Welcome To The 60's!

Many memories of mine is linked to the musical Hairspray. Emily's love for Seaweed, Jake thinking he's Link (he's not), and choreographing dances to the songs that were often tiring and led to people getting pushed into a drum kit. Yeah I was the one who ended up getting pushed into the drum kit, it was slightly embarrassing. In honor of Hairspray being on ABC Family today here are some of the best novels that take place in the 1960's.

 

 

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

 

Year: 1962

 

Plot: An aspiring woman writer, Skeeter, gets an idea for her novel: an expose into the lives of the maids in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi.With the help of her friends maids, Skeeter is able to write the scandalous book. 

Why You Should Read: We all know that the movie adaptation was Oscar nominated so we should read the book that started it all. Keep in mind that the story takes place during times of segregation. This novel could teach a lot about history, and about the choices everyone must make at one point in their life.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

Year: 1963

Plot: A high school English teacher by the name of Jake Epping is bequeathed a portal back to 1958 by his friend Al. The only request: That Jake prevents the assassination of American President John F. Kennedy. Will Jake do what he was asked, or follow a different path?

 

Why You Should Read: Stephen King is an amazing writer that many people enjoy. This novel also holds a historical significance and asks the question: Could the assassination have been stopped? And: Would it have changed history for better or worse?

 

 

The Drifters by James A. Michener

 

Year: Late 1960's 

 

Plot: The Drifters follows the stories of six different runaways adrift in the worlds they have created in their minds through drugs, dreams, and a dedication for pleasure.   

 

Why You Should Read: This novel shows a different side of the 60's than the basic novels about segregation in America. The runaways are all from different parts of the world so you can explore the whole world during the 60's. This novel will insert the travel bug into you and make you truly think about your life and the lives of those back then. 

 

 

Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks (Published as Anonymous)

 

Year: Late 1960's, Early 1970's

Plot: Alice is slipped some LSD at at party and is soon hooked on the drug. Her life will be turned into one filled with drugs that robs her of her youth, innocence, and life.

 

Why You Should Read: Written as diary entries, you will be transported into Alice's life and see her spiral into oblivion. A cautionary tale of how drugs can effect someone's life.

The 1960's was a powerful time in history, it is only fair that there are many tremendously great novels written about the time. Pick one of these up and I promise you will not be disappointed. 

-Shawnee Smith