There’s so much more than a story in a book. There are pieces of ourselves—our hopes. Curiosities. Dreams. Our dirty little (secret) desires. Even reflections of red flags we’ve ignored in real life. There’s a hint of redemption and the thrill of what could be.
Particularly for women over 35, fiction can mirror daily life’s complexities but with a twist of enchantment. In these narratives, we connect with resonating characters—their light and shadowy parts. We grapple with their challenges and celebrate victories that feel familiar and inspiring.
Fiction is a private sanctuary for many of us. It’s a break from work, kids, spouses, pets...from the world. It’s a beautiful escape and slice of heaven. Here, we meet characters who remind us that our experiences are unique and universal. The depth of relationships in these stories often resonates with our intricate lives, filled with joys, heartbreaks, and mundane moments. They entertain us while validating our feelings and usually offer a new perspective on our situations.
Mature protagonists often enrich the storyline. Whether through wit, rigidity, carefree attitudes or whatever unique qualities they embody. They navigate love, career changes, family dynamics, and personal awakenings with a grace that is both aspirational and relatable. As readers, we root for them; we see parts of our journeys in theirs. This connection is comforting, a reminder that our stories are significant and our challenges surmountable.
Fiction is also a bridge to empathy. Living vicariously through characters allows us to explore vastly different lives. Take Trish from Trip, for instance, who appears to have it all—a successful career, a luxury car, and a loving husband—yet yearns for the passion and adventure that seem just out of reach. This exploration is gentle yet powerful, allowing us to understand and feel the emotional landscapes of others without judgment. Because the story also explains the WHY of her actions. It’s not black and white and challenges readers to open their minds and put themselves in her shoes. Through Trish’s secret journeys to other realms, we feel the thrill and danger as she navigates her desires and risks everything for freedom.
For us, as women over 35, these stories are particularly poignant. They often focus on second chances, new beginnings, and the powerful realization that life can be as thrilling and fulfilling as getting older. The characters show us that age isn’t a limit but a starting point for new adventures.
So, let’s turn the page to a new chapter together, where every book is a doorway to another world, and every character’s journey resonates with our own lives.