Some of us wish that we were born back in the 50s. Of course, things weren't as great back then as they seem. That's why it's better to read about the time period than to actually live through it. If you're a fan of poodle skirts and jukeboxes, then you'll enjoy these stories that are set in the 50s:
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1. Wishing You Were Here by Catherine Chant
This book is about a woman who accidentally gets set back in time after she makes a wish. That's why she ends up in the 1950s, where she tries to save a teen idol from dying an early death. Of course, she ends up doing more than trying to rescue him, because she ends up falling in love with him. Amazon describes this tale as, "a sweet young adult rock 'n' roll time travel romance."
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Wishing You Were Here by Catherine Chant is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through time. The protagonist, a modern-day woman, finds herself transported back to the 1950s after making a wish. In this era, she becomes entangled in a mission to save a young heartthrob from a tragic fate. Along the way, she discovers love and must navigate the challenges of a different time period. This book is a perfect blend of romance, time travel, and nostalgia, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction. It has received rave reviews on Amazon, with readers praising its engaging plot and well-developed characters.
2. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
If you weren't asked to read this book in school, you should read it on your own. It's considered a classic for a reason. It follows a young man who's trying to transition into adulthood while staying in NYC. Even though it was written a long time ago, you should still be able to relate to the main character today. He's timeless.
Frequently asked questions
Books set in the 1950s are popular because they capture a unique time in history filled with nostalgia, distinctive cultural shifts, and fascinating characters. People love escaping to a time that feels richly detailed and different from today.
1950s fiction books are compelling due to their portrayal of a world in transition – post-war optimism, the rise of rock 'n' roll, and the early stages of the civil rights movement. They have intriguing plots that make for irresistible reading.
Absolutely! Romance books set in the 1950s often highlight the societal norms and cultural expectations of that era, making relationships feel both refreshingly quaint and provocatively challenging compared to today's stories.
Many of these books do a fantastic job of recreating the 1950s lifestyle, from fashion and language to iconic events and day-to-day life. Some take a bit of artistic liberty, but that's what makes them fun and immersive!
Checking out lists online, particularly curated by book enthusiasts or on book recommendation sites, can lead you to some hidden gems. Also, talking to fellow book lovers and exchanging recommendations is a great way to discover books set in the 50s!
3. Breakfast at Tifany’s by Truman Capote
Even if you've already seen the film, you should still read the book. It's about a former starlet who has an easy life of luxury. Of course, no one can go through life without dealing with issues, which is something that the main character will eventually have to come to terms with.
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Breakfast at Tiffany's is a classic novel by Truman Capote, published in 1958. It follows the life of Holly Golightly, a young woman living in New York City in the 1950s. Holly is a former starlet who lives a life of luxury, but is struggling to come to terms with her past. The novel is a timeless classic, with a strong focus on themes of identity, loneliness, and the search for meaning in life. It was adapted into an Academy Award-winning movie in 1961, starring Audrey Hepburn. Breakfast at Tiffany's is a must-read for anyone interested in the 1950s and its culture, and a great addition to any bookshelf.
4. Bunny Lake is Missing by Evelyn Piper
The title pretty much gives the story away. It's about a woman named Bunny who ends up missing. However, "even the police refuse to help Blanche search for Bunny, lacking evidence of the girl’s existence." If you like stories about suspense, and love stories that center around women, then you need to pick up a copy of this book.
5. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
You've probably read Steinbeck before. If you haven't, then there's no better time to start than the present. If you enjoy takes on religious works, like Adam and Eve, and Cain and Abel, then you'll love this book. It's about two families who are eerily similar to those famous duos.
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East of Eden by John Steinbeck is set in the 1950s and follows two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, who are based on the biblical figures of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. Through the story, Steinbeck explores themes of good and evil, free will, and the power of love. The novel was an immediate bestseller, and it was adapted into a movie in 1955 starring James Dean. It has since become a classic, and is widely regarded as one of Steinbeck's greatest works.
6. The Woman’s Room by Marilyn French
This story takes place from the 1950s and onward. It's "a novel that-for the first time-expressed the inner lives of women who left education and professional advancement behind to marry in the 1950s, only to find themselves adrift and unable to support themselves after divorce in the 1970s." If you're interested in the way that being a woman has changed over the years, you'll enjoy this novel.
7. England Expects by Sara Sheridan
"Set during the summer heatwave of 1953, England Expects finds Mirabelle and Vesta investigating the seemingly unrelated murders of a racing journalist and a cleaning woman." If you like mysteries, then you're going to love this book. Of course, it part of a series, so you might want to read the first two before you take on this one.
8. Women like Us by Erica Abeel
This novel encompasses four women who meet while studying at Sarah Lawrence College. They see their future as promising and amazing. They set out to live a life with a successful career and to never stand in the shadow of man. But sometimes, love is a powerful drug...
9. The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro
When Grace Monroe received a blushingly large inheritance from a complete stranger, she makes it her quest to learn about the beneficiary. In this way, she learns more about herself than she ever knew and is plagued with who she is and who she wants to be.
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The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro is an intriguing novel set in the 1950s. It follows the story of Grace Monroe, an orphan who suddenly receives an inheritance from a complete stranger. With this inheritance, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring her identity and finding out more about the mysterious benefactor. Along the way, she discovers secrets and lies that have been kept hidden for years. With a captivating plot and characters that will stay with you long after you finish the book, The Perfume Collector is a must-read for anyone looking for a unique and moving story.
10. Lives of Girls and Women by Alice Munro
This touching yet humorous novel displays the way in which a girl goes from living an innocent childhood to a less-than-innocent adulthood. It shows a woman's search for love and sexual exploration while experiencing all of the typical things us females go through.
The 50s are an exciting time to read about, which is why these books are hard to put down. What other books have you read that take place during the 50s?
Comments
Teri: Catcher in the Rye ...one of the best ever!!
Snowbunny: Bunny lake is missing sounds like Pretty Little Liars
shannon: Love!!!!!!!!!! Catcher in the Rye
Bobbie: Re: Breakfast at Tiffany's is not the story of a former starlet. It's the story of a divorcee who is a call girl.
peony: Oh wow great ideas i shall some of these books out!
Jennapher: From sexy clothing to 1950's novels...Holly, you are so very eclectic, and that's why I follow you😊 On The Beach, Nevil Shute, among the first post-nuclear apocalyptic novels, is another really great read set, and written, in the 1950's
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