20 Fantastic Books Set in the 70s to Devour Now

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Another Kristin Hannah story, another NYT best seller – and for good reason! I liked this coming-of-age story set. in the Alaskan wilderness.

This isolation book is so haunting.  I could not get it out of my head.  Kristin Hannah is an amazing writer with wonderful characters.  Her stories feel realistic almost to a fault.  They are heartbreaking and heartwarming and utterly unforgettable.  I did not think that I would like a book about Alaska but, I could not put it down.

Ernt Allbright has come home from the Vietnam War traumatized and as his mental state deteriorates, his wife, Cora, and daughter, Leni, must learn to navigate the Alaskan wilderness on their own. If you love family drama books set in the 70s, this one is not to be missed.

Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

The Prince of Tides is the story of Tom and his troubled twin sister Savannah. As we follow Tom’s journey to understand and help his sister, he must confront his past and his family.

Something about Tom delving into the deepest family secrets had me sobbing. This is one of the books set in the 70s worth reading.

Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Franzen is back with this incredible 70s book about a pastor and his family as they navigate who they are in the midst of the tumultuous of the era.

As each character questions their relationship with their family, with god, and with their community at large, they also turn inward and try to remain true to themselves.

The depth of the characters is meticulous, the plot had me flipping the pages (which at 500 or so is saying something.) I can’t recommend this story enough. It’s truly wonderful. If you love 70s historical fiction, this is a perfect pick from our list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six.

The Sunset Crowd by Karin Tanabe

This fashion book set in Hollywood in the 1970s is perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. In the backdrop of Hollywood, three women with ambition try and stay on top with their unrelenting ambition in a time when men ruled the industry.

I learned so much about the world of fashion, film, and music in the 70s. I was so intrigued by the cast of characters who ruled the Sunset Strip and the con artist in their midst. This 70s book swept into their world and I never wanted to leave.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

This best book of 2019 pick needs to be listened to, not read. Seriously, I think this might be one of the best audiobooks of all time.

I expect it to sweep the Audies this year for sure because full cast audiobooks can really take the story to the next level. The book is laid out in chronological order about the making of a band in the 70s, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.

The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances the actors give are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.

This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways. This is one of the novels about music that isn’t for the faint of heart and is a feel-good book you will not want to miss.

The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton

This is the closest of the books like Daisy Jones and The Six. It’s told in an interview format and is about a band from the 70s. The comparison makes sense… and yet…

This 70s book is wonderful in its own right! No comparison is needed. It looks at sexism and racism in the music industry during this time period and is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is a total must-read. This is one of the full cast audiobooks that we included in our Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books to Brighten your Day

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

June 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

I adored Bennett’s debut book The Mothers so I was nervous to read her sophomore novel. Sometimes the next novel doesn’t live up to the first, but The Vanishing Half absolutely does with this wonderful and thought-provoking book.

The premise of this book set in the 70s is so unique. Two black sisters are so pale they can pass for white. One embraces her black heritage and her hometown, the other disappears into white suburbia.

When they meet up again 20 years later through their own daughters, the result is a stunning portrayal of the ties that tether us to our families. This is one of the must-read books about sisters and family drama books! It is also an amazing book for book clubs because there is so much to discuss.

Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore

April 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

I don’t want to say I loved this book, because the subject matter is gritty and dark, yet I enjoyed it deeply.⁣ I loved the unconventional friendships and the stark look at racist double standards in equal measure.⁣

When an older white man rapes 14-year-old, Hispanic, Gloria, the town of Odessa reacts strongly. Many people take one side and few take the other. ⁣ This story is dark but filled with hope. I connected to many of the characters and their struggles. It’s a book set in the 70s, but quite honestly it reads very true today.⁣

Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James

The Lady Killer murders have haunted Clare Lake Oregon since 1977 when two men with no connection to each other were murdered. They had no enemies, were murdered with the same gun, and the only witness saw a woman’s hair under the cloak. Beth Greer seemed to fit the bill- rich and beautiful- but she was acquitted.

Years later, Shea Collins, a survivor of an attempted abduction as a child spends her days as a receptionist and her nights running a website called the Book of Cold Cases. When she meets Beth and asks for an interview, everything changes.

There is so much to this story- it is unexpected, scary and unputdownable. What is it about lake books being perfect thrillers?

The Shining by Steven King

Steven King has a way of finding just the right blend of reality to add to his books to make them truly terrifying. The Shining is no exception. I don’t think there is anyone who has read this haunted hotel book who can think of an isolated cabin as a relaxing retreat ever again.

Jack Torrence is a recovering alcoholic with anger issues. He accepts a job as a winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel in the hopes of writing his first novel.

He brings his wife and son with him in the hopes of reconnecting with them. Obviously, things go terribly wrong. This 70s book is one of the scariest thriller horror novels I’ve ever read and its perfect for our list of winter books!

Winterland: A Novel by Rae Meadows

I’ve always been a firm lover of the Olympics, so I was eager to read this historical fiction book set in the 70s and 80s Soviet Union about an Olympic gymnast.

Having read a few books about gymnasts in the past, I was prepared for Anya’s ill-treatment at the hands of her coaches and trainers. I found the added elements of Russian communist life to be fascinating and helpful in creating a reason for her drive to be a legend. It’s on our list of books set in winter too!

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

This coming-of-age book set in the 70s in Afghanistan is one of the most emotional books I’ve ever read. I sobbed for a full 30 minutes after the last chapter. The story of the friendship between a wealthy boy and his servant is one filled with betrayal, tragedy, and heartbreak.

Told against the background of Afganistan’s destruction and the war, this sweeping tale is a must-read if you are looking for books that will emotionally wreck you.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

November 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

I was so excited to read Reese Witherspoon’s latest book pick because it sounded so different – a fig tree as a narrator? I wasn’t sure it would work, but Elif Shafak pulled it off with aplomb.

After the recent death of her mother, Ada’s aunt shows up for the winter holiday and Ada begins to learn the story of how her parents fell in love in Cyprus in this book set in the 70s. Since one was a Turk and one a Greek, their love had a forbidden element that reminded me of Romeo and Juliet….and the Fig tree, now growing in Ada’s backyard, witnessed it all.

Sunny Days by David Kamp

This non-fiction book about the 70s tells the history of two iconic shows, Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, with different approaches to teaching children through television.⁣
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I enjoyed reliving parts of my childhood as I eagerly looked up the songs and skits referenced in this book. The behind-the-scenes look added even more magic to the shows I know and love.⁣ 

I had no idea that the advent of children’s tv was so politically charged, but I learned that and so much more in this book.⁣ I also learned just how little our world has changed around racism and schooling in the time since these programs started.

Come Fly The World by Julia Cooke

In this delightful book, I learned about uniforms, training, frolicking adventures, and the glamorous life in the air that had me picturing Gwyneth Paltrow in View From the Top.

It also discussed far more serious topics like hijackers, Vietnam War flights and rescues, and issues of discrimination toward women.

Why I Loved it: Jackie and I talked with Julia about the research of this book, what surprised her most, and other fun things over on IG. Be sure to check it out.

Find this book in Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Plane Books / Books set in the 70s / Best Nonfiction Books

Just Kids by Patti Smith

The life Patti Smith has led is truly astounding. I was in awe of her gumption and ability to make it as an artist. Her book depicts her time at the beginning of her career, how she slept on the streets, met her long-time lover and friend, and how her career really began.

Her life as an artist is so different than the life I crave that I felt almost voyeuristic in her shoes. She’s a gifted writer, among other talents, so the words were almost a long poem or song. A must-read for fans of the 70s. This book won the National Book Award in 2010.

The behind-the-scenes look at the life of a rock star in the 70s was fascinating and reminded us so much of Daisy Jones we couldn’t help but wonder if some of Daisy’s character was based on Patti. We had to include this book in a list of books like Daisy Jones and the Six and books set in the 70s.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

The tween book that got me into mysteries as a child is great as an audiobook as well! When Mr. Westing dies, he leaves the residents of Sunset Towers named in his will.

But they need to solve the mystery of his death in order to win control of his company and his vast fortune. Your family will love trying to work out what happened!

Why We Love It: This classic 70s book is still a must-read today! It has withstood the test of time.
Find this Book in Best Middle Grade Mystery Books / Books for 11-year-olds / Books About Puzzles

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Brian Selznick creates novels, unlike any other author. He uses a mixture of writing and detailed pictures to tell the story of his protagonists. Wonderstruck is the latest of his gorgeous works. This book set in the 70s is actually a dual-timeline story with two main characters.

Ben’s story, set in the 70s, is told in words, while Rose’s story, set in the 20s, is told through pictures. After the death of his mother, Ben is looking for answers about his father. Rose is deaf and isolated by her family until she sneaks away to NYC. The way their stories intertwine is lovely.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

I’m pretty sure this coming-of-age tween book is required reading for everyone! Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer so he can be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. And he almost is, until the new girl in school, Leslie Burke outpaces him. The two become fast friends and spend most days in the woods behind Leslie’s house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia.

One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength that Leslie has given him for Jess to be able to deal with his grief. This realistic fiction book set in the 70s is an award winner for a reason.