Not Your Average Grandmas: Books That Celebrate Life at Any Age
Every year on my birthday, I take time to reflect on the past year—what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown, and what I want to embrace in the year ahead. This year, I also wanted to share some of my favorite books with you, inspired by a phrase I fell in love with when Amanda Cox mentioned it on the podcast: “books that are catnip.”
For me, that means books featuring older protagonists. There’s something special about the wisdom they offer—little nuggets of insight that linger long after you’ve finished reading. If you love this theme as much as I do, you might enjoy revisiting Episode 13 of the podcast, where I switched sides of the mic and had my husband interview me about some of my favorite books in this category.
Here are a few standout reads featuring unforgettable older protagonists:
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery - I have been recommending this book for years! This biography tells the story of Emma Gatewood, who, at age 67 in 1955, became the first woman to solo hike the entire Appalachian Trail—ultimately helping to save it for future generations.
Iona Iverson’s Guide for Commuting by Clare Pooley - Iona is deeply flawed (aren’t we all?), but it’s her quirks and uniqueness that make her utterly irresistible—you can’t help but fall in love with her!
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold - Mrs. Kip is unlike any other older protagonist I’ve encountered. She doesn’t just broaden the horizons of the characters in the novel, she challenges and enriches the reader’s perspective as well.
A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck - A middle-grade novel that is absolutely hilarious! It’s a fun read for the whole family.
The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski - This is our BFF Book Club pick for April! Each month, we read a book together and then meet with the author for an exclusive discussion where you can ask all your burning questions. Register here.
