Cold weather means snowy streets, turning up the heat, and knitting yourself a seasonal sweater. But while you may find yourself stuck indoors, it is a great opportunity to work on a winter reading list. Making a physical list of things you would like to achieve helps many people accomplish their goals easier. As you work on your own list, keep in mind these books on retirement and living a happy life that come highly recommended:
 
1. How to Retire Happy, Wild & Free by Ernie J. Zelinski

One of the most highly recommended book on retirement, “How to Retire Happy, Wild & Free” provides insight into living a happy life after retirement. The book is financially focused, helping readers gain a new view of money in retirement. It also discusses setting goals, following your heart, and living a life that you love!
 
2. A Couple’s Guide to Retirement by Sara Yogev Ph.D.

Retirement can put a lot of unexpected stress on a relationship. Between money issues, moving to a retirement community and selling a house, making decisions about family and belongings, and actually discussing retirement options with family, the process can be draining even to the most stable couple. This book explores what it takes to maintain a loving relationship through the stress.
 
3. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey

Retirement gives you more time to devote to having a happy and healthy family. Stephen Covey, author of “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” also has a book dedicated to the family dynamic, exploring topics such as how to hold a useful family meeting and how to communicate more effectively to reach goals as a family.
 
4. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

While riding the bus one day, author Gretchen Rubin decided that she wanted to be happy in her life, and that she wanted to have a better understanding of what made her happy. The outcome of this thought was “The Happiness Project” where Rubin explores happiness in every aspect of her life, whether it be marriage, parenthood, or career. The book has encouraged many people to do their own Happiness Project. Will it inspire you?
 
5. Tuesdays With Morrie

If you’re looking to read something with plenty of life lessons, read the popular “Tuesdays With Morrie,” which gives you gems like:

“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

While this book is a work of fiction, it gives plenty advice that you can apply in real life.
 

A Book Lover’s Dream

Still not sure what you should be reading? There are plenty of resources out there to help you find your new favorite read. What Should I Read Next? instructs you to enter in the last book you read and then gives suggestions for the next one. For instance, if you last read “The Great Gatsby,” the site suggests Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms,” among other titles. You can also do a search based on author to find another author whose work you may enjoy.

Book lovers will also enjoy browsing Goodreads. Along with many other features, such as reading forums and an easy way to track which books you’ve read and want to read, Goodreads has a “Recommendations” feature, which gets more precise as you rate books on the site.

Sherwood Oaks Retirement Community residents don’t need to worry about not having the right book on hand when they need it. We have a 6,000+ volume library, affiliated with the Carnegie, which includes large print books, books on tape, DVD’s, reference books, and new releases. If there is a book that you can’t find as you browse, Sherwood Oaks can get the book for you! And for those of you who enjoy book clubs, we have one that meets once a month. Book lovers should feel right at home at Sherwood Oaks!
No matter which book you crack open next, use your reading time as a way to relax, learn, and truly enjoy your retirement!