I love to read. I've always loved to read, ever since I learned how. During the '90s, though, I reached that special age where vociferous readers move from age-appropriate books to interesting books. Meaty books. Books that introduced me to so much more than Ramona Quimby and the Wizard of Oz. Through the local library, I was introduced to a core of writers who stuck with me forever. Decades later, they still have all my love.
1. Helen Fielding
Not only is Helen still writing, but after introducing the world to Bridget Jones and the delectable Mark Darcy in the '90s, she recently gave us even more – kind of. I myself will not be reading the third Bridget Jones book, but my personal outrage takes nothing away from the fact that Helen still deserves all the praise in the world.
2. Nick Hornby
Fever Pitch. High Fidelity. About a Boy. Nick Hornby was the '90s answer to Nicholas Sparks, except Nick's books are actually good. Haha, sorry, that's mean – but seriously, Nick's novels are entertaining, witty, often deep, but always satisfying, rather than maudlin, morose romance novels struggling to be something more.
3. Thomas Harris
Thomas is worth mentioning because he hasn't come out with anything in quite a long time. That's pretty much his MO, though – look at the length of time that exists between the Hannibal novels. In the '90s, however, we got The Silence of the Lambs, followed by Hannibal. Those two and Red Dragon are worth rereading over and over again – as long as you forget Hannibal Rising. Was not a fan of that.
4. Anne Rice
In the 1990s, we did not have Stephenie Meyer. We had Anne Rice. I admit that I was not a fan of her novels, but I liked them well enough – they are, at times, beautifully written, the stories are compelling, and The Vampire Diaries is still a better love story than Twilight. Besides, at least Lestat and Louis didn't sparkle.
5. Poppy Z. Brite
Poppy Z. Brite was much more my thing. If you like dark prose and enjoy LGBTQIA+ subject matter – something sorely lacking in the '90s, I might add – Poppy is definitely worth rereading today. Exquisite Corpse is my personal favorite, but your mileage may vary.
6. Jeffrey Eugenides
Jeffrey Eugenides is an exquisite writer. Absolutely exquisite. Revisit his novels today. Now. I'm serious. He is an excellent example of an author who writes beautifully and knows how to tell a good story.
7. Irvine Welsh
If you've never heard of Irvine, I feel bad for you. He is responsible for Trainspotting. Trainspotting is epic. If you've only seen the movie, I … well, I don't feel bad for you because the movie was epic – still is – but it's nothing compared to the book. Go read Trainspotting, then continue because Welsh's entirely bibliography is worth it.
8. Bret Easton Ellis
Bret Easton Ellis practically ruled the '90s with his novels of damaged, entitled, broken characters, almost all of which ended up being made into movies. American Psycho is probably his most popular title, but I've always been quite partial to The Rules of Attraction.
9. Robert R. McCammon
Robert R. McCammon is a writer of uncommon beauty. He can weave a story from the mundane details of daily life, but he makes it so good that you can't put it down. Read Boy's Life. Meet the Moon Man.
10. Terry McMillan
Terry McMillan was responsible for several amazing novels of the '90s, and they got turned into movies, as well. Her books are so much different than the films they became, though. Read Waiting to Exhale, absolutely, but don't stop there. Getting to Happy is one of my favorites.
11. Chuck Palahniuk
Oh, Chuck. He's still going strong, but if you want some '90s nostalgia, go read Fight Club. I know it doesn't have Brad Pitt, but it does still have Tyler Durden, and that's the important thing.
12. David Sedaris
David Sedaris has never written a bad book. He's still writing. However, he came into his own in the '90s and started making a name for himself. Start with Naked, but make sure you move on to his later work, as well.
13. Candace Bushnell
Without Candace Bushnell, we would not have Sex and the City, and I think that's a sad thought, indeed. Candace ruled the '90s with her pithy lessons on love. Even now, twenty years later, she has things to teach us.
14. Stephen Chbosky
Stephen Chbosky is probably best known for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which came out in 1999 but takes place earlier in the decade. It's also amazing. He's amazing. God, I love him.
15. Michael Crichton
Michael Crichton ruled the '90s, too – Jurassic Park, anyone? He created a juggernaut that's still thrilling. Seriously, if you've only seen the movie (or the sequels, or the remakes, or whatever), go now. Read it. I'll wait.
16. Donna Tartt
Donna's been a darling of the lit world forever. These days, it's all about The Goldfinch, but a couple decades ago, she captured the attention of readers everywhere with The Secret History, which I actually need to reread, right now.
17. Lois Lowry
We always need to go back to Lois Lowry. Always.
Do you have any favorite throwback authors from the 1990s?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I check out authors from the '90s?
- Oh, the '90s brought us some incredible storytelling! Authors from this era have a unique voice that reflects a transformative period in culture. Their works often tackle themes of identity, change, and the challenges of modern life. Trust me, diving into '90s literature is like opening a time capsule of creativity.
- Who are some standout female authors from the '90s?
- You’re in for a treat! Authors like Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood, and Alice Walker were carving out unforgettable stories during the '90s. They not only captured the essence of their time but also revolutionized the literary world with their powerful narratives and rich characters.
- What about black authors from the '90s?
- Yes, absolutely! The '90s was a significant period for black authors, bringing fresh perspectives and groundbreaking narratives. Writers like Octavia Butler and Walter Mosley gifted us with genre-defying stories that still resonate deeply today.
- Did 1990s novels influence today’s literature?
- Totally! The storytelling techniques, themes, and diverse voices from the '90s laid the groundwork for today’s literary pieces. Many contemporary authors are inspired by '90s legends, and you’ll find echoes of their styles and themes in today’s bestsellers.
- Why do '90s authors still matter today?
- Because their stories are timeless! The authors from the '90s crafted tales that speak to universal emotions and challenges. They continue to be relevant because they explore themes that we all grapple with, making their work as engaging now as it was decades ago.