Hello! I recently started a book club with some of my family members, and we are at the stage of brainstorming book suggestions for our first pick. The club is made up of all women/girls, but we are all different ages . . herein lies the problem. The youngest is turning 14, her sister is 16, and the rest of us are 23-82. It’s been difficult finding books that would be fit for all members of the club. What are some recommendations of books that are age appropriate for a 14 year old, but can also be enjoyed by an 82 year old, and everywhere in between? No restrictions on genre or length! Thanks in advance 🙂
by vrt442
12 Comments
Holes (I maintain this is great for all ages!)
Remarkably Bright Creatures
All Creatures Great and Small
Ella Minnow Pea
Also, check out the Alex Awards by the American Library Association. They are adult books that hold special interest for teens: https://www.ala.org/yalsa/alex-awards
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto.
Classics like Jane Austen books might fit the bill? Aside from being good books suitable for the age range, a lot of them have interesting family dynamics which could be good to provoke discussion?
On a similar note, I first read *Jane Eyre* at 14, and I remember it being one of the first classic books I really genuinely enjoyed, so that’s also good for all ages? If everyone has read *Jane Eyre*, then *Wide Sargasso Sea* might be a good/interesting follow-up?
Mandatory recommendation for Daphne du Maurier’s *Rebecca*, which again, suitable for all your ages and is fantastic.
It’s a go too recommendation here we go again I’m trying to get everyone to read it lol
A gentleman in Moscow Amor Towles
A historical fiction about a count in Russia who is politically placed under house arrest at a 5 star hotel. It spans from 1922 to 1964. It’s a long book but I flew through it. Count Rostov might be the most lovable and memorable character I have read about in a long time. The subtlety of Towles’s narration to weave in true historical Russian history with his narrative was nothing short of amazing. And it had some of the best theological, psychological quotes that I have read. And it ends on a positive note.
Also rules of civility by Amor Towles
I kind of want to recommend a Kazuo Ishiguro novel.
Never Let Me Go might be a little too adult, depending on the 14 yo.
Several of his books are challenging reads due to a non-linear structure and unreliable narrator. But that’s also what might make them good books for discussion!
I’d say the ones with the least pitfalls would be The Remains of the Day and Klara and the Sun.
My top recommendation I cannot push enough: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.
A group of seniors in a retirement community solve murders with the assistance of a colourful cast of characters of all ages. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and the perfect “all ages” book/series. It’s a series I honestly think young people in particular should read.
Other excellent options:
– The Maid – Nita Prose
– Piranesi – Susanna Clarke
– And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
Most Frederik Backman books, especially Beartown or My Friends
Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorite authors, and I would think anything by her would be good. However, she has one nonfiction called “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” where she outlines a year of trying to eat only off their own land and neighbors. It’s a lovely view of a year of the earth, and the chapters also have bit of additional text from her husband, or her teenage daughter. There are recipes as well, which would make for a fun family night.
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley. It’s about a found family and it’s very charming
h{{Remarkably Bright Creatures}}
A Psalm for the wild built by Becky Chambers
The Hunger Games, always!
A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World
The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein
The Martian — Andy Weir
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is a gem 🖤
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant is a story i always recommend to women. Some of the contents are pg-13 but i think still comfortable enough to discuss with a younger audience