endearingly grumpy old people and their found families
books whose main characters are older and disillusioned with life and go on a little adventure that melts their hearts (and heals yours)
created by seema
last updated August, 2025
Comments
I'm reading The Last List of Mabel Beaumont right now, and it totally fits this vibe!
Remarkably Bright Creatures was one of my favorites reads of 2023
I loveee this book, the audiobook version is also so good!
Is anyone here watching A Man on the Inside? It's got the same vibes as these books!
Omg 95% on rotten tomatoes! Going to watch right now đ
I'd say the only thing it's missing is grumpiness from the MC but fear not there is definitely grumpiness amongst some of the other characters
Under the Whispering Door was one of my favorite books last year!
I highly recommend The Borrowed Life of Fredrik Fife by Anna Johnston đ
Wait I'm obsessed by the fact he's stepping in for a grump, what a twist! This is a perfect suggestion for this list
I love this haha, I feel like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches would fit if you're interested!
I looove that book and it definitely has the found family aspect, but I think Mika doesn't quite fit the old+grumpy bill for this particular list. Appreciate the rec though and definitely let me know if you come across any others!!
True true I was thinking of all the adults in the book not just Mika haha
The Housekeeper and the Professor by YĆko Ogawa would be perfect for this list. What do you think?
I haven't read it but I'll take your word for it! Added!
I would definitely add The Elegance of the Hedgehog to this list! :)
This looks perfect, thank you!!
I think Brit marie was here by Fredrik backman would fit this list!
That looks so good and I adored a man called Ove, added!!
i think one of the characters in cascade failure (and the second book gravity lost) would fall into this category for sure!
This list is intended to capture books where that is the primary focus of the story, would you say that's the case for cascade failure or is it more a side character?
itâs like a found family story with 5 POVs (one is this character) but itâs clear from all POVs that this character is kind of a caring grumpâif that makes sense?
Okay cool thanks for clarifying! I'm sure this is a lovely book, I think the old grump being only 1/5 MCs makes it just a smidge outside the focus of this list đ«¶
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