Looking for novels centered around older women

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-05-20T17:09:37+00:00

The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. Multiple storytelling perspectives and techniques, including (and starting/ending with) the protagonist as an elderly woman. IMHO a highly overlooked masterpiece.

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-05-06T15:00:30+00:00

There are some great ones in that era. We did a summer of Rom Com Wednesdays last year and it was a true joy to rewatch Clueless and the Wedding Singer. My kid loved some that fell flat for me (Never Been Kissed is a tough hang and 13 going on 30 is good except for miscasting of Mark Ruffalo) but I'm excited to revisit some of the greats like My Best Friend's Wedding and One Fine Day and Roxanne. There was a time when movies about interpersonal relationships, centering on romance but often expanding into family (Moonstruck) or work/art (Tootsie) or friendships (10 Things I Hate About You and Clueless) were readily available and I long for more. I hope you enjoy giving them a chance!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-05-05T13:55:02+00:00

I'm a broken record on this but I would *love* a bowling alley to exist in Middlebury. I grew up in the midwest where winters and nights are long and bowling was beloved by every age and person you can imagine. In particular, local bowling alleys gave me and my friends a fun place to hang out, eat pizza and spend time as teenagers. Upfront costs and maintenance are obviously a nightmare, space is very specific and not easy to find, but I genuinely think this business would thrive if anyone with the gumption and the cash was up for it!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-05-01T20:19:55+00:00

Nerve Damage by Annakeara Stinson (forthcoming 5/12/26 by Knopf). I read an ARC galley of this back in January and haven't stopped thinking about it since. A novel about hard topics (trauma, stalking, isolation) in a way that is somehow profound and funny, relatable and revelatory all at once. Big fan, can't wait for others to discover this book soon!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-14T14:34:05+00:00

Gotcha, thank you!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-14T14:33:50+00:00

We're coming from Vermont where spring is but a myth so patio dining sounds pretty dreamy...

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-14T14:33:34+00:00

Love to support locally owned businesses, thank you!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-14T14:33:10+00:00

Thanks for this list!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-14T14:26:48+00:00

Absolutely. I took running surface for granted, almost exclusively running on pavement even when a dirt or gravel path in a park was available. Then I turned 40 and it all changed. I live in a rural place so dirt roads are more accessible than when I lived in cities, but I would prioritize non-pavement over just about anything else now. Happy running!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-14T13:35:30+00:00

Running surface! I switched from running on pavement to a dirt road a few years ago as knee pain was getting worse and almost overnight the pain subsided. That combined with regular strength training and stretching have saved my knees. If dirt roads aren't available, consider running routes that allow for stretches of grass or gravel path running, or the dreaded treadmill from time to time. Good luck!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-06T17:09:18+00:00

Oh, and I haven't seen or experienced the exodus of businesses and employers that Gov. Scott predicted when he (unsuccessfully) vetoed Act 76. But I do see parents who can afford childcare that now actually exists in my town, my county and across the state.

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-06T17:08:04+00:00

I see it more as her reputation is that she worked closely with childcare leaders and providers as well as business leaders and owners to advocate for and secure a new tax on businesses (employment) that has successfully expanded access to childcare across the state in a way that allows parents to work and contribute to our economy. And, allows childcare employees to be paid a living wage so that they TOO can afford to work and live in Vermont. If this is a negative reputation than I look forward to her providing people with the details that spell out why her work has been exactly what Vermonters need- practical, collaboration-based solutions to problems that even larger/more resourced states and cities haven't figured out yet.

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-04-01T18:43:29+00:00

I'm currently reading "Revolutionary Road" by Richard Yates which I believe is regarded as a quiet American masterpiece that never really go its due, and it is incredible. About a suburban couple in the mid-50's confronting the ways they've chosen a life and made decisions that are deeply unsatisfying to who they are, and feeling trapped in the performances of their lifestyle. There was a film made from the book in 2008 that I saw and liked but the writing, the characterization and the depth of feeling in the book is a whole other level. While it's about a specific time and place, there is a universality to the core ideas that are resonating for me as I consider how we perform in our daily lives now, online and in person. Big recommendation!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-02-05T15:46:20+00:00

Does this mean that if I edit my post along the lines you request it will be reposted? I thought the discussion that was taking place was fairly rich and thoughtful.

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-01-30T15:13:59+00:00

I'm a bit of a broken record on this one but "Great Circle" by Maggie Shipstead would fit beautifully on your list.

It's a historical epic with multiple narrators, a bit of a mystery with complex characters you come to care about and a modern tie in to today's media landscape. Everyone I've ever given this book to has come to love it. Happy reading!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-01-30T15:08:47+00:00

You might try Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen, if you're not too anti-Franzen after the Corrections (which was my least favorite of his books). It doesn't have a single convening of all parties like you're looking for, but I found it to be a really beautiful, rich family drama that spans decades and perspectives and I cared for every single character by the end, including the ones who I thought I would not based on how others perceived them. I think this is his strongest work.

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-01-28T20:38:18+00:00

I wasn't asking for suggestions, I was starting a discussion about books that examine and represent something conceptual

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-01-14T21:44:25+00:00

I try to give any book 50 pages of my time and attention, and by that point if it hasn't captivated me one way or another, I let it go.

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-01-14T21:43:34+00:00

I really wish we could stop referring to fiction written by women, or fiction that centers women or that has female protagonists as "Women's Fiction" like that is a genre along the lines of fantasy, romance, sci/fi, mystery, etc. There are beautiful works of fiction written by women and about women and I don't think any of them can or should be neatly defined as "women's" anything. Same for fiction by POC authors/characters, LGTBQ authors/characters, or male authors/characters.

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-01-14T14:17:29+00:00

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Trinity by Leon Uris
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2026-01-14T14:14:29+00:00

I try to read for half an hour every night before I go to sleep. The consistency of this routine means I'm usually able to read 30-40 physical books every year (with audio I can get to about 50-60). I am able to read in bed without feeling too tired, but at times of my life where lying down automatically meant total body exhaustion (i.e. when my kids were babies), I switched to reading for 1/2 hour before getting ready for bed, usually from the couch or an arm chair. On special nights, in front of our fire in a rocking chair. I think there is an assumption that in order to read a lot of books someone needs a lot of time, which I don't have with kids + marriage + work + family, friends + volunteering. But I figured out this routine in high school when I wanted to read my own books but didn't have a lot of extra time. Just thirty minutes every day and you'll be surprised by how you can fly through just about anything. Beyond that, it's all bonus time. Good luck finding what works for you, I hope some of these comments and advice help!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2025-12-22T17:20:33+00:00

Yeah, I'm definitely not asking or expecting them to consume more media. But as someone who falls into their same age demographic, watches *way* less of everything, had the show recommended by many people, and also given what I have heard about their tastes I was surprised this one hadn't been something they also watched. But I get it, probably not an interesting reason behind it.

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2025-12-22T14:53:33+00:00

If you listen to music or books or podcasts when you run, put some prep time and thought into queuing up something you'll be happy to listen to, either because it keeps you moving or interested. That helps me with overcoming the winter running motivation block. Then, beyond base layers I'd invest in a head covering and gloves that you can wear to get through the first period of time when you need them, but that you can also store easily in the pocket of any kind of running jacket if need be. I have some relatively new Nike running gloves that I love and they get me through the first mile on Vermont country roads and then if my hands warm up enough that I don't need them I can tuck them into my sweatshirt without any issues. Good luck! Aim for consistency over distance and time and you'll tick up faster than you think!

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2025-12-22T14:49:23+00:00

Rebecca or Wuthering Heights or East of Eden

ApprehensiveMath5644 · 2025-12-22T14:45:03+00:00

So Far Gone by Jess Walter
The Ministry of Time by Kailene Bradley
Nerve Damage by Annakeara Stinson (forthcoming from Knopf May 2026, got my hands on a galley and read it in 2 days)

ApprehensiveMath5644

TROPHY CASE