Must-Reads from the ’80s

1980: Tag along on the misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, a slothful, quixotic character living in 1960s New Orleans. Author Toole was awarded a Pulitzer Prize posthumously for this uproariously funny work of satire, which is also renowned as one of the best, and truest, depictions of a city that is a character in its own right.

1980: Desai’s family saga moves between 1940s and 1970s Old Delhi. In the latter, the grown children of the Das family grapple with old wounds and grudges, though their love for one another ultimately endures. Immersive and atmospheric, “Clear Light of Day” is a testament to the bonds of family, no matter the circumstances.

1981: This bestseller is a sweeping historical fiction that whisks readers across the globe and explores the power of the human spirit. At the heart of the story is Chavala Rabinsky, a teenager capable beyond her years. After her mother’s death, Chavala cares for her younger siblings and marries a local cobbler. Together, the Russian-Jewish family wanders in search of a place to call home, fleeing turmoils based in historical fact, including the pogroms of Eastern Europe.

1982: No list of 1980s classics is complete without “The Color Purple,” though this novel transcends the decade. It’s a Pulitzer Prize winner, consistently assigned as must-read material in school, a PBS “Great American Read,” and has a film and Broadway show adaptation. The book tells the story of Celie, a poor Black woman in rural Georgia, and her attempt to rise above the unlucky hand she’s been dealt.

1982: Meet generations of the Trueba family (and learn Chilean political history) in “The House of the Spirits,” the novel that established Allende as one of the top Latin American talents. It’s a sprawling family tale, and the core keeping the clan together is Clara, a loving mother and wife who happens to be a clairvoyant.

1982: This classic business book was the definitive guide on effective management for years after its publication. Peters and Waterman distill eight lessons from notable companies across America, revealing what led to their success and how other organizations can harness these tools in their own leadership efforts. Times may have changed, but the revelations in this book remain applicable 40 years later.

1983: The zany characters parodying well-worn fantasy archetypes and the lore of the world make this start of the popular “Discworld” series immensely charming. It will have you laughing out loud within the first few pages, and keep you laughing through a whopping 41 books.

1985: Atwood’s dystopian classic isn’t just an argument for women’s rights, but more generally a brilliant commentary on the effects of dehumanization and of putting law above love and bodily autonomy. Read the book, then watch the award-winning Hulu adaptation, which expands on the original story.

1986: Paulsen’s Newbery Honor-winning story tracks a 13-year-old after a plane crash, stranding him alone in the Canadian wilderness armed with only (you guessed it) a hatchet. This survival novel about burgeoning independence and the will to endure is one for the ages. If you read it as a child, we suggest a reread, as the themes hit differently in adulthood.

1986: King captures the magic of childhood and lifts our spirits high — before utterly terrifying us. Besides the horror of all-consuming evil in the form of a clown, “It” reveals the pain children experience when their parents fail to protect them. Even if you’ve seen the movie adaptations, read the source text. It will keep you up at night, but it’ll still be worth it.

1987: We’re all aware of the devastation left behind in Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the atomic bombings in 1945. But acclaimed historian and journalist Rhodes takes readers back even further, through the development of the bomb and the history of nuclear physics itself. The author balances scientific facts with rich profiles of those who contributed to the development of the weapon, making this book all the more fascinating. “Making the Atomic Bomb” won a Pulitzer Prize, a National Book Award, and a National Book Critics Circle Award.

1987: Protagonist Sherman McCoy is a wealthy, arrogant investment banker in Manhattan who accidently strays into the Bronx, where a terrible but accidental encounter is painted as a hate crime with Sherman marked the villain. Late author Wolfe’s striking debut gets to the heart of a very gritty 1980s New York City and all the hypocrisies that propel it.

1988: There’s a reason “The Alchemist” remains popular decade after decade. Epic and uplifting, it chronicles the life of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who yearns for adventure in pursuit of a worldly treasure. Along the way, his journey transforms into one of self-discovery. Anyone in need of inspiration to follow their dreams will find a kindred spirit in Santiago and his story.

1989: This coming-of-age novel unfolds during the onset of the Vietnam War. It follows best friends Johnny Wheelwright and Owen Meany, the latter of whom was born with an unnamed condition that affects his physical growth. Johnny narrates their relationship, including their explorations of faith and patriotism during a tense time in history. Irving’s novel, a PBS “Great American Read,” is the source text for the 1998 film “Simon Birch.”