Discover 10 Must-Read Books of the 1980s That Still Resonate Today

The 1980s was a decade of significant cultural, political, and social changes.

It was a time when personal computers became more common, the music industry saw the rise of MTV, and the world watched in awe as the Berlin Wall fell.

The 1980s was also a time when some of the most iconic books of the century were written.

In this post, we will be exploring 10 must-read books of the 1980s that are still relevant and impactful today.

1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Published in 1985, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a dystopian novel that tells the story of a future where women’s rights have been stripped away.

It is a powerful commentary on gender politics and reproductive rights that remains just as relevant today as it did when it was first written.

2. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” published in 1987, is a novel that explores the psychological impact of slavery on individuals and their families.

The book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988 and is considered one of the most influential works of American fiction of the 20th century.

3. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Published in 1982, “The Color Purple” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the lives of African American women in the southern United States during the 1930s. It is a powerful and moving story that has become a classic of African American literature.

4. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

“Watchmen” is a graphic novel published in 1986 that explores the superhero genre in a unique and sophisticated way.

The story is set in an alternate history where superheroes are real, and the book has been praised for its mature and complex storytelling.

5. Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis

Published in 1985, “Less Than Zero” is a novel that explores the lives of wealthy, privileged teenagers in Los Angeles.

It is a raw and unflinching portrayal of the excesses and decadence of the 1980s that has become a classic of the genre.

6. Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

Published in 1985, “Blood Meridian” is a Western novel that tells the story of a teenage runaway who joins a gang of scalp hunters in the American Southwest in the 1850s. The book is a dark and brutal exploration of human nature and violence.

7. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

Published in 1980, “The Name of the Rose” is a historical murder mystery set in a medieval monastery.

The book is notable for its intricate plot and detailed historical setting, and it has become a classic of the mystery genre.

8. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a humorous science fiction novel that was originally a radio series before being published in book form in 1980. The book has become a cult classic and has spawned a franchise of sequels and adaptations.

9. The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe

Published in 1987, “The Bonfire of the Vanities” is a satirical novel that explores the excesses of the 1980s Wall Street culture. The book is a scathing commentary on greed, corruption, and the pursuit of wealth and power.

10. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

“A Brief History of Time,” published in 1988, is a popular science book that explains complex theories of the universe in simple terms. The book covers topics such as the Big Bang, black holes, and the nature of time and space. It has become one of the bestselling popular science books of all time.

Here are some of the most memorable happenings of the 1980s:

1. The fall of the Berlin Wall – In November 1989, the Berlin Wall was brought down, signaling the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
2. Challenger disaster – On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after takeoff, killing all seven crew members, including schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe.
3. Reaganomics – During the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan implemented a series of economic policies, known as Reaganomics, that aimed to reduce government regulation and cut taxes.
4. MTV – Launched in 1981, MTV revolutionized the music industry by bringing music videos to a wider audience.
5. Iran-Contra Affair – In 1985, it was revealed that the Reagan administration had secretly sold weapons to Iran in exchange for hostages and used the profits to fund anti-communist rebels in Nicaragua.
6. AIDS epidemic – The 1980s saw the emergence of the AIDS epidemic, which had a profound impact on public health and sparked a social and political movement for LGBTQ+ rights.
7. Solidarity movement – In Poland, the Solidarity movement emerged in the 1980s, calling for greater political freedom and workers’ rights. The movement eventually led to the collapse of communist rule in Poland.
8. Nintendo – In 1985, Nintendo released its video game console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which went on to become a cultural phenomenon and revolutionize the gaming industry.
9. Live Aid – In 1985, a benefit concert called Live Aid was held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The concert featured performances by some of the biggest names in music.
10. Chernobyl disaster – On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine suffered a catastrophic meltdown, releasing radioactive material into the atmosphere and causing one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.

Conclusion

The 1980s was a decade of great cultural, political, and social changes, and the books published during that time reflect these changes.

From dystopian novels to historical murder mysteries, from graphic novels to humorous science fiction, the books on this list offer a diverse and fascinating glimpse into the decade that defined a generation.

These 10 must-read books of the 1980s continue to inspire and captivate readers today, and they are a testament to the enduring power of literature.