'Easy to follow plots' any suggestions?

[stleger]

I have been asked in work (bookshop!) to compile a list of books to be read to a group of elderly people. The lady reading wants easy to follow plots. I think she is keen on stories of 'times past', to start reminiscence sessions. I have authors like Michael Morpurgo to go on, she likes him! I think she is keen on the idea of books for older children (not Jacqueline Wilson though...) I'd be grateful for ideas. I am also suggesting things like Maeve Binchy short stories, but without knowing the audience it is difficult.

[stleger]

That sounds a bit more jolly and less worthy than the 'group organiser' suggested!

[Buckets]

Ooh ooh my mum's 1st book is all about older peeps misbehaving, it's very funny and quite touching too. Look here.

[stleger]

I will add them to the list, I like them! For furtive reading in work...

[SummerLightning]

What about one of the Ladies Detective Agency books?? They are very easy to read and follow.

[stleger]

Hard to tell without knowing the people! Bookshops are interesting to work in, but you need to be a mindreader! (DD1 liked Book Thief, it would be long to read aloud - buying a cd would be easier!) I have suggested Maeve Binchy and HE Bates types too. I was going to suggest Roddy Doyle, lots of swearing....the organiser is frightfully nice, it would be great to hear her read it.

[SummerLightning]

What about the book thief? I have heard although not for teenagers a lot of older children like it? Might be a bit long though.

What about Noughts and Crosses? Teenage book, easy to follow. I enjoyed it as an adult.

[Dragonbutter]

ok.
of your job in a bookshop.
what about running a search on amazon for books for older children, see what you can find for 'times past'

[stleger]

I think they are in varying degrees of early dementia. The lady I am dealing with is in her seventies, so I think she isn't being ageist.

[Dragonbutter]

do elderly people actually need easy to follow plots?