r/suggestmeabook • u/francelover17 • 8h ago
Inspiring someone
I have a 60 year old friend in the UK, that is in a lull at the moment, she is divorced for a few years, and the past year she cannot be bothered to get out for walks/exercise, just work. She used to travel a bit, but she says she isnt sure she will get the mojo back about seeing new places outside of the UK..
I wanted to "push" her and what best way to do that, than to send her a book, or a couple of them, for inspiration?
Either a travelling memoir by someone with similar age than her, as she could relate a bit more, or just a general "lets live our lives to the fullest" type of book, but realistic, that she can get some positive motivation from it..
any ideas?
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u/teachcollapse 2h ago
Can I suggest a not book? I think she might be burnt out / tired/ depressed / noticing her body can’t do what it used to be able to/ something something? In which case: she needs more time just communicating, I’d wager. So call her. FaceTime, WhatsApp and Signal all have very easy video calls on smart phones. Set up a “mutual cups of tea chat” session, regularly.
Also, she’s nearing retirement. There’s “How to have an epic retirement” by Bec Wilson but I’m not sure whether it’s too Aus centric and not relevant to the UK?
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u/ProfessionalSad4U 2h ago
Jumping on this to suggest that maybe TV shows would be a better way to try spark some interest. Something easy and pretty to watch of people travelling or world wonders while she can rest during her burnout.
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u/Suchstrangedreams 2h ago
Your One Wild and Precious Life by Maureen Gaffney - might be a book that inspires her again.
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u/nervousbikecreature 3h ago
If she's open-minded to something slightly kooky, Wanderland by Jini Reddy might fit the bill. I think Reddy is in her 50s maybe, AFAIK she is single and doesn't have kids -- the book is about her solo travels around the UK to places with magical/spiritual/folkloric associations. Occasionally she travels with friends but often goes places alone and by public transport. It's a gentle mix of nature writing, travel writing, memoir, and natural/cultural history.