Turning the pages of retirement – the magic of a good book

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors and the most patient of teachers.” – Charles William Eliot.

Not all retirement adventures happen on cruise ships, foreign soils or in chic cafes. In fact, some of the most imaginative, gripping, life-changing journeys happen while turning pages. Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, biographies or photography, retirement is the perfect time to catch up on a good book or two. Or an entire library. And you can enjoy this all on your own or join a book club to share the experience.

At First Financial, our mission is to help you prepare financially to achieve your retirement dreams, whatever they may be. If you’re looking for your next adventure and enjoy the written kind, here are a few recommendations for different genres.

Mystery, thriller, science fiction

Mystery, thriller, science fiction

There are the mystery, thriller and science fiction genres for the adrenaline-loving type who likes a good plot twist with a healthy splash of action. If you’re looking for a good mystery thriller, try ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman, where four unlikely friends meet weekly in their peaceful retirement village to investigate unsolved murders until a brutal murder takes place on their doorstep. Now, they’re working on a live case – can they catch the killer?

If science fiction and futuristic storylines are more to your liking, you could try some classics such as ‘The Time Machine’ by H.G. Wells or the comedic ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ by Douglas Adams, as well as ‘Dune’ by Frank Herbert.

For a more contemporary read, consider ‘The Martian’ by Andy Weir, which follows the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars who relies on his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive.

Historical fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction offers a captivating journey through different time periods, blending entertainment with education. Retirement is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the past and enrich the present with the wisdom of history.

There are countless historical fiction narratives that will keep you turning pages. Among the classics are ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah, which unfolds in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel also set in the same era, and ‘The Pillars of the Earth’ by Ken Follett, which immerses readers in 12th-century England, chronicling the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge.

Lastly, ‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern, set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, weaves a mesmerising tale of a magical competition between two young illusionists.

Romance

Romance

Now, this topic tends to stir up diverse opinions, as you either love romance novels or you don’t. Pun intended. Still, for centuries, this genre has stood the test of time and shouldn’t be overlooked. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a good happily ever after?

For romance enthusiasts, the timeless classic ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen is not only a great read but also the inspiration for numerous film adaptations, all brimming with wit, charm and social commentary. Alternatively, ‘The Rosie Project’ by Graeme Simsion is a delightful and heartwarming tale narrated by a socially awkward genetics professor embarking on a quest to find love through a scientific experiment. Or, follow librarian Henry DeTamble through time in ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ by Audrey Niffenegger for a poignant exploration of love and fate.

Biographies and Memoirs

Biographies and Memoirs

While fiction certainly entertains, there’s something uniquely inspiring about real-life stories. Biographies and memoirs offer profound insights into diverse lives and experiences. From tales of overcoming challenges to accounts of success and achievement, they can be powerful sources of motivation, guiding us on our own paths toward personal growth and fulfilment— or simply enjoyable to read, depending on the individual you’re interested in.

Selecting a biography to read is a highly subjective endeavour. Depending on your interests, shelves are stocked with books about renowned athletes, actors, musicians, politicians, entrepreneurs, chefs, medical professionals and members of royalty.

According to Goodreads, some of the best biographies of all time include ‘Steve Jobs’ by Walter Isaacson, ‘Total Recall: My Unbelievable True Life Story’ by Arnold Schwarzenegger, ‘The Story of My Life’ by Helen Keller, and ‘Open’ by Andre Agassi. Whatever your personal interests, there’s undoubtedly a biography out there that will resonate with you.

Self-help and personal development

Self-help and personal development

It’s never too late for personal development and learning new things, especially in retirement. Self-help and personal development books offer invaluable insights, guidance and inspiration for seniors looking to enrich their lives, explore new passions, and navigate life’s transitions with wisdom and resilience.

From mindfulness and meditation to financial planning and hobbies, there’s something in this genre for everyone. Some general examples include ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle, which explores mindfulness and the importance of being present in the moment; ‘The Gifts of Imperfection’ by Brené Brown, focusing on embracing imperfections and cultivating courage and compassion; and if you love cleanliness and organisation, ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ by Marie Kondō.

Cookbooks/Food Literature

Cookbooks/Food Literature

Even if life was too hectic for cooking during your career’s peak, many retirees turn to learning culinary arts in their golden years. There’s a particular satisfaction and convenience in preparing your favourite dishes, or something new, at home.

A quality cookbook goes beyond tasty recipes. It invites you on a culinary adventure, often exploring different cultures. Renowned chefs and cooks like Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child, Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Maggie Beer have contributed to this rich food literature landscape. When selecting a written culinary adventure, consider your favourite cuisines or specific interests such as healthy eating or specialised diets.

Talk to the retirement planning experts.

Talk to the retirement planning experts.

Whether you’re reading for entertainment or personal enrichment, whether you’re part of a group or a proud grandparent with a little one on your knee, enjoying a good book is a beautiful way to spend leisure time in retirement.

At First Financial, no matter what dreams you have in mind, our financial advisers are here to assist you in crafting a financial plan that supports those aspirations.

For personalised advice on financial planning, retirement planning or savings, or to start your journey on the pathway to wealth, contact our expert team today.

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