Looking for a fun book to relax with? Members of LiveUp’s Ageing Well Advisory Group (AWAG) have provided a list of their top picks for 2026.
About AWAG
The Ageing Well Advisory Group (AWAG) helps LiveUp stay centred around its primary audience – you. AWAG advises LiveUp by representing voices of older people in Australia.
LiveUp's mission is to be an evidence-based resource for older adults. Part of this is about working with people in the community. We want to be led by your lived experience. It helps us make sure we’re offering relevant ageing information and resources.
AWAG consists of 14 members. Members are between 45 and 85 years of age, with a national presence covering each state. They help improve LiveUp resources by giving us their feedback.
You can learn more about AWAG and how to get involved here.
About AWAG’s recommended books
These book recommendations come from older readers, for older readers.
The overall list of recommendations provided by AWAG’s members covers a broad range of genres and themes. This article focusses on a few of the easier reads.
Relax with some cozy murder mysteries, crime fiction, and love stories.
Books to relax with: mystery, crime fiction, and love stories
Looking to unwind with something fun and fictional? AWAG has you covered with these easy, enjoyable reads:
The Thursday Murder Club
by Richard Osman
This cozy murder mystery follows 4 unlikely friends in a retirement village. Together, they solve real-life crimes.
Alex Cross Must Die
by James Patterson
In this piece of crime fiction, an American Airlines plane explodes in the sky. Detectives Alex Cross and John Sampson are first on the scene.
The Hypnotists Love Story
by Liane Moriarty
This one’s a romantic mystery. Ellen, a hypnotherapist, starts dating a man who’s being stalked by his ex-girlfriend Saskia. Intrigued, Ellen wants to meet Saskia. Little does she know, she already has.
A very easy, relaxing read.
— AWAG memberJames
by Percival Everett
James tells the story of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. When Jim learns he will be sold and separated from his family, he runs away and meets Huck, who has faked his own death. Together, they set off on a dangerous journey down the Mississippi River.
Trespass
by Louise Kennedy
Trespass is a forbidden love story. It's set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. A young Catholic teacher, Cushla, begins an affair with a Protestant barrister named Michael.
Believable and compelling.
— AWAG memberReading matters for healthy ageing
Moving more is one of the best things you can do for your brain and overall health. But the activities you do to relax while sitting down also have an impact.
Research from the University of South Australia shows sitting activities that encourage mental or social engagement boost brain health in older adults. This includes hobbies like reading or chatting with friends. On the other hand, passive habits like TV can harm brain health.
So, consider swapping some screen time for a book or conversation – to protect your brain in the long run.
Learn more about how and why to keep reading as you ageLearning can be leisurely
Reading something thought-provoking and engaging is a great way to challenge your brain. Doing so regularly helps keep you mentally active and healthy as you age.
Interested in books to help you keep learning and expanding your mind? Check out AWAG’s top picks for:
Find a book club: connect with your community today
A love of literature can help you connect with others through shared interests and book clubs.
Use LiveUp’s social activities finder to discover book clubs near you. You might find:
- Local library book clubs
- Informal book discussion groups
- Other community groups that suit your interests
If you need more help finding a social group, get in touch with one of our helpful site navigators on 1800 951 971.
References
Chang, Y.-H., Wu, I.-C., & Hsiung, C. A. (2021). Reading activity prevents long-term decline in cognitive function in older people: Evidence from a 14-year longitudinal study. International Psychogeriatrics, 33(1), 63-74. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610220000812
Major, L., Simonsick, E. M., Napolitano, M. A., & DiPietro, L. (2023). Domains of sedentary behavior and cognitive function: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study, 1999/2000 to 2006/2007. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 78(11), 2035–2041. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glad020
University of South Australia. (2024, December 12). Ditch TV and read a book – the best moves to reduce dementia risk. UniSA News. https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/ditch-tv-and-read-a-book/
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