Books matching: 1950s america
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- #1
Save:A challenging but beautifully written classic of queer literature - read it if you love introspective coming-of-age narratives with emotional depth.
A Boy's Own Story by Edmund White is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the coming-of-age journey of a young man growing up gay in 1950s America. The protagonist struggles with his homosexuality, yearning for love and acceptance in a society that condemns his desires. The narrative is fragmented, jumping through different time periods in his youth, showcasing his emotional turmoil, psychotherapy experiences, and relationships with both men and women. White's writing style is described as beautiful and evocative, capturing the awkwardness of adolescence and the challenges of self-acceptance in a poignant manner.
We’re going for a midnight boat ride. It’s a cold, clear summer night and four of us – the two boys, my dad and I – are descending the stairs that zigzag down the hill from the house to the dock. Old...1982•225 pages - #2Burnby:
Save:A wild and unusual blend of Cold War history, social issues, and dragon magic - messy at times, but undeniably creative. Not everyone will fall in love with it, but it’s definitely worth the read if you want something bold and different.
Burn by Patrick Ness is a fast-paced and complex young adult novel set in an alternate reality version of 1957 America where dragons exist alongside humans. The story follows Sarah, a biracial teen, and Malcolm, an assassin, as they navigate a world filled with dragons, racism, police corruption, and the looming threat of a world war. The plot weaves together multiple storylines, balancing fantasy elements with real-world issues such as family dynamics and societal prejudices. Ness creates a vivid world where characters must confront their own identities and face the consequences of their actions in a gripping and suspenseful narrative.
ON A COLD Sunday evening in early 1957—the very day, in fact, that Dwight David Eisenhower took the oath of office for the second time as President of the United States of America—Sarah Dewhurst waite...June 2020•403 pages - #3
Save:A unique, rousing fantasy that wears its heart (and social message) on its sleeve - imperfect but powerful, and hard to forget.
'When Women Were Dragons' by Kelly Barnhill is a captivating and lyrical tale that explores the transformation of women into dragons as a metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints and embracing one's true power. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Alex, readers witness a world where women find strength and liberation in embracing their dragon selves, defying the norms and expectations placed upon them. The story delves into themes of rage, longing, and empowerment, weaving a narrative that is both intimate and enthralling, filled with heartbreak, love, and the importance of choice.
Barnhill's writing style is described as beautifully written, captivating, and original, with prose that is both poetic and allegorical. The book is praised for its feminist message that is woven seamlessly into the fantasy narrative, offering a poignant reflection on the struggles and triumphs of women in a society that seeks to suppress and silence them.
(I was wrong, obviously. But I was wrong about a lot of things when it came to her. This is not particularly unusual. I think, perhaps, none of us ever know our mothers, not really. Or at least, not u...May 2022•359 pages - #4
Save:'The Vixen' by Francine Prose is a historical fiction story set during the Cold War era, focusing on the Rosenberg family and a young editor named Simon Putnam. Simon, a Harvard graduate, becomes entangled in a world of deceit and cover-ups, as he is tasked with editing a scandalous novel about Ethel Rosenberg, turning her into a seductive spy. The story delves into themes of McCarthyism, espionage, and personal relationships, highlighting Simon's naivety and struggles in a high-stakes environment.
June 2021 - #5
Save:A thought-provoking, award-winning blend of alternate history, science, and feminism that’s inspiring for many, but may feel slow or heavy-handed for others. If you liked Hidden Figures or enjoy stories about trailblazing women, this is a must-read.
An interesting alternative history novel of speculative fiction unfolds in 'The Calculating Stars' where humanity faces the aftermath of a meteorite striking the US's east coast in the 1950s, leading to a race to colonize space to survive. The story primarily follows Elma York, a physicist and mathematician, as she navigates through themes of racism, sexism, and climate change while striving to achieve space colonization on the Moon and Mars.
In this alternate timeline crafted by Mary Robinette Kowal, Elma, a former WASP pilot, and her husband Nathaniel find themselves at the forefront of a space program aimed at securing humanity's future. The narrative delves into the challenges of gender equality, racial discrimination, and mental health issues, interwoven with a gripping tale of human discovery and survival amidst a rapidly changing world.
March 3, 1952—(AP)—The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics successfully put its third satellite into orbit, this one with the capability of sending radio signals down to Earth and taking measu...July 2018•430 pages - #6
Save:A brilliantly written, complex portrait of mid-century malaise, loved for its literary artistry but divisive due to its deeply flawed characters and dark worldview. If you can handle tough subject matter and a challenging protagonist, it’s a classic for a reason.
'Rabbit, Run' by John Updike follows the story of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, a former high school basketball star who feels trapped in his mundane life as a husband and father. The novel explores Rabbit's selfish and self-centered nature as he makes questionable decisions, such as leaving his pregnant wife, leading to a series of misadventures and failed attempts at finding fulfillment. Updike's writing style captures the complexities of human relationships and emotions, portraying Rabbit's inner turmoil and the impact of his actions on those around him.
Amidst the backdrop of Rabbit's internal struggles and external conflicts, Updike weaves a narrative that delves into themes of disillusionment, selfishness, and the pursuit of identity and purpose. The novel intricately depicts Rabbit's journey of self-discovery and the consequences of his impulsive actions, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition and the complexities of personal relationships.
BOYS are playing basketball around a telephone pole with a backboard bolted to it. Legs, shouts. The scrape and snap of Keds on loose alley pebbles seems to catapult their voices high into the moist M...January 1960•323 pages - #7
Save:A masterclass in noir storytelling - if you love classic detective tales, Chandler’s sharp style, and gritty, twisty mysteries, you can’t go wrong with this collection. Still gripping (and delicious) decades later!
'Trouble Is My Business' by Raymond Chandler is a collection of four short stories featuring the iconic private detective, Phillip Marlowe. The book is described as a classic Noir detective story written by one of the masters, with fast-paced plots that keep readers constantly engaged. The stories are set in a gritty, noir world where Marlowe is portrayed as a hard luck detective who uses his wits to navigate through various mysteries and challenges. Chandler's writing style is highlighted for its brilliance, with compelling comparisons and vivid descriptions that bring the characters and settings to life.
The book captures the essence of the hard boiled noir detective genre and is praised for its unique and snappy dialogue, as well as its ability to transport readers back in time to an era of crime and intrigue. Chandler's storytelling is commended for its entertainment value, with each story providing a brief escape into a world of suspense, mystery, and clever detective work.
Some literary antiquarian of a rather special type may one day think it worth while to run through the files of the pulp detective magazines which flourished during the late twenties and early thirtie...1939•271 pages - #8
Save:A cornerstone of cult and counterculture literature: jaw-dropping, shocking, and surreal - both a literary milestone and a serious challenge. You'll either hail it as a masterpiece or wonder what you just read.
Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs is a chaotic and fragmented novel that delves into the grotesque world of addiction, society, and human existence. Written in a stream-of-consciousness style reminiscent of Beat poetry, the book offers a dark and surreal commentary on the author's drug-induced experiences and observations. The narrative is plotless and filled with disturbing imagery, exploring themes of individual identity, societal control, and the interpenetration of individuals with society.
The book is a product of the Beat Generation, challenging traditional writing styles and experimenting with language in a way that mirrors drug-induced states. Burroughs' writing technique is described as visceral and hard, creating a series of metaphorical snapshots rather than a linear narrative. Despite its challenging content, the novel is recognized for its unique and unconventional approach to storytelling, making it a compelling yet unsettling read for those interested in exploring the boundaries of literature.
I can feel the heat closing in, feel them out there making their moves, setting up their devil doll stool pigeons, crooning over my spoon and dropper I throw away at Washington Square Station, vault a...1959•289 pages - #9
Save:A nostalgic, character-rich exploration of community, tragedy, and resilience in 1950s America, best for fans of Judy Blume or historical fiction who don’t mind a sprawling cast and a leisurely pace.
Set in the 1950s, 'In the Unlikely Event' by Judy Blume revolves around the real-life events of three plane crashes in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The story follows Miri Ammerman and her friends and family as they navigate the aftermath of these tragedies, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. Blume's writing style is described as evocative, with multiple characters' viewpoints providing a rich and engaging narrative that captures the essence of life during that time period.
Miri Ammerman and her best friend, Natalie Osner, were sprawled on their bellies on the thick, tweedy wall-to-wall carpet of Natalie’s den, waiting for the first-ever televised lighting of the famous...June 2015•446 pages - #10
Save:A thoughtful, quietly powerful novel about postwar malaise, family, and the search for meaning in the pressure cooker of middle-class America. Worth reading for its keen observations - even if it’s not an edge-of-your-seat experience.
'The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit' by Sloan Wilson is a story set in the post-World War II era, focusing on Tom Rath, a man trying to navigate the challenges of work and family life in the 1950s. Tom, a war veteran, is determined to provide a better life for his wife and children, leading him to make career decisions that come with consequences. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, materialism, and the struggles of balancing personal values with societal expectations. The plot unfolds with flashbacks to Tom's wartime experiences and explores his internal conflicts as he grapples with the pursuit of success and happiness.
BY THE TIME they had lived seven years in the little house on Greentree Avenue in Westport, Connecticut, they both detested it. There were many reasons, none of them logical, but all of them compellin...1954•314 pages
