These Memorable Older Characters Wowed Us (Podcast)

Join Cindy from Thoughts from a Page as we explore unforgettable books featuring older characters. These are her top five picks that deserve space on your TBR.

The All‑Star Book Influencer Series is back, and I can’t wait to introduce you to more incredible voices in the literary community. Our guests include podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers who bring fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.

Cindy has a pulse on what’s next in the publishing world and brings her seasoned perspective on how literature is embracing life beyond midlife. As one of those trusted guides, she offers not only spot-on recommendations but also the tools to discover books you might otherwise miss.

In this cozy conversation, Cindy and I discuss:

  • How to Discover What’s Next in Books – Cindy shares her strategies for staying ahead of the curve, spotting trends, and helping readers discover gems beyond the bestseller lists.
  • Why Older Characters Matter – We talk about the joys of reading characters in later stages of life, how these stories expand our empathy, and what publishing is (and isn’t) getting right in portraying aging.
  • Cindy’s Top Five Picks with Older Characters – From cozy mysteries to poignant literary fiction, Cindy highlights unforgettable stories that prove life experience makes for some of the most compelling characters on the page.
Books With Older Protagonists

FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: Today, we celebrate senior characters with this new list of 52 books with older protagonists that prove that fresh adventures are, in fact, ageless endeavors. Binge these new releases and backlist gems, including today’s recommendations from Cindy!

Cindy Burnett

Meet Cindy Burnett

Cindy Burnett is the host of the Thoughts from a Page podcast where she chats with guests about the books she loves and recommends. Episodes include author interviews and conversations with publishing insiders about the latest and greatest books. An avid reader and reviewer, Cindy also crafts Winter and Summer Reading Guides, writes two book columns for The Buzz Magazines in Houston, and promotes books across social media. When she isn’t reading, Cindy loves attending the theatre, visiting National Parks, and traveling.

These Memorable Older Characters Wowed Us (Podcast)

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet Our September Author Guests on Amy’s IG

Join the August Book Club Chat 08/29 (The Wedding People)

NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 52 Books With Older Protagonists

BONUS BOOK LIST: 40 Books About Midlife to Add to Your Stack (in case you missed it!)

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab

Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Vera Wong Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

The Best One Bed Trope Books For Romance Lovers 

The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 years old by Hendrik Groen

The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey

The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Sundays With Writers: The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

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Published August 21, 2025 by:

Amy Allen Clark is the founder of MomAdvice.com. You can read all about her here.

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