Books matching: 1980s cultural references
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- #1
Save:Light, oddball, and gently funny - great for fans of British quirk, but not the book for those craving strong plot or drama.
'Reasons to be Cheerful' by Nina Stibbe is a novel set in 1980s Leicester, following eighteen-year-old Lizzie Vogel as she embarks on a new job as a dental nurse. The book explores Lizzie's quirky observations and experiences as she navigates her way through adulting, relationships, and aspirations of becoming a writer. The narrative is episodic, focusing on Lizzie's interactions with eccentric characters in her life, such as her boss, family members, and love interests, all while maintaining a light and humorous tone.
I’d been happy in my previous job as an auxiliary nurse at Paradise Lodge old people’s home but after my mother reported the owner for tax evasion, I felt it best to move on and took a position at the...July 2019•289 pages - #2
Save:Witchy, wacky, and overflowing with ‘80s charm - this is a love letter to girlhood, teamwork, and believing in a little magic (whether it’s real or not). Not your typical sports novel, but absolutely worth the ride if you want something offbeat and memorable.
'We Ride Upon Sticks' by Quan Barry is a humorous and nostalgic novel set in 1989 Massachusetts, following a high school girls' field hockey team as they turn to witchcraft in hopes of winning the state championships. The story revolves around the team members' individual journeys, their struggles with identity, and the consequences of their rituals and sacrifices to maintain their winning streak. Barry's writing style is described as witty, sarcastic, and filled with pop culture references, seamlessly blending 17th-century history with 1980s nostalgia to create a tale of collective and individual coming of age.
Two minutes into the second half, Masco’s #19 took an indirect shot on our goal. For a moment we lost sight of the ball in the scrum of players huddled in front of the net, the air blurry with sticks...2019•385 pages - #3
Save:A fun, fast-moving ride with lots for established fans, but expect loose ends - this intro to Young Jack is just the beginning of a larger arc.
In 'Secret Histories', F. Paul Wilson delves into the early life of Repairman Jack, offering a nostalgic retrospective of events that are yet to unfold in the series. The story follows Young Jack and his friends as they stumble upon a dead body and mysterious artifacts in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, leading them into a mystery involving more murders and a secretive society. Wilson skillfully weaves in trivia from future Repairman Jack novels, providing insights into Jack's character and the world around him. The writing style is entertaining, with references to brand names, music, and pop culture of the time, making it appealing to younger readers while still engaging long-time fans of the series.
Jack glanced over his shoulder to where Eddie Connell labored through the sandy soil on his bike. His face was red and beaded with perspiration; sweat soaked through his red Police T-shirt, darkening...February 2008•304 pages - #4
Save:Ready Player One is a fun, geeky, fast-paced adventure that’s perfect for pop culture lovers, but a bit heavy on nostalgia and info dumps for some tastes.
Ready Player One is a futuristic novel set in 2044 where humanity escapes the grim reality by immersing themselves in the virtual universe of OASIS. The story follows Wade Watts, a poor kid from Oklahoma, as he embarks on a quest to solve a series of challenges and riddles within the game to inherit the fortune left by the creator of OASIS. Filled with 1980s pop culture references, gaming elements, and a fast-paced plot, the book explores themes of nostalgia, virtual reality, and the value of human connections in a technology-driven world.
The writing style of Ready Player One is described as engaging, enjoyable, and straightforward. The author, Ernest Cline, is praised for his ability to create a conceivable future world without overly complicating the technology involved. The book is noted for its nostalgic tone, well-developed characters, and its cinematic quality that makes it a page-turner for readers of all backgrounds.
Gunfire wasn’t uncommon in the stacks, but it still shook me up. I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep, so I decided to kill the remaining hours until dawn by brushing up on a few coi...2008•423 pages - #5
Save:A quirky, thoughtful, and sometimes darkly comic snapshot of 1980s small-town America - with plenty of nostalgia, slow pacing, and character-driven storytelling. Not for action-lovers, but perfect if you enjoy witty observations and emotional depth.
"Downtown Owl" by Chuck Klosterman is a novel set in a small town in North Dakota, focusing on the lives of various town residents. The story is told through the perspectives of three main characters: Mitch, a high school student dealing with typical teenage issues; Julie, a recent college graduate who becomes a history teacher in the town; and Horace, an elderly widower who spends his days in coffee shops. The narrative captures the essence of small-town life, blending wit and thoughtfulness while exploring themes of community, isolation, and the impact of the environment on people's lives.
When Mitch Hrlicka heard that his high school football coach had gotten another teenage girl pregnant, he was forty bushels beyond bamboozled. He could not understand what so many females saw in Mr. L...September 2008•285 pages - #6
Save:A funny, warm, and beautifully written coming-of-age novel brimming with '80s flavor - perfect for fans of character studies and nostalgic reflections, though not for thrill-seekers craving a big, twisty plot.
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead is a coming-of-age novel set in the summer of 1985, following fifteen-year-old Benji Cooper as he spends the summer in Sag Harbor's African American community. The book captures Benji's experiences navigating teenage traumas and triumphs, such as friendships, family dynamics, and summer adventures. Whitehead's writing style is praised for its humor, nostalgic tone, and insightful reflections on themes like identity, race, and family relationships.
FIRST YOU HAD TO SETTLE THE QUESTION OF OUT. When did you get out? Asking this was showing off, even though anyone you could brag to had received the same gift and had come by it the same way you did....April 2009•339 pages - #7
Save:A fun, spicy, and rule-breaking historical romp with heart - perfect for readers craving something bold, irreverent, and thoroughly modern in its sensibilities.
'Waiting for a Scot Like You' by Eva Leigh is the third book in the 'Union of the Rakes' series and follows the journey of Duncan, a former military Scottish hero, and Beatrice, a widowed countess on a road trip adventure. The book explores their unlikely pairing, with Duncan being grumpy and adhering to tradition while Beatrice is a free-spirited older woman who enjoys her independence. As they embark on a journey filled with mishaps and intimate moments, the story delves into their evolving relationship and the challenges they face in reconciling their different desires for the future.
Summer in London lay heavy on the city streets, the heat stifling and the atmosphere still and thick. As Duncan walked through Mayfair, the urge to remove his hat and loosen the pleats of his neckclot...February 2021•386 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Union of the Rakes ) - #8
Save:A sprawling, provocative blend of 80s nostalgia, psychological tension, and unreliable storytelling; divisive and definitely not for everyone, but an ambitious, haunting entry in Ellis’s catalogue.
'The Shards' by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel set in 1981 Los Angeles, following the protagonist, Bret, and his circle of friends as they navigate their senior year at an exclusive prep school. The story intertwines themes of adolescence, trauma, past mistakes, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. As a series of violent crimes unfold in the background, the narrative delves into the protagonist's unstable mind, obsession, and self-destruction, leading to a tragic tale of suspicion and deadly consequences.
The writing style of 'The Shards' is engaging and expertly crafted, drawing readers into a world of privilege, debauchery, and impending doom. The narrative skillfully combines elements of a murder mystery thriller with a character study, exploring the protagonist's psyche and his interactions with a dangerously handsome newcomer, Robert Mallory. The novel is richly observed, evocative, and occasionally repetitive, offering a compelling blend of horror, dark humor, and bittersweet nostalgia.
I REMEMBER IT WAS THE SUNDAY afternoon before Labor Day in 1981 and our senior year was about to begin on that Tuesday morning of September 8—and I remember that the Windover Stables were located on a...January 2023•675 pages - #9
Save:A bloody fun throwback slasher with great 80s vibes, lovable characters, and a killer setting - just don’t mind a leisurely paddle before the screams begin.
In the summer of 1983, 13-year-old Cyndi is sent to camp in an effort to break her out of her shell and make friends. Along with three other kids, they decide to sneak out of camp and end up trapped in a mysterious water park, stalked by a dark presence. The story is a blast of a book from beginning to end, fast-paced, thrilling, and filled with '80s pop culture references, fitting perfectly into the slasher genre.
The book excels at creating an atmosphere of summer camp and weaving in '80s pop culture references. It slowly builds up the suspense, drawing readers towards the creepy water park with eerie vibes, leading up to the main action. The writing style is described as descriptive but following a steady beat, with the last half of the book being very entertaining and nostalgic.
Cyndi was only vaguely aware of the background noise on the crowded school bus. All the laughing, screaming kids, road noise, and squeaks of the old bus were all but drowned out by the headphones bla...August 2015•351 pages - #10
Save:A fun, nostalgic romp that’s perfect for 80s fans and romance lovers, with enough silliness and heart to keep you entertained - just don’t expect relentless depth or surprises.
'I Love The 80s' by Megan Crane follows the story of Jenna, a 35-year-old woman who is still deeply in love with her teenage crush, the late rock star Tommy Seer. One fateful night, Jenna is transported back to 1987, where she finds herself working with Tommy and trying to save him from his impending death. As Jenna navigates this time-travel adventure, she discovers unexpected truths about herself, Tommy, and the complexities of idolizing celebrities.
The writing style of the book is engaging and filled with nostalgic references to the 80s era, from fashion to music, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the readers. The plot intricately weaves romance, time travel, and self-discovery, offering a unique twist on a love story that spans two decades and challenges the idealized perceptions of celebrity crushes.
‘Oh, Jenna,’ came the sad voice from the doorway, making Jenna Jenkins jump in her chair and nearly spill her afternoon latte all over her keyboard – right in the middle of a gripping online throw-dow...2011•377 pages
