Are you feeling nostalgic for the 80s? Whether you lived through the decade or are just curious about this iconic era, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and cultural moments than by diving into a book on the 80s. From memoirs and historical accounts to fictional tales set in this vibrant decade, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best books about the 80s that will transport you back in time and leave you yearning for neon leg warmers and mixtapes.
Contents
- 1 Ready Player One
- 2 Less Than Zero
- 3 The Rules of Attraction
- 4 American Psycho
- 5 Bright Lights, Big City
- 6 The Bonfire of the Vanities
- 7 The Secret History
- 8 The Goldfinch
- 9 The Catcher in the Rye
- 10 Less Than Angels
- 11 The Color Purple
- 12 The Joy Luck Club
- 13 The Handmaid’s Tale
- 14 The Shining
- 15 Less Than Zero
- 16 The World According to Garp
- 17 Less Than Zero
- 18 The Name of the Rose
- 19 The Unbearable Lightness of Being
- 20 Less Than Zero
- 21 Conclusion
Ready Player One
by Ernest Cline
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is the ultimate ‘book about the 80s’. Set in a dystopian future where the real world has become a bleak and desolate place, the story takes you on a thrilling adventure filled with nostalgia, virtual reality, and a quest for hidden treasures.
Less Than Zero
by Bret Easton Ellis
Less Than Zero: A Gripping Tale of Excess and Desolation in the Neon-Lit 80s
Step into the pulsating heart of the 80s with Bret Easton Ellis’ scintillating masterpiece, Less Than Zero. This electrifying novel immerses readers in a world of decadence, desperation, and disillusionment that defined an era like no other. Brace yourself for a wild ride through the glittering streets of Los Angeles, where the neon lights flicker and the dark underbelly of excess threatens to consume everything in its path.
At its core, Less Than Zero is a book about the 80s—a vivid snapshot of a decade characterized by its unapologetic indulgence and ruthless superficiality. Ellis paints a haunting portrait of a generation lost amidst the relentless pursuit of pleasure, navigating a landscape of drugs, sex, and materialism with a chillingly detached perspective.
Through the eyes of Clay, a disenchanted college student returning home for Christmas break, we witness a world where money talks louder than morals, love is fleeting, and the line between reality and illusion is blurred beyond recognition. As Clay reunites with his wealthy and jaded friends, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, manipulation, and self-destruction that threatens to consume his very soul.
With its razor-sharp prose and unflinching portrayal of the dark side of the American Dream, Less Than Zero is an unmissable journey into the heart of the 80s. Ellis captures the essence of an era defined by its excesses and contradictions, offering a searing critique of a society that had lost its way. Prepare to be captivated, disturbed, and ultimately enlightened by this unforgettable exploration of a decade that continues to fascinate and haunt us to this day.
The Rules of Attraction
by Bret Easton Ellis
The Rules of Attraction: An Unforgettable Journey into the Excess and Despair of the Neon Decade
Welcome to a mesmerizing journey back to the neon decade, a time of raw excess and unbridled despair, where the lives of a group of wealthy college students intertwine in a chaotic dance of love, lust, and self-destruction.
The Rules of Attraction, penned by the brilliant Bret Easton Ellis, is an electrifying book on the 80s that dives headfirst into the dark underbelly of a generation submerged in sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Set against the backdrop of elite East Coast universities, this fiercely haunting and brutally honest novel exposes the raw emotions and superficiality that lurked beneath the glamorous veneer of the Reagan era.
Through a captivating narrative, Ellis masterfully weaves together the stories of a cast of characters caught in a web of toxic relationships and self-destructive behavior. From the hedonistic Sean Bateman, the charismatic drug dealer with a penchant for violence, to the beautiful and elusive Lauren Hynde, the object of desire for both Sean and his best friend Paul Denton, each character’s journey unfolds with a mesmerizing blend of wit, cynicism, and heartbreak.
The Rules of Attraction not only captures the essence of a turbulent and decadent time but also delves into the universal themes of love, loneliness, and the desperate search for meaning. Ellis’s razor-sharp prose, filled with dark humor and unfiltered honesty, paints a vivid portrait of a generation grappling with their own insecurities and a society that seems to have lost its moral compass.
Prepare to be transported to a time where the party never ends, where the music is loud, and where the consequences of our choices are as volatile as the era itself. This book about the 80s will leave an indelible mark on your soul, reminding you that the pursuit of pleasure can often lead to a devastating emptiness.
The Rules of Attraction is a harrowing and unforgettable journey into the heart of the neon decade, a powerful reminder that beneath the glitz and glamour, the 80s were a
American Psycho
by Bret Easton Ellis
American Psycho Overview
American Psycho: A Gripping Tale of Excess in the 80s
Step into the world of the neon-lit, glitter-filled, and outrageously decadent 80s with Bret Easton Ellis’ groundbreaking novel, American Psycho. This book about the 80s takes you on a chilling journey through the mind of Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street investment banker by day and a sadistic serial killer by night.
In this book on the 80s, Ellis masterfully captures the essence of the era, delving into the obsession with material wealth, status symbols, and superficiality that defined the decade. Through Bateman’s twisted perspective, the reader is exposed to a world of designer clothes, fancy restaurants, and wild parties, all meticulously detailed to create a hauntingly vivid portrait of excess.
As the synthesized beats of the 80s pulsate in the background, Bateman’s dark desires and violent tendencies become increasingly disturbing. Ellis skillfully explores the blurred lines between reality and delusion, leaving readers questioning the true extent of Bateman’s crimes and the sanity of the world he inhabits.
American Psycho is a bold, provocative, and unapologetically brutal novel that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. It challenges societal norms and forces us to confront the darker side of humanity, all while immersing us in the neon-lit excess of the 80s book.
Prepare to be captivated, disturbed, and utterly enthralled as you dive into the twisted mind of Patrick Bateman in this unforgettable book about the 80s. But be warned, once you enter this world, there’s no turning back.
Bright Lights, Big City
by Jay McInerney
Bright Lights, Big City: The Ultimate 80s Book
Step into a time machine and travel back to the neon-lit streets of 1980s New York City with Jay McInerney’s captivating novel, Bright Lights, Big City. This explosively energetic and deeply resonant book about the 80s takes you on a wild ride through the glamorous yet gritty world of the Big Apple during a decade that defined a generation.
The Bonfire of the Vanities
by Tom Wolfe
The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe is an electrifying book that takes you on a wild ride through the extravagant and cutthroat world of 1980s New York City. Considered a masterpiece of social satire, this novel delves deep into the greed, excess, and moral decay that defined the era.
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
The Secret History is a mesmerizing novel that immerses readers in the decadence and darkness of the ’80s era. Set in a prestigious New England college, this captivating book delves into the lives of a group of eccentric students who are entangled in a web of secrets, obsession, and murder.
The Goldfinch
by Donna Tartt
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is a mesmerizing tome that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant and tumultuous landscape of the 1980s. This gripping novel captures the essence of a decade filled with excess, rebellion, and artistic expression. Set against the backdrop of New York City, this book immerses readers in the life of Theo Decker, a young boy who survives a tragic accident that changes the course of his life forever.
The Catcher in the Rye
by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye, a timeless classic by J.D. Salinger, is a book that takes readers on a nostalgic journey back to the era of the 80s. This remarkable novel, often referred to as the “80s book,” captures the essence of a generation and provides a thought-provoking exploration of teenage angst, rebellion, and the search for authenticity.
Less Than Angels
by Barbara Pym
Less Than Angels by Barbara Pym is a delightful book about the 80s that takes you on a journey through the lives of anthropologists, academics, and their quirky relationships. Set in London during the 1980s, this novel captures the essence of the era with its witty dialogue, social commentary, and exploration of love and intellectual pursuits.
The story revolves around Catherine, an anthropologist who is working on her doctoral thesis. As she navigates the complexities of academia, she becomes entangled in a love triangle with her colleague Tom and a younger research student named Deirdre. Pym skillfully portrays the dynamics of their relationships, capturing the nuances of desire, jealousy, and the search for meaning in a world obsessed with intellectual pursuits.
What sets this book on the 80s apart is Pym’s ability to infuse humor and satire into her narrative. Through her keen observations, she pokes fun at the pretentiousness of the academic world and the idiosyncrasies of her characters. With her sharp wit and clever writing style, Pym creates a world that is at once familiar and absurd, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the foibles of human nature.
Less Than Angels not only captures the spirit of the 80s, but also offers a timeless exploration of human relationships and the pursuit of knowledge. With its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and astute observations, this book about the 80s is sure to captivate readers, whether they lived through the era or not. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the delightful world of Less Than Angels for a charming and insightful journey through the 80s and beyond.
The Color Purple
by Alice Walker
The Color Purple, written by Alice Walker, is a groundbreaking novel that takes readers on a powerful journey through the 80s. Set in the deep American South, this book explores the lives of African-American women during a turbulent and transformative era. With its vivid characters, raw emotions, and profound storytelling, The Color Purple is an unforgettable tale that captures the essence of the 80s like no other.
The Joy Luck Club
by Amy Tan
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a captivating book about the 80s that delves into the intricate lives of four Chinese immigrant women and their American-born daughters. With its rich storytelling and evocative prose, this mesmerizing novel takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the tumultuous experiences of these women as they navigate the complexities of their dual cultural identities.
The Handmaid’s Tale
by Margaret Atwood
In the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, readers are transported to a chilling future where women’s rights have been stripped away, and a totalitarian regime known as Gilead rules with an iron fist. This gripping and thought-provoking book takes place in a time that feels both eerily familiar and unsettlingly different from our own, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction.
The Shining
by Stephen King
The Shining, a book set in the 80s, is a spine-chilling masterpiece written by the one and only Stephen King. This electrifying tale takes readers on a terrifying journey through the eerie corridors of the Overlook Hotel, where the spirit of the 80s is alive and well.
Less Than Zero
by Stuart Woods
Less Than Zero is a mesmerizing book about the 80s that takes readers on a wild journey through the glamour and darkness of Los Angeles. Stuart Woods masterfully captures the essence of the decade, transporting us to a time of excess, decadence, and moral ambiguity.
The World According to Garp
by John Irving
The World According to Garp is an extraordinary novel that takes readers on a wild journey through the world of the 80s. This book about the 80s captures the essence of the era, with all its quirks, complexities, and cultural shifts. From the fashion choices to the political climate, John Irving masterfully weaves together a captivating tale that will transport you back to the vibrant and tumultuous times of the 80s.
Less Than Zero
by Craig Nova
Less Than Zero, a riveting novel by Craig Nova, is an immersive journey into the dark underbelly of the decadent and hedonistic 1980s. Set in Los Angeles, this book captures the essence of an era defined by excess, materialism, and a sense of nihilism.
With its haunting portrayal of a young college student named Clay, Less Than Zero delves deep into the heart of a generation caught in a web of drugs, sex, and apathy. As Clay navigates the glamorous yet seedy world of his affluent friends and acquaintances, he becomes entangled in a series of increasingly dangerous situations.
This gripping tale takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the dark side of the 80s, shining a spotlight on the consequences of a culture obsessed with superficiality and instant gratification. Nova’s masterful storytelling paints a vivid picture of a generation lost in a haze of excess, where nothing is as it seems.
Less Than Zero is not just a book about the 80s, it is the 80s book. It captures the essence of the era in all its glitz and glamour, while simultaneously exposing the underlying emptiness and despair. Through Nova’s sharp prose and compelling characters, readers are transported back in time to an era of neon lights, cocaine-fueled parties, and a pervasive sense of disillusionment.
So, if you’re seeking a captivating journey through the dark side of the 80s, look no further than Less Than Zero. This mesmerizing novel will leave you questioning the true cost of a decade defined by excess, and the lasting impact it had on an entire generation.
The Name of the Rose
by Umberto Eco
Step into the labyrinthine world of The Name of the Rose, a mesmerizing book about the 80s that will transport you back to a time of mystery, intrigue, and intellectual pursuit.
In this captivating novel by Umberto Eco, set in a remote Italian monastery in the 14th century, a young Franciscan friar named William of Baskerville finds himself drawn into a web of puzzling murders. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a trail of secrets, forbidden knowledge, and a shadowy figure who will stop at nothing to protect the monastery’s darkest secrets.
Eco’s masterful storytelling takes readers on a journey through the labyrinthine corridors of the abbey, where ancient manuscripts hold the key to unlocking the truth. As William navigates the treacherous waters of religious politics and theological debates, he must also confront his own inner demons and the haunting memories of his past.
With its rich historical backdrop, intricate plot, and profound exploration of faith, knowledge, and power, The Name of the Rose is not just a book on the 80s, but a timeless masterpiece that transcends any particular era. It is a testament to the enduring allure of mystery and the pursuit of truth, reminding us that the past holds the keys to understanding our present.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
by Milan Kundera
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera is a mesmerizing book about the 80s that dives deep into the complexities of love, freedom, and the human condition. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant and tumultuous 1980s, this masterpiece explores the intertwining lives of four main characters in Czechoslovakia.
Kundera’s storytelling prowess shines as he weaves a web of relationships, desires, and existential questions. The narrative follows Tomas, a successful surgeon and womanizer, his wife Tereza, a photographer grappling with her identity, Sabina, an artist entangled in passionate affairs, and Franz, a university professor caught between his desires and responsibilities.
This book on the 80s delves into the existentialist philosophy of lightness and weight, exploring the concept that our actions and decisions have no lasting consequences, and that life is ultimately meaningless. Kundera’s prose is thought-provoking and evocative, inviting readers to ponder the nature of love, sex, and the pursuit of happiness amidst the backdrop of political upheaval.
Through vivid and memorable characters, Kundera captures the essence of the book about the 80s and the complexities of human relationships in a time of great change. As the characters navigate their personal desires and the political landscape, they grapple with the eternal question of how to find meaning and fulfillment in an uncertain world.
With its blend of philosophical musings, passionate romance, and historical context, The Unbearable Lightness of Being is a captivating 80s book that will transport readers to a time of both hope and uncertainty, where love and freedom are both cherished and questioned.
Less Than Zero
by Chris Wooding
Less Than Zero is a mesmerizing book that takes you on a wild ride through the decadent and pulsating streets of Los Angeles in the 80s, a time of excess, indulgence, and danger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 books about the 80s offer readers a nostalgic journey back to a decade filled with neon colors, big hair, and iconic pop culture moments. Whether you lived through the 80s and want to relive the magic or you’re curious about the era’s impact on society, these books are a must-read. From memoirs and biographies to novels and non-fiction, there’s something for everyone in this curated list. So, grab a copy of these books and immerse yourself in the vibrant and unforgettable decade that was the 80s.