Summer has always been the perfect season to dive into a good book, whether lounging by the beach, relaxing in a hammock, or enjoying quiet moments in the shade. But what exactly has changed in our reading preferences over the decades? We offer you two lists for your comparison. We think you'll agree that things have certainly changed in America since the pivotal times of the late 60's.
Why 1969? For those of us who remember 1969, it was a tumultuous year filled with social unrest in America, as well as cultural shifts and scientific achievements. Following upon 1968 which witnessed the tragic assassination of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Vietnam War protests, the fight for civil rights and fair housing, student unrest on college campuses, and violent protests at the Democratic National convention in Chicago, the year 1969 in the United States became a pivotal year toward change. Notable happenings included the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Woodstock music festival, the Stonewall riots, Vietnamization, and the first term of a new American President, Richard M. Nixon, who would add to and create his own chapters in history. These events, spanning scientific achievement, cultural shifts, and social and political unrest, shaped the late 1960s, including its literature, and changed not just America, but the world, for years to come.
Summer Reads of 1969: A Nostalgic Look
The summer of 1969 was a remarkable time not only in history but also in the world of literature. Readers of that era found themselves immersed in stories that reflected the social changes, cultural revolutions, and the spirit of exploration that defined the late 1960s. Popular books of 1969 ranged from thought-provoking novels to escapist fiction, offering something for every kind of reader.
One of the standout titles of the summer was Kurt Vonnegut’s *Slaughterhouse-Five*, a groundbreaking blend of science fiction and anti-war commentary that resonated deeply during the Vietnam War era. Meanwhile, classics like Isaac Asimov’s *Nightfall* captivated fans of speculative fiction with its imaginative storytelling. On the lighter side, authors like Erich Segal, who would later write *Love Story*, were beginning to capture the hearts of readers seeking romance and emotional connection.
The 1969 summer reading list also featured influential works by female authors, reflecting the rising tide of feminist thought, such as Erica Jong’s early works, such as *Fear of Flying*, that challenged traditional norms. Overall, the books that graced the shelves that summer were a mirror to the hopes, fears, and dreams of a generation on the cusp of change.
Fiction
Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth: This controversial and acclaimed novel explored themes of identity, sexuality, and cultural stereotypes.
The Godfather by Mario Puzo: A story of crime, betrayal, and power within the Mafia underworld that became a global phenomenon.
The Love Machine by Jacqueline Susann: A popular roman à clef about the entertainment industry, reflecting on aspects of sadism and masochism within relationships.
The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton: A science fiction thriller about a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism and the efforts to contain it.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut: A groundbreaking work that blended historical fiction, science fiction, autobiography, and satire, focusing on the Dresden firebombing during World War II.
The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles: A Victorian-era love story with a post-modern twist that garnered critical acclaim.
The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier: A novel combining elements of suspense, the supernatural, and time travel.
The Promise by Chaim Potok: A novel exploring the tensions between tradition and modernity within the Orthodox Jewish community.
Bullet Park by John Cheever: A satirical novel about suburban alienation and the dark undercurrents of American life.
Naked Came the Stranger by Penelope Ashe: A scandalous and controversial novel that became a bestseller during this period.
Nonfiction
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: This dictionary was a major bestseller in 1969. (Remember the days of printed dictionaries and encyclopedias..?)
Present at the Creation: My Years in the State Department by Dean Acheson: This memoir was also published in 1969 and was likely popular during that summer.
The Selling of the President 1968 by Joe McGinniss: Published in 1969, this book offered a critical look at the marketing of the 1968 presidential campaign and resonated with the political climate of the time.
The Peter Principle by Laurence J. Peter: This humorous and insightful book about workplace hierarchy was published in 1969 and became a bestseller.
The Kingdom and the Power by Gay Talese: A behind-the-scenes look at The New York Times, this book provided readers with an inside view of a powerful institution.
Mary Queen of Scots by Antonia Fraser: This historical biography was published in 1969 and was popular among readers interested in history.
Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis by Robert F. Kennedy: Published posthumously, this account of the Cuban Missile Crisis offered a look at a pivotal moment in Cold War history.
Today's Summer Reads and Highly Anticipated Titles
Fiction
Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
My Name Is Emilia Del Valle by Isabel Allende
The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei
The Crash by Freida McFadden
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Nonfiction
The Wealth Ladder by Nick Maggiulli
Empire of AI by Karen Hao
We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and others
Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green
Aflame: Learning from Silence by Pico Iyer
Everything Must Go by Dorian Lynskey
Careless People by Sarah Winn-Wlliams