The Decades Reading Challenge is a fun and rewarding way to explore literature from the 20th century. The challenge involves reading one book from each decade, starting with the 1900s and working your way through to the 2020s. This challenge is a great way to discover classic literature and lesser-known works from each decade.
As you embark on this literary journey through the 20th century, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into the works of some of the most renowned authors of our time. You’ll get to explore different genres, styles, and perspectives, and broaden your literary horizons.
The 1900s – Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Let’s start with the 1900s when Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness stands out as a must-read classic novella. Set in the Belgian Congo, it explores the dark side of imperialism and the human psyche. The novel is narrated by Marlow, a sailor, who tells the story of his journey up the Congo River to meet the enigmatic Mr. Kurtz, a European ivory trader who has become a god-like figure among the native tribes. The book is a haunting and powerful exploration of human nature and the devastating consequences of colonialism.
The 1910s – Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson
Moving on to the 1910s, we have Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio. The book is a collection of interconnected short stories that focus on the residents of a small town in Ohio. Each story offers a glimpse into the lives of the characters, revealing their hopes, fears, and struggles. Through Anderson’s vivid portrayal of small-town life in America, we get a sense of the complex human experiences that underlie seemingly ordinary lives.
The 1920s – The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
In the 1920s, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a quintessential novel of the Roaring Twenties. Set in the fictional town of West Egg on Long Island, the book explores the excesses of the Jazz Age through the eyes of the narrator, Nick Carraway. The novel centers on Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy man who throws lavish parties in an attempt to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The book is a story of love, wealth, and corruption that captures the essence of the era.
The 1930s – Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Moving on to the 1930s, we have Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, a seminal work of African American literature. The novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, a young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love. Set in the Deep South, the book explores themes of gender, race, and identity, and offers a powerful critique of the social norms and constraints that limit women’s lives.
The 1940s – The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
In the 1940s, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye became a classic coming-of-age story that has resonated with readers for generations. The novel is narrated by Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who has been expelled from his prep school and is wandering around New York City. Through his experiences, we get a glimpse into the confusion and angst of adolescence, as well as the hypocrisy and superficiality of the adult world.
The 1950s – The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Moving on to the 1950s, Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man delivers a searing indictment of racism and a powerful exploration of identity and self-discovery. The novel tells the story of an unnamed African American narrator who lives in a society that refuses to see him as a human being. The book is a powerful critique of the racial and social hierarchies that continue to shape American society and a call to action for social justice and equality.
The 1960s – One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
In the 1960s, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude takes readers on a magical journey through the history of a fictional town in Colombia. The novel is a multi-generational family saga that explores the themes of love , loss, power, and the cyclical nature of time. Marquez uses magical realism to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that enhances the emotional impact of the story.
1970s – The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
The God of Small Things, published in 1997, won the Booker Prize for Fiction and has since become a beloved classic of contemporary Indian literature. Set in Kerala, India, the novel follows the story of fraternal twins Estha and Rahel, who experience tragedy and heartbreak in their childhood. Through the use of a non-linear narrative and stream of consciousness, Roy weaves together a complex and poignant story that explores themes of caste, politics, family, and love.
The 1980s – Beloved by Toni Morrison
Beloved is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the legacy of slavery in America. Published in 1987, the novel tells the story of Sethe, a former slave who is haunted by the ghost of her daughter, whom she killed to protect her from being returned to slavery. Morrison’s novel is a powerful meditation on the trauma of slavery and the lingering effects it has on individuals and communities. The novel also explores the theme of motherhood and the sacrifices that mothers make for their children.
The 1990s – The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
The English Patient, published in 1992, is a novel about love and war set in the final days of World War II. The novel tells the story of a severely burned, unidentified man who is being cared for by a Canadian nurse named Hana in an abandoned villa in Italy. As Hana cares for the man, she begins to learn more about his past and the love affair that led to his injuries. Ondaatje’s novel is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful work of fiction that explores the themes of identity, memory, and love.
The 2000s – Atonement by Ian McEwan
Published in 2001, Atonement is a novel that explores the consequences of a lie told by a young girl in 1935 England. The novel follows the story of Briony Tallis, who accuses Robbie Turner, the son of the family’s housekeeper, of a crime he did not commit. As a result, Robbie is sent to prison and later drafted into the army during World War II. The novel is a powerful exploration of guilt, regret, and the power of storytelling.
The 2010s – The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale, published in 2015, is a novel set in France during World War II. The novel tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who are both involved in the French Resistance. As the war rages on, the sisters must make difficult choices and sacrifices in order to survive and protect their loved ones. The Nightingale is a powerful and emotional novel that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit.
The 2020s – The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half, published in 2020, is a novel that explores the lives of two sisters who grew up in a small, southern black community. The sisters, Stella and Desiree, run away from home when they are teenagers and go on to lead very different lives. Stella “passes” as white and marries a white man, while Desiree returns to their hometown with her dark-skinned daughter. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and family, and is a powerful and thought-provoking work of fiction.
In addition to providing a fun and rewarding reading experience, the Decades Reading Challenge also offers numerous benefits for readers. By reading widely across different decades, you can gain a greater appreciation for how literature has evolved over time and how different authors have responded to the social, cultural, and political issues of their day. You may also discover new genres and writing styles that you had not previously explored.
Moreover, the Decades Reading Challenge can be a great way to build community and connect with other readers. Many book clubs and online communities have taken up the challenge, and there are countless resources and reading guides available online to help you navigate your way through the decades. You can also share your thoughts and insights with other readers, engaging in lively discussions and debates about the books you have read.
Finally, the Decades Reading Challenge can help you develop important critical reading skills. By reading widely across different genres, styles, and time periods, you can hone your ability to analyze and interpret literary texts, identifying themes, motifs, and symbols that may not be immediately apparent. You may also gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which these works were produced, enhancing your appreciation of their significance and enduring appeal.
In conclusion, the Decades Reading Challenge offers a fun and rewarding way to explore literature from the 20th/21st century. Whether you are a seasoned reader or just starting out, there are countless books from each decade waiting to be discovered. By taking up the challenge, you can broaden your literary horizons, connect with other readers, and develop important critical reading skills. So why not embark on this literary adventure today and see where the decades take you?