characters along his journey, he learns valuable lessons about the importance of following one’s dreams, listening to one’s heart, and embracing the unknown. The book beautifully explores themes of personal growth, courage, and the pursuit of one’s passions.
Through the mesmerizing storytelling of Coelho, readers are transported into a world where anything is possible. The author’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions paint a picture of a world filled with magic and wonder, leaving readers inspired to chase their own dreams and seize the opportunities that come their way.
While The Alchemist may not be explicitly a ‘turning 50 book,’ it resonates deeply with those who are embarking on a new chapter of their lives. Just as Santiago embarks on a transformative journey, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, question their purpose, and rediscover the joy and fulfillment that can come from embracing change.
So, if you’re seeking a book that not only entertains but also ignites a sense of curiosity and self-reflection as you enter this milestone age, The Alchemist is the perfect choice. Let Coelho’s enchanting tale guide you on a quest of self-discovery, reminding you that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and find your own hidden treasures.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
by Milan Kundera
The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a captivating book about reaching the milestone of turning 50. Milan Kundera’s masterpiece weaves together the lives of four individuals living in Prague during the tumultuous times of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. Through the lives of Tomas, Tereza, Sabina, and Franz, Kundera explores the complexities of love, sex, politics, and the eternal struggle between lightness and weight.
The Remains of the Day
by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Remains of the Day is a captivating novel by Kazuo Ishiguro that explores the themes of reflection, regret, and self-discovery. Set in post-war England, the story follows the life of Stevens, an aging butler who is on the cusp of his 50th birthday. As he embarks on a journey to visit a former colleague, Stevens finds himself contemplating the choices he has made and the paths he has taken in life. This poignant and thought-provoking book about reaching the halfway point in life is a must-read for anyone approaching their golden years, offering a profound exploration of the complexities of aging and the importance of embracing one’s true self.
The Poisonwood Bible
by Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible is not just a book on turning 50, it is a literary masterpiece that delves into the complexities of life, love, and loss. Written by the talented Barbara Kingsolver, this novel follows the lives of the Price family as they embark on a life-altering journey to the Belgian Congo in the 1960s.
While it may not be a book about turning 50 in the traditional sense, The Poisonwood Bible explores the themes of transformation, self-discovery, and the inevitable changes that come with age. The story is told through the unique perspectives of the Price women – Orleanna, the mother; and her four daughters, Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth May.
As they navigate the unfamiliar and often hostile environment of the Congo, the Price family must confront their own personal demons and confront the harsh realities of colonialism and cultural clashes. Each character undergoes their own journey of growth and self-realization, making The Poisonwood Bible a poignant and thought-provoking read.
In The Poisonwood Bible, Kingsolver weaves together themes of family, religion, and the power of language to create a captivating narrative that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. So if you’re looking for a turning 50 book that goes beyond the surface and explores the deeper aspects of life, then The Poisonwood Bible is the perfect choice.
The Joy Luck Club
by Amy Tan
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a captivating book about turning 50 that weaves together the stories of four Chinese immigrant women and their American-born daughters. This poignant and heartwarming novel explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, cultural identity, and the power of storytelling.
The Color Purple
by Alice Walker
The Color Purple, a powerful and groundbreaking novel by Alice Walker, is a book that explores the journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This remarkable story, often labeled as a “book on coming of age,” delves into the life of Celie, a young African-American woman living in the early 20th century. Through her struggles and triumphs, Walker takes readers on a profound journey of resilience, love, and finding one’s voice.
The Catcher in the Rye
by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye: A Timeless Tale of Self-Discovery
Embark on a journey through the pages of J.D. Salinger’s iconic novel, The Catcher in the Rye — a literary masterpiece that transcends age, resonating with readers of all generations. This thought-provoking coming-of-age story explores the universal themes of identity, rebellion, and the complexities of growing up.
Holden Caulfield, our witty and introspective protagonist, navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescence with an unease that is both relatable and profound. As he roams the bustling streets of New York City, Holden grapples with the idea of adulthood, a concept that seems as foreign as it does daunting. In a world that appears superficial and lacking in authenticity, he seeks solace and connection, yearning to find his place in society.
Through Holden’s unfiltered and candid narrative, Salinger captures the essence of the human condition, allowing us to delve into the depths of our own emotions. As we accompany Holden on his journey of self-discovery, we are reminded of the fragility of youth and the importance of retaining our innocence in the face of a world that often seems disillusioned.
With its timeless themes and captivating storytelling, The Catcher in the Rye is not merely a book about turning 50, but rather a book that transcends time itself. It serves as a poignant reminder that the struggles and triumphs of adolescence are not confined to a specific era or generation. Instead, they are universal experiences that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
So, whether you are turning 50 or have long passed that milestone, The Catcher in the Rye invites you to reflect on the complexities of growing up, reminding us that the journey of self-discovery is a lifelong endeavor that knows no age limit.
The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is not just any book about turning 50. It is a literary masterpiece that delves into the complex world of wealth, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Set in the dazzling era of the 1920s, the story follows Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who throws extravagant parties in his opulent mansion. But behind the glitz and glamour lies a tale of unrequited love, as Gatsby tries to win back the heart of Daisy Buchanan, a married socialite.
Fitzgerald’s exquisite prose paints a vivid picture of an era filled with jazz, flappers, and Prohibition. Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, the narrator and Gatsby’s neighbor, readers are drawn into a world of decadence and moral decay. As the story unfolds, we witness the tragic consequences of pursuing illusions and the emptiness that can accompany material success.
But beyond its captivating narrative, The Great Gatsby explores timeless themes that resonate with readers of all ages. It delves into the meaning of wealth and the hollowness that can come with excessive materialism. It examines the fragility of relationships and the destructive power of unfulfilled desires. And it offers a sobering commentary on the elusive nature of the American Dream.
So, if you’re looking for a turning 50 book that goes beyond clichés and offers a profound exploration of the human condition, The Great Gatsby is the perfect choice. Its timeless beauty and thought-provoking themes will leave you captivated and contemplating long after you turn the final page.
The Lord of the Rings
by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is a breathtaking epic fantasy masterpiece that transcends time, captivating readers of all ages. This legendary tale, often referred to as a ‘book on reaching the golden age of 50,’ or a ‘book about entering the prime of life at 50,’ takes us on an extraordinary journey through Middle-earth, a world filled with astonishing landscapes, mystical creatures, and a battle between good and evil.
Conclusion
Turning 50 is a milestone that calls for reflection and celebration. Whether you’re approaching this milestone or know someone who is, these 20 books about turning 50 will provide insight, inspiration, and laughter. From memoirs and self-help books to novels and poetry collections, this diverse list has something for everyone. So, grab a cup of tea, curl up with one of these books, and embrace the journey of turning 50 with open arms. Happy reading!