We all know that reading is a great way to escape the realities of life. But have you ever used it to time travel? Check out this list of books divided by decades. Read a book set in the decade before you were born.
1920s
Blind Tiger by Sandra Brown
In this action-packed historical romance, Thatcher Hutton has just come back from fighting in World War I and is ready to get back to his cowboy life. Jumping off a train, he lands in Foley, Texas the day a local woman goes missing. Being the only stranger in town, he’s immediately considered a suspect and must fight against crooked authorities and interesting town characters to prove his innocence.
1930s
Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon
The setting of this book, the Hindenburg, is perfect fodder for this historical thriller. Emilie, the only female crewmember, is struggling to remain professional and hide her agenda while interacting with the passengers aboard the ship. Lawhon takes names from the actual passenger list of the Hindenburg and strings relationships and theories together that culminate in the ship’s fiery crash. Which characters will have you hooked? Which will survive?
Book / Large Print / eBook / Audio eBook
1940s
The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers
This coming-of-age story, set in 1947 in North Carolina, follows a young seamstress named Maddie Sykes. Maddie is apprenticing under her aunt when she is suddenly hospitalized. Maddie must now cater to the wives of wealthy tobacco executives, who are clients of her aunt. It’s through this work she stumbles upon an industry secret about the health risks of tobacco and tries to unmask the cover up.
1950s
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
This sweeping, romantic historical fiction will hit you right in the feels. A young couple, Roya and Bahman, meet and fall in love at a stationery shop in Tehran, Iran. On the eve of their wedding, they become separated during a violet coup d’etat when the Prime Minister is overthrown by the Shah of Iran. More than half a century later they’re reunited by chance.
Book / Large Print / eBook
1960s
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
This piece of African American fiction is inspired by true events. Set in Nickel Academy, a Florida reform school, the story follows two boys who suffer physical and emotional abuse by callous and corrupt staff during the last gasp of Jim Crow. The boys band together and struggle to survive. The chapters are interspersed with the main character’s adult life, showing how his time at Nickel still affects him.
Book / Large Print / eBook / CD Audiobook / Audio eBook
1970s
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
In this character-driven novel, a mother and midwife sound an alarm about the use of pesticides in her community, which she believes has raised the rates of local miscarriages. This inadvertently threatens the livelihood of her timber community and her husband’s company. The strong sense of place in this novel will have you anguishing alongside the community.
1980s
The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
Jump into the year 1988 and meet Frank, a music shop owner. A vinyl enthusiast, he sells records of every size, speed, and genre. No CDs or cassette tapes allowed! He’s great at his job, always finding the right record for everyone who walks in. When llse arrives at his store, he falls for this quirky woman. While trying to develop their relationship, Frank must also deal with a real estate company that wants to destroy the store.
1990s
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Lincoln has a strange job. He’s an internet security officer in 1999 and spends most of his time monitoring company emails. It’s crazy how much people share over their company email, especially Beth and Jennifer. While following the flow of gossip and their personal lives, Lincoln finds himself falling for Beth. But how can he pursue this relationship when she doesn’t know he exists? Lincoln decides to follow his heart and try anyway.