Books Set in the 1960s
I have wanted to list my favorite books set in the 1960s for a while. When Kirsten and I were talking about what historical fiction prompt we should put on the summer reading challenge, we both immediately agreed that books from the 1960s would be such a fun choice.
Kirsten and I have read a lot of books set across the decades, and the 1960s is a decade that had a lot going on! We have read every book on this list so you can be assured that our summaries and reasons for loving the books are authentic. If you are looking for books set in the 1970s or 1980s, I have those lists for you as well.
The 1960s were a decade of profound changes and firsts. In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the fist person to land on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. JFK was assassinated and there was widespread social upheaval as the civil rights and feminist movements gained momentum and the ideas became more mainstream.
The Best Books Set in the 1960s
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best New Book Set in the 60s
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall – Click here to see the review and see more books in the category
Best Literary Fiction Set in the 60s
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead – Click here to see the review and see more books in the category
Best Historical Fiction Set in the 1960s
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – Click here to see the review and see more books in the category
Best Beach Reads set in the 1960s
When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton – Click here to see the review and see more books in the category
Best Mystery Set in the 60s
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens- Click here to see the review and see more books in the category
Best Magical Realism book set in the 1960s
11/22/63 by Stephen King – Click here to see the review and see more books in the category
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
New Books set in the 1960s
Broken Country
Author: Clare Leslie Hall
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery Romance
More Info: March 2025 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
June 2025 Beyond the Bookends Bookclub Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set in 1968 and about a decade prior, this mesmerizing book examines both the loss of a child and the paths not taken. Beth and her husband Frank are still reeling from the unexpected loss of their son, when Beth’s first love, Gabriel Wolfe, comes back to town newly divorced with his own son in tow.
After an accident on the farm, Beth finds herself entwined in Gabriel‘s life once more. Between flashbacks to their former romance and previews of a murder trial, the novel explores the love Beth has for both men.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a Child
Why Kirsten loves it
Hall paints, such a vivid picture and explores Beth’s feelings so well that I forgot I was reading fiction. I cried on numerous occasions and was left wanting more.
It reminds me of Where the Crawdads Sing in some ways and The Light We Lost in others. The mystery of who was shot and why was a masterful narrative choice that kept the story moving at a clip. I would give this novel six stars if I could I truly couldn’t put it down. Gifted by Simon & Schuster
Find this book in: Best Historical Fiction Books / Best British Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set in the 1960s
The Book Club for Troublesome Women
Author: Marie Bostwick
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Ficiton
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It is 1960, and Margaret Ryan seems to have it all. But the house, husband, three kids, and prestigious neighborhood don’t feel like enough for her or her friends Viv and Bitsy. Margaret decides to start a book club as an excuse to meet their newest neighbor, Charlotte, and soon they discover that they want more from the life they have been told is the American dream.
Why Kirsten loves it
Women supporting other women is always a theme I love to see in literature. In a time when a woman couldn’t open her own checking account without her husband’s permission, that theme is crucial for each of these women. As they individually deal with stepping into the limelight and out of the shadows, collectively they support and uplift each other when each stumbles.
I loved the peek into the past and comparing it to how far we’ve come as a country towards women’s rights (a trend I hope doesn’t backslide.) The friendships, drama, and descriptions in this story kept me riveted. It’s one of my favorite books of the year for sure!
Why Jackie loves it
I could not wait to read this book and it did not disappoint me. I loved the relationship between the women and I love the fact that their relationship starts with a book club. It is uplifting to see positive and supportive female relationships. I have been loving historical fiction novels this year and this one is a must-read. The audiobook version of this book was a delight to listen to #gifted
Find this book in: Books about Friendship / Books Set in the 1960s / Best Beach Reads 2025
Literary Fiction Set in the 1960s
The Nickel Boys
Author: Colson Whitehead
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Elwood Curtis is a black boy who lives in Florida in the 1960s. When Elwood is unfairly sentenced to a crime, he is sentenced to live at the Nickel Boy Academy, a horror show is disguised as a school. Sadly, it is based on a real school that existed for 111 years.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
The 213 pages of this book will haunt me for a long time. Mr. Whitehead brings characters to life and holy crap can this man write. There is a reason he has won the Pulitzer Prize two times. I have had this book since the day it was released and needed to find the courage to read it. I’m so glad I did.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Black History Book List / Books Set in the 1960s
Hearts Invisible Furies
Author: John Boyne
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Winner of the 2018 Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Cyril Avery is not a real Avery- this is what his adoptive parents tell him. Cyril is born to a young woman out of wedlock and is adopted by a rich family in Dublin.
He spends his life coming to know himself and who he wants to be.
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Jackie loves it
This is a touching and heartfelt story from the first page to the last. Even though this book is well over 500 pages, it didn’t feel long while I was reading it. The writing and the story will pull you in if you give this book the chance.
Find this book in: Books Set in the 1960s / Books to Emotionally Wreck You / LGBTQ Books / Best Long Books
Historical Fiction Set in the 60s
Lessons in Chemistry
Author: Bonnie Garmus
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: April 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I don’t even know where to begin with this unique contemporary fiction story. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50s when women were expected to know their place in society- the kitchen and the home. I did not know what to expect when the book started and I never could have guessed where the story would take me.
Elizabeth struggles to be taken seriously in her field and as a single mother, in this amazing book. So when an offer to host a cooking show for women is put in her path, she reluctantly takes it.
She uses her no-nonsense attitude and chemistry principles to teach the women in America how to cook and follow their dreams outside of the home.
Zott is a quirky character like Eleanor Oliphant with a charming daughter and a dog whose inner monologue is as quirky as hers. This is also an absolutely wonderful book about motherhood!
Trigger Warnings
Sexism
Why Jackie loves it
Elizabeth Zott is never characterized as neurodivergent. However, the way that she relates to the other characters leads me to believe that she is. I love the character growth and I was cheering for her success throughout the entire book. Can I also tell you how much I LOVE Six-Thirty?
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved seeing a woman before her time being a powerful strong role-model. She thrived and set a great example for her daughter. That is not even to mention the narration of this book! She is so great and so is six-thirty.
Find this book in: Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide / 15 Books Like Lessons in Chemistry/ Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Books About Women in the Workplace / Books About Food / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Books Set in the 1960s
The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller, #1 bestseller on USA Today, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times
Narrated by Audie Award Winner Julia Whelan
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
In this emotional historical fiction, Hannah has transported readers to the frontlines of the Vietnam War. In 1965, after Frankie makes a rash decision to enlist as a war nurse to make her family proud, she finds herself completely unprepared for what awaits her in Vietnam.
Hannah gives us a searing tale of life as a nurse during and after the war, as Frankie learns how to nurse, bonds with her fellow medical staff, and even falls in love during wartime.
The book’s second half explores what it was like to return home to a country divided over whether the war should even be fought. It was shocking to see how people treated returning vets, and how they refused to acknowledge that women were in ‘nam.
Hannah’s portrayal of PTSD had me gasping and feeling deeply for the characters within the story – particularly Frankie. This fast-paced story had my heart thumping throughout. It did get quite heavy at times and I had to have a lighter book on hand for breaks. Once again, Hannah has delivered a five-star book. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Trigger Warnings
War, PTSD, Alcohol Abuse, grief
Why Jackie loves it
The ending had me in tears of happiness, though tears of frustration, anger, and sadness also flowed at various times while I read this book. Even though the book deals with complex family issues and alcoholism, Hannah wrote these into the story seamlessly. It did not feel contrived to add drama to the plotlines.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love historical fiction and Kirstin Hannah never fails to deliver that. This book felt like her most powerful novel yet. I had an emotional investment in the characters and called Jackie numerous times while I was reading begging her to tell me the ending.
Find this book in: Books That Make You Cry / The Women Book Club Questions / Best Historical Fiction 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / The Best Books of 2024 / Books Set in the 1960s
Plot
The story alternates between Huey as a teenager grappling with his new life in the city at a prep school, and his childhood in the south during a summer in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement when he learned just how complicated it was to be a bi-racial child.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I was so drawn into Huey’s story that I lost track of time. When it was over, I craved more of Hansen’s storytelling.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Black History Book List / Books Set in the 1960s
Plot
Most people know about Jackie’s life during her White House years, but hearing the tale of what caused her to marry Aristotle Onassis was fascinating. I loved the dual narrators of Jackie and Onassis’s long-time lover, opera singer Maria Callas. It’s a perfect political novel about music!
Why Kirsten loves it
Excuse me while I gush about Gill Paul‘s newest biographical fiction book, Jackie and Maria. Gill Paul is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I loved Another Woman’s Husband and The Lost Daughter, about the Windsors and Romanovs respectively. Paul’s take on a new dynasty, The Kennedys, is equally compelling.
Find this book in: Novels About Music / Biographical Fiction / Books About Women in Politics / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Best Books of 2020 / Books Set in the 1960s
Dominicana
Author: Angie Cruz
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: October 2019 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
15-year-old Ana dreams of moving to America, envisioning a life of glamour, wealth, and freedom. She accepts the hand of a husband twice her age to fulfill her dreams but is in for quite an awakening when she makes it to the Bronx. Miserable in her life, Ana is forced to choose between duty to her family and her dreams.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was blown away by Cruz’s latest coming-of-age novel which explores her Dominican roots. Her immigrant story was filled with strength and courage throughout a year-and-a-half, as meek Ana is molded into a strong woman. #gifted by Libro.FM
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Female BIPOC Authors / Books Set in the 1960s
Beach Reads Set in the 60s
When We Left Cuba by
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
We are back with the Perez family in this sequel to Cleeton’s smash hit, Next Year in Havana. This time we get to explore the life and loves of enigmatic Beatriz Perez – a character I was intrigued by in the first novel.
The story of Beatriz’s life as a spy during the Cuban Missile Crisis was quite compelling. It was so interesting to see how the Cubans felt about America’s involvement or lack thereof during the time.
Why Kirsten loves it
The love story was compelling and realistic in my opinion, though I know others who didn’t love it at much as the first book. I breezed through it quickly and happily.
Find this book in: Female Spies / Chanel Cleeton Books / Beach Reads 2019 / Books Set in the 1960s
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel
Author: Elyssa Friedland
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Good Morning America Buzz Pick, A Best Beach Read of 2021 from Bustle, A Best Summer Read of 2021 from PopSugar
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel is all about 2 families who own a resort in the Catskills and are thinking of selling or overhauling the Golden. This is the ultimate in family drama books.
Three generations of the Goldmans and Weismann clans have gathered to make the decision and family secrets are unspooling left and right in the midst of goat yoga, comedy shows, and salon catastrophes.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was a pleasure to read it while staying at the Hyatt on the Chesapeake and experiencing some resort life of my own.
Why Jackie loves it
This book had an amazing cast of characters that made me laugh out loud. I loved the dynamics of the family as they navigated to changes that come after the heydays of family resorts
Find this book in: Best Books of 2021 / Best Books for Book Clubs / Summer Camp Books / Books With Colors in the Title / Books with Summer in the Title / Books Set in the 1960s
Summer of ’69
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This particular story takes place on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard during the summer of 1969 when members of the Levin family are at a turning point. One daughter is on the verge of adolescence, another is about to become a mother, while the last is exploring the freedom of her college years. Their brother is off fighting in the Vietnam War, and their mother is suffering from alcoholism and depression.
Why Kirsten loves it
Elin is the Queen of Beach Reads (and we know, because we write about beach reads ALOT.) As this family drama unravels, Hilderbrand explores the societal changes and the impact it had on one family. An entertaining read as always.
Find this book in: Books with Summer in the Title / Books Set in the 1960s
Beautiful Ruins
Author: Jess Walter
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this second-chance love story that wasn’t too girly. There was intrigue and insight into Hollywood today versus 60 years ago. It’s about a secret love affair revolving around the movie Cleopatra and the small, seaside hotel at the center of the story.
It features family secrets, Richard Burton, modern and old Hollywood, and so many other plot lines in a novel that isn’t very long for all it contains within it’s pages.
Why Kirsten loves it
I guessed the big reveal pretty early on, but it was still a wonderful book set in Italy about how love found, lost, and then found again can impact our lives.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Seaside Books / Hotel Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Books Set in the 1960s
Mystery Books Set in the 60s
Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition
Author: Dehlia Owens
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder.
Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, is abandoned first by her mother, then by her siblings, and eventually by her father at a very young age. She is forced to fend for herself in the marshes, away from society.
With the help of two beloved friends, she learns to care for herself but not without experiencing cruelty and violence. Then, she finds herself faced with murder charges and is forced to confront her secrets and past that have shaped her into the woman that she has become.
Trigger Warnings
Abandonment, Domestic and child abuse, assault
Why Jackie loves it
I admit that when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold. A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap. And wow, am I glad I did. I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. It is a story about love, nature, and perseverance.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a novel that is so much more than the sum of its parts. It is part mystery and part historical fiction that shows the importance of human connections.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty and Its Impact / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Book Club for Where the Crawdads Sing/ Books with Food in the Title / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set in the 1960s
The Secret Keeper
Author: Kate Morton
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This story revolves around a woman trying to uncover why her mother committed a crime almost 50 years prior. Having witnessed her mother, Dorothy, stab a man, Laurel starts to dig around into Dorothy’s past. Told as a dual narrative, the more we learn about Dorothy’s past, the more questions and secrets arise.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore Kate Morton. She is one of my absolute favorite authors and The Secret Keeper was Morton at her finest. Her books meld historical fiction, with contemporary fiction and romance with mystery.
Find this book in: Kate Morton Books Ranked / Books with Unreliable Narrators / Books Set in the 1960s
Magical Realism Books Set in the 1960s
Plot
This historical fantasy book was brilliantly researched and had an amazing premise in which Jake Epping steps into a time hole to stop the assassination of Kennedy. Every time he leaves history, time resets itself. Each time something does not go right, he can reset the clock by stepping out of the hole no matter how much time has passed while he was in the past.
Sound confusing? King is a brilliant writer who can make transitions between the past and present seamless. His attention to detail in this whopper of a book is unmatched.
Why Jackie likes it
The historic details in this book were immaculate but, as much as everyone loved this book, I thought that it was much too long. You have to be prepared for almost 900 pages. The beginning and the end of the book were outstanding.
Find this book in: Historical Fantasy Books / Time Loop Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books Set in the 1960s
Secret Life of Bees
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Year: 2003
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: Multi-million Best-selling Novel
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This story follows Lily Owens, a 14-year-old girl who runs away from her abusive father. It is 1964 in South Carolina and Lily wants the truth about her late mother. She finds refuge with three Black beekeeping sisters (August, June, and May) who teach her about love, family, and forgiveness. Through her journey, Lily discovers her own strength and begins to heal from her past.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, suicide, abuse
Why Jackie loves it
Sue Monk Kidd is a wonderful writer and this book is unlike anything else I have read. There are facts about bees at the start of every chapter and some elements of magical realism.
Find this book in: Books Set in the 1960s
Expert Tip
While reading these books set in the 1960s, keep in mind some of these historical events:
- JFK was inaugurated in 1961 and assassinated on 11/22/1963
- Cuban Missile Crisis from October 14-28
- Apollo 11 landed on the moon on July 20, 1969
- Civil Rights Act signed in 1964
- Woodstock in August 1969
- Detroit Race Riots of 1967
- The Vietnam War continued throughout the 1960s. It started in 1955 and did not end until 1975.
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Epilogue
What are your favorite books set in the 1960s? Please let me know what else I should be adding to my TBR!
