21 Novels About Life, Love, and Growth in the 60s

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Lately, I’ve been noticing something a little crazy – the older I get, the more scared I become of doing new things. 

I was talking to a relative who lived with me when I was a child, and she reminded me of how bold and carefree I used to be. 

Hearing that made me realize how much I’ve changed. I’ve grown into this extremely cautious, anxiety-ridden person, and honestly, that realization was a bit scary.

I think it’s because, as we grow older, we become more aware of how tough the world can be. 

That awareness makes us more careful, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it’s helped me avoid a lot of unnecessary problems. 

But at the same time, I’ve come to believe that challenges are a necessary part of life. You need a little chaos now and then to build character.

That thought really hit me while I was putting together this list of books about people in their 60s. 

I’ve read all of them, and one big theme that ties them together is this: most of the characters lived safe, predictable lives for a long time, until one day they realized they’d been coasting. 

They’d settled too deeply into their comfort zones. And when they finally decided to step out and embrace life again, that’s when their real growth began.

I just love that idea. So, even though I wrote this post with people in their 60s in mind, I honestly think it’s for anyone who wants to remember – or rediscover – the importance of truly living, rather than just moving through the motions.

Audrey’s Gone AWOL by Annie de Monchaux

Poor Audrey has spent most of her life being a wife and mother, but somewhere along the way, she forgot who she was. 

When her husband cheats, she packs up and runs off to her aunt’s place in the French countryside. 

There, she rediscovers herself, finds new joy, and realizes that being alone doesn’t mean being lost. 

I really love this story because it’s about choosing yourself after years of putting everyone else first. 

It’s funny, hopeful, and full of heart, so it’s perfect for anyone in their 60s who’s ready to remember that life can still surprise you.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

Arthur’s a quiet man stuck in his routine until he finds his late wife’s charm bracelet and decides to learn the story behind it. 

That little discovery sends him on an adventure that changes everything.

I found this book so sweet – it’s emotional, but also full of warmth and humor.

I love how Arthur slowly opens up to life again. 

It’s one of those stories that wi show you it’s never too late to be curious, to love again, and to discover something new about yourself. 

A gentle, lovely read for anyone who’s ever lost and found hope again.

Sylvia’s Second Act by Hillary Yablon

Sylvia’s husband cheats, and instead of falling apart, she moves back to New York with her best friend and decides to start over. 

She’s in her sixties, broke, and a little lost, but also braver than ever. I adore Sylvia.

She’s funny, smart, and determined to build a new life. 

This book had me smiling because it celebrates that age doesn’t mean giving up on fun, work, or love. 

Sylvia’s second act is full of confidence and sparkle. 

Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson

This one is so tender and thoughtful. 

Tina writes a letter to a museum curator in Denmark, and somehow, they start exchanging letters about life, love, and everything they’ve lost. 

It’s slow, beautiful, and full of quiet emotion. 

I honestly adored how their friendship blossoms – it feels so real. 

This is the kind of book you read slowly with a cup of tea, because it makes you reflect, smile, and maybe shed a little tear. 

So perfect for anyone in their 60s looking for something gentle and deep.

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

Albert’s a shy postman who’s about to retire and suddenly realizes how lonely he’s become. 

Instead of giving up, he decides to look for the man he once loved and lost. 

Honestly, I loved every page of this. 

It’s so heartwarming watching Albert come out of his shell and start really living. 

The story feels like a big warm hug, and I think it’s especially touching for anyone who feels like their best days might be behind them, because this book proves they definitely aren’t. 

It’s never too late to find happiness.

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

This one is just pure fun! Four women in their 60s who used to be assassins find out their own agency wants them dead. 

So what do they do? They fight back with skill, sass, and teamwork. 

I had such a blast reading this. It’s smart, witty, and full of action, but what I really love is how it shows that older women can be powerful, funny, and completely unstoppable. 

I think readers in their 60s will love how unapologetically fierce these ladies are.

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett

PJ’s a 63-year-old lottery winner who’s had a tough life.

When he decides to drive across the country to find his old high school sweetheart, things get complicated – he ends up caring for his grandkids and a cat who can predict death. 

This book is quirky, emotional, and surprisingly funny. 

I love how PJ’s road trip becomes more than just a drive.

It really touched me because it shows that even when life feels broken, you can still find meaning and love again. Perfect for readers who like a good laugh mixed with a few tears.

The Old Ducks’ Club by Maddie Please

Sophia’s feeling invisible and a bit miserable when she takes a solo trip to Rhodes. 

Then she meets three wild, wonderful women – the Old Ducks – who show her how to live again. 

I loved this book so much! It’s all about friendship, laughter, and getting your spark back. 

The Old Ducks are hilarious, and Sophia’s transformation is so heartwarming. 

It made me think about how important it is to surround yourself with people who remind you to enjoy life. 

It’s cheerful, life-affirming, and perfect for anyone in their 60s who wants to laugh and feel young at heart again.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Ove’s the grumpy neighbor everyone avoids – until a new family moves in and changes everything.

Beneath all his grumbling, Ove’s just lonely and missing the love of his life. 

This story made me laugh and cry in equal measure. 

I love how Ove’s heart slowly softens through friendship and connection. 

For readers in their 60s, I think it’s a lovely story about finding meaning again and realizing that even when life feels small, there’s still so much love to give.

The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs

This one’s darkly funny and full of surprises. 

Three longtime friends are tired of their dull marriages, so when they realize their husbands all have big life insurance policies, things take a wild turn. 

What follows is a chaotic, hilarious ride with lots of twists. I couldn’t stop laughing! 

It’s wickedly clever but still heartfelt. 

And, it’s really about friendship and taking charge of your own life. 

I think readers in their 60s will love how bold and daring it is. 

It’s proof that getting older doesn’t mean playing it safe – it might actually mean having the most fun yet.

This blog post is a really special one to me, so I’d love to hear from you. 

Let me know in the comments if you relate to any of these books, or if you’ve read other stories about genuinely living life – not just authentically, but fully – that you think more people need to know about.