Peer-recommended reads for 2026: Have some fun with fiction

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Home
Healthy ageing
About healthy ageing
Find out what healthy ageing means and the changes you can make to stay independent for longer.
- Myths about ageing
  Rethink what you know about later life. Bust some common myths about ageing that could be holding you back.
- Inspiration
  Get inspired by real stories and videos from older people. See how others have taken healthy ageing into their own hands.
- Frequently asked questions
  Find answers to common questions about healthy ageing. Get clear on available tools and services.
Resources
Resources
Discover practical tips, exercises, and products to help you stay active and independent.
- Find healthy ageing articles
  Read articles backed by evidence to help you stay healthy and independent.
- Find exercise sheets
  Check out these printable exercises (with pictures) to help keep your mind and body strong.
- Find activities
  Connect with your community. Use this directory to find social activities near you.
- Find helpful tools
  Explore this directory of assistive products. They're selected by clinical experts to make life easier.
- Navigating life changes
  With ageing comes change. Get tailored resources to help you prepare for times of transition.
- I have a health condition or injury
- I'm downsizing or moving house
- I'm grieving
- I'm preparing for new grandchildren
- I'm retiring or retired
- I'd like general healthy ageing info
- More about life changes
- Everyday tips
  Take a look at practical ways to make everyday tasks easier around the house, or out and about.
- Explore tips
- Cultural resources
- First Nations resources
  Access resources made by, with, and for First Nations people.
- Italian resources
  Access resources made with and for Italian people.
- Resources in your language
  Find LiveUp resources in different languages.
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Take our 5-minute quiz – get personalised suggestions for activities, products, and tips tailored to you.
Take the quiz
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- Friends of LiveUp
  Read about the peak bodies and organisations we work with to improve the lives of older people.
- Testimonials
  'I found LiveUp to be so uplifting and inspirational and I'm so glad I found it! I thoroughly recommend it to all my older friends.'
  See more testimonials
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Not sure where to start? Call one of our friendly navigators who can help you.Call - 1800 951 971

Peer-recommended reads for 2026: Have some fun with fiction | LiveUp

Woman relaxing with a fun book on the couch.

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 member

James

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 member

Reading 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 age

Learning 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/

Download and print this article:

You can print out the PDF and stick it to your fridge or file away the tips to revisit at a later time.

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Peer-recommended reads for 2026: Have some fun with fiction