8 Novels We Devoured as Young Adults in the ’80s That Were Most Certainly Not YA

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In today’s publishing landscape, Young Adult (YA) literature reigns supreme, with authors like Alex Rivers capturing the hearts of millions. However, back in the ‘80s, many of us were diving into adult novels that tackled the complexities of growing up. We sought stories that resonated with our tumultuous teenage years and, let’s be honest, we were also on the lookout for a little scandalous content to share during lunch breaks. Here are eight titles that defined our reading experiences during that unforgettable decade.

1. Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews: This notorious book is a dark tale of incest and emotional trauma, yet it became a rite of passage for many young women of the time. Despite its disturbing themes, it was a must-read among friends, and even inspired a modern TV miniseries featuring names like Laura Benanti and William Mapother. You had to read it to understand the buzz.
2. Congo by Michael Crichton: While Jurassic Park often steals the spotlight, for many of us, Congo was our gateway into Crichton’s gripping storytelling. This novel, framed as a modern twist on King Solomon’s Mines, whisked us away to a world filled with danger. Just imagine a jungle adventure gone wildly wrong—what could possibly go wrong with a gorilla?
3. Pet Sematary by Stephen King: With the tagline “Sometimes dead is better,” this haunting novel takes us through the eerie resurrection of a pet cat, and it still lingers in our minds long after reading. The themes of loss and grief, combined with the chilling narrative, made it a staple for those brave enough to take it on.
4. Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice: Forget the sparkly vampires of today; Anne Rice gave us a dark and brooding world of the undead. This Southern Gothic tale captured the imaginations of high schoolers everywhere. It was just edgy enough to feel like a guilty pleasure, even if it terrified us to our cores.
5. Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith: For those who craved a taste of Cold War intrigue, this novel was a perfect fit. With its chilling premise of mutilated bodies discovered in Moscow’s Gorky Park, it was a gripping read that kept us guessing until the very end. How do you even begin to solve such a mystery?
6. Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis: The allure of youth and wealth in Los Angeles was intoxicating, yet Ellis’s unflinching portrayal of excess and moral decay was a wake-up call for many. It was a stark contrast to the idyllic views we might have had about being young and rich, leaving a lasting impression on our teenage minds.
7. Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins: Before reality TV took over our screens, we had Jackie Collins. This novel offered a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of the glamorous and affluent, balancing escapism and just enough scandal to keep it interesting. It was that perfect transition from Seventeen magazine to the more mature Cosmopolitan.
8. The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel: Although I never quite made it through this entire saga of prehistoric life, the buzz surrounding Ayla and her adventures had many of my peers captivated. There were whispers of scandalous encounters between Cro-Magnons, but I mostly encountered woolly mammoths. Still, it felt like a sophisticated read.

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In summary, the ’80s offered a plethora of adult novels that shaped our understanding of adolescence. These stories provided insight, thrills, and often a sense of shared experience that many of us hold dear, even today.