Reminisce: Bringing Back the Joy of Reading, One Story at a Time by Ann Aubitz
A Special Collection from Kirk House Publishers Celebrating Memories, Nostalgia, and the Timeless Pleasure of a Good Story
There is something wonderful about a story that takes us back in time. The sound of a favorite song playing on the jukebox, the excitement of a Saturday night dance, the neighborhood bakery where everyone knew your name, or the simple pleasure of sitting down with a good book.
For many older adults, reading has been a lifelong source of entertainment, comfort, and enjoyment. But as we age, changes in eyesight, concentration, and memory can sometimes make reading more challenging.
At Kirk House Publishers, we believe the pleasure of reading should never have to end.
That belief inspired the creation of our Reminisce Line, a special collection of large-print, beautifully illustrated short-story books designed to make reading comfortable, engaging, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.
Inspired by a Mother's Love of Reading
The inspiration for the Reminisce Line came from Kirk House Publishers' Ann Aubitz and her 96-year-old mother, who continued to enjoy reading.
Ann recognized that many books marketed toward older adults did not always meet their needs. Some featured small print and complicated storylines, while others were so simplified that they felt more appropriate for children than adults.
She wanted to create something different.
The goal was to publish books that were easier to read without sacrificing the interesting characters, meaningful experiences, and entertaining stories that adults have always enjoyed.
Just as importantly, Ann wanted these books to preserve the dignity and independence of the reader.
The result was the Reminisce Line—a collection of books that celebrates the joy of storytelling while thoughtfully addressing some of the challenges that can come with aging.
Thoughtfully Designed, Without Labels
One of the most important features of the Reminisce Line is something readers will not find on the covers.
The words dementia and Alzheimer's do not appear on the books.
Although the series was thoughtfully developed with the needs of older adults and readers experiencing cognitive changes in mind, the books are not labeled for any particular condition.
They are simply wonderful books filled with entertaining stories.
Each Reminisce book includes:
Large, easy-to-read type printed on white paper for comfortable reading.
Ten complete short stories, generally ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 words.
Familiar settings and experiences, primarily from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.
Conversational, easy-to-follow writing that makes the stories enjoyable without being overly complicated.
Illustrations throughout, including several full-color pages that bring the stories to life.
Adult themes and engaging characters that respect the reader's life experiences and intelligence.
The stories are short enough to enjoy in one sitting, yet long enough to provide a satisfying reading experience.
Our philosophy is simple: Make reading easier without making the stories less interesting.
The Power of Familiar Memories
Why did we choose the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s as the primary settings for our stories?
Because these decades hold a special place in the memories of many older readers.
They were years of neighborhood gatherings, drive-in movies, soda fountains, handwritten letters, family traditions, and music that still brings a smile.
A story about a high school reunion might remind someone of their first sweetheart. A scene in a neighborhood diner might bring back memories of an after-school job. A description of a family gathering might spark a conversation about holiday traditions from long ago.
These familiar details can create opportunities for connection.
A reader may put down a book and begin telling a family member about the bakery they visited as a child, the car they drove in high school, or the dance where they met their spouse.
For family members, caregivers, and friends, those conversations can be just as meaningful as the stories themselves.
The Reminisce Line is not just about reading stories. It is about the stories those books may inspire readers to share.
Three Collections, Countless Memories
The Reminisce Line currently features three collections, each offering ten stories written by Kirk House authors.
Reminisce Mysteries — Book One
Originally published July 2022 | Updated September 2026
Remember when a chocolate malt could make almost any day better, teenagers gathered at the bowling alley, and neighbors knew one another by name?
Reminisce Mysteries takes readers back to those familiar times through stories filled with family secrets, small-town adventures, old-fashioned mysteries, and unexpected discoveries.
Readers can visit Ernie's Bakery, explore a mysterious house at 455 Elm Street, attend a twentieth high school reunion in 1969, and discover how an ordinary evening at a diner can turn into something extraordinary.
These stories offer intrigue, warmth, and just enough suspense to keep readers turning the pages. First edition available through Kirk House, updated version available through online retailers.
Reminisce Romance — Book Two
Originally published August 2022 | Updated September 2026
Who doesn't remember the excitement of a first date, a favorite dance, or the butterflies that came with falling in love?
Reminisce Romance celebrates love in all its wonderful forms.
From young sweethearts and unexpected encounters to second chances and finding love later in life, these ten stories remind us that romance is not limited by age.
Readers will meet cowboys, old friends, new neighbors, and couples discovering that sometimes love arrives when it is least expected.
Filled with warmth, nostalgia, and familiar experiences, this collection celebrates the relationships and special moments that stay with us throughout our lives.
First edition available through Kirk House, updated version available through online retailers.
Reminisce Ghost Stories — Book Three
Originally published October 2022 | Update Coming soon
Every family seems to have a mysterious story. Perhaps it involves an old house, an unexplained sound, or a place where something just doesn't feel quite right.
Reminisce Ghost Stories brings together ten intriguing tales of mystery, memories, and the unexplained.
Readers will step inside the Harrington Hotel, discover the secrets of the Old Bennett Place, explore mystical traditions, and find out what might be waiting at Cabin 12.
Some stories are touching, others are mysterious, and a few might send a little shiver down your spine.
It's a collection for anyone who has ever enjoyed a good ghost story shared around the dinner table or on a dark evening.
Books That Bring Generations Together
One of the unexpected pleasures of the Reminisce Line is how easily these books can be shared across generations.
A grandparent might read a story to a grandchild, or a grandchild might read aloud to a grandparent. Families can talk about how life was different decades ago and discover how many experiences remain surprisingly similar.
Imagine a grandchild asking, "Did you really go to dances like that?" or "What was a soda fountain?"
Suddenly, a simple story becomes the beginning of a family conversation.
For caregivers and activity directors in senior living communities, the books can also provide material for reading groups, one-on-one visits, and shared activities.
Because each story is complete, readers can enjoy one at a time without needing to remember a complicated plot from a previous chapter.
And because the stories were written for adults, they offer engaging material that respects the experiences and interests of older readers.
Recognized by Alzheimer's Speaks
The Reminisce Line has received an enthusiastic recommendation from Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer's Speaks, a Minnesota-based advocacy and media organization with an international reach.
After reviewing the books, Lori recognized the importance of creating reading materials that are both accessible and dignified.
She praised the large print, comfortable book format, engaging storylines, and opportunities for intergenerational reading and conversation.
As Lori shared in her testimonial:
"I highly recommend the Reminisce book line for your special someone that still loves to read."
Her review reinforced what we hoped to accomplish when creating the series: offering readers a way to continue enjoying books while making the experience more comfortable and welcoming.
A Thoughtful Gift for Someone Who Loves to Read
Finding a meaningful gift for an older parent, grandparent, friend, or loved one can sometimes be difficult.
The Reminisce Line offers something personal: an opportunity to enjoy a good story, revisit familiar times, and perhaps share a few memories along the way.
These books can be especially thoughtful gifts for birthdays, holidays, visits to senior living communities, or simply to let someone know you are thinking of them.
They are also suitable for libraries, senior centers, assisted living communities, memory care programs, and organizations looking for engaging reading materials.
And while the books were designed with older readers in mind, their stories can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates nostalgia, romance, mysteries, and storytelling.
Because Everyone Deserves the Joy of a Good Book
At Kirk House Publishers, our mission is to Inspire Humanity, and the Reminisce Line reflects that commitment.
We believe books can entertain, comfort, connect generations, and bring people together.
We also believe that growing older should not mean giving up the stories we love.
Whether someone reads independently, enjoys listening to a story read aloud, or shares a book with a family member, the experience of storytelling remains meaningful.
The Reminisce Line was created to make those moments possible.
Because sometimes a familiar story can bring back a wonderful memory. And sometimes, the greatest gift of a book is the conversation that follows.
Discover the Reminisce Line
Explore our collections of mysteries, romance, and ghost stories, and help someone rediscover the pleasure of reading.
Visit Kirk House Publishers to learn more about the Reminisce Line and order your books.
Kirk House Publishers — Inspire Humanity.
Comments