In addition to the sheer pleasure of delving into a new book and being entertained or enlightened by the thoughts and words of another, there is also the possibility you may glean some essential truths or wise ideas about your own life. Such is the case with several new books just published. We hope you’ll find these recommendations both enjoyable and illuminating.

First up is a new book by The New Yorker critic and writer Adam Gopnik, whose previous works include books about his life living in New York and Paris. His new book, to be released next week, The Real Work: On The Mystery of Mastery examines the craft and skills that others have used to become masters in their own field. He describes his own journey of trying to master certain talents such as drawing or driving at an age when many might consider him too old to take on new skills. His perseverance and accomplishment are a model for those who wish, even at later stages of life, to take on new challenges and master new skills (something that’s quite beneficial for keeping your brain sharp). Learn about some of his adventures and insights from this excerpt from his book recently published in The Guardian.

Next is a new book on memory entitled Why We Forget and How to Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory, by neurologist and memory expert Dr. Andrew Budson of Boston University School of Medicine and the Harvard Medical School and Dr. Elizabeth Kensinger, a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston University. With their scientific expertise and practical recommendations, they hope to help you improve your own memory. Who among us can’t use a little help with our memory these days? To read an in-depth interview with these authors from the Harvard Gazette and pick up a few of their memory tips in the process, focus your brain and read here.

Author Will Schwalbe has written many books, including The End of Your Life Book Club, his best-selling memoir about time spent with his mother, sharing and discussing books, at the end of her life.  He’s now come out with a new book that reveals, through his own personal experiences, insights about some of life’s most precious relationships. We’ve often remarked on the value of friendships as a source of support and social engagement as you get older. Titled We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship, Schwalbe’s new book is about 40 years + of a cherished- if unlikely- friendship that started in college. It explores how friendships can be long-lasting despite deep differences and how friendships- even (and especially) among men- can be essential sources of support through thick and thin. Katie Couric’s husband John Molner, a personal friend of Will Schwalbe, sat down to interview him about his new book. Read their conversation here.

Finally, none of us escapes the loss and mourning that comes with the death of loved ones, or that fills us as we are confronted with our own mortality. The Atlantic recently came out with a list of seven important books to help you come to terms with death. Recognizing the finitude of life can sometimes help you get the most out of each moment. So to help allay some fears and enrich your own current life, take a look at their list of books here.