Best Seller Books of the 80s!
A popular form of art that people from the 80s used as a leisure activity: Books... The rise for multi-ethnic authors, specifically with Chinese-Americans, African Americans, Indians, and those of European ethnicity, was the beginning of diverse literature. Authors like Sidney Sheldon, Alice Walker, John Irving, and more, were the best-selling authors during this time.
The Covenant by James A. Michener
The Covenant was a bestselling novel in the 80's that explored the history of South Africa. It gave readers a strong account of the country's troubled past. The issues of race, and colonization during a time in South African History.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Beloved was a significant novel in the 80's that focused on the themes of slavery, trauma, and motherhood. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and brought attention to the lasting effects of slavery.
The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
The Colour Purple was a novel in the 80's that explored themees of race, gender, and sexuality. It had won a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Firestarter by Stephen King
Firestarter is a representation of the exploration of the government corruption, ethics in science, and the dynamics between individuals and institutions.
Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy
Red Storms was important in the 80's becaus eit provided a realistic portrayal of a hypothetical WWIII between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.
A Perfect Spy by John le Carre
A Perfect Spy was important for its deep exploration of betrayal and the psychological toll of a double life. It was significant for it nuanced portrayal of the spy genre and its reflection of the uncertainties of the time.
Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy
Clear and Present Danger highlighted the dangers of drug trafficking and corruption within the government agencies. it brought attention to the complexities of the War on Drugs in the 80's.
Lake Wobegon Days by Garrison Keillor
Lake Wobegon Days was important because it captured the essence of community, family, and tradition. It offered readers a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon
Rage of Angels is significant because it was a compelling story that captivated readers with the story of a young attorney. It explored themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum
The significance of The Bourne Identity was the introduction of readers to the character of Jason Bourne. It was a thriller that combined action and conspiracy captivating the imagination of readers.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
The Joy Luck Club was a significant book in the 80's because it had given a unique perspective on the experiences of Chinese American women. It explored themes of culture, identity, ans the immigrant experience.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
The importance of Lonesome Dove was its portrayal of the American West and its exploration of themes like friendship and loyalty.
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
The Cider House Rules explores themes of abortion, family, an responsibility. It was controversial at the time but it had recieved applaude for its complex characters and the provoking narrative.
An Indecent Obsession by Colleen McCullough
An indecent Obsession was significant because it tackled important themes like was, mental health, and trauma. It had complex relationships and well developed charachters.
Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon
Master of the Game was a popular novel in the 80's for its suspensful plot and story line, but also the female character as the protagonist. It had themes of betrayal, ambition, and greed. These themes are what captured the readers attention.
Random Winds by Belva Plain
Random Winds had a storyline that captured peoples attention. Its themes on love, betrayal, and redemption matched with the audience at that time. Its ability to engage readers and keep them hooked was the importance of the book.
Sources:
Adkins, A. (n.d.). Top 10 Best Selling Books of the 1980s. Owlcation. https://owlcation.com/humanities/Top-10-Best-Selling-Books-of-the-1980s
Hickory Stick Bookshop - The Pelican Brief" by John Grisham
https://www.hickorystickbookshop.com/book/9780449214206
"Dissent Magazine - A Material Difference: Notes on the Newness of 1980s" by [Author Not Specified]
https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/a-material-difference-notes-on-the-newness-of-1980
"Danse Macabre" by Stephen King on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/12663
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