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World War II was over, the first color TV was created, Queen Elizabeth took the crown, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation was illegal, the polio vaccine was created, the first McDonald’s opened, Elvis was becoming increasingly popular, the Soviet Union sent a rocket to space, the nation was in an economic boom, and these are the books they were reading.
There’s a very good chance that you will find books from the 1950s that you have not only already read but are likely on your list of all-time favorite books. (I know this is true for me.)
I’m really curious as to why this is such a pivotal decade in literature. Was it the post-WWII climate? The cultural shifts that were happening? Or something else entirely?
One genre you see emerge this decade is fantasy and science fiction, and within the sci-fi genre, the dystopian novel.
You will also notice that this list is full of children’s books. As I always say, if you have not read one of the children’s literature classics on this list, that’s where I would start. They are almost always worth it.
I looked for one of two things when compiling this list: popular books and notable books. In other words, books that readers still love today and books that had a cultural or historical impact or significance.
If you are looking for 1950s book recommendations from that pivotal postwar America and world, you have come to the right place.
Let’s dive into the books from the 1950s that we still love to read 70 years later.
1950s Books Still Worth Reading
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (1950)
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury is a hauntingly beautiful collection of short stories. Bradbury uses alien landscapes to reflect on what it means to be human. Bradbury weaves together tales of Earth’s colonization of Mars, creating a poetic meditation on humanity’s desire for exploration and our unfortunate tendency to repeat our worst mistakes in new frontiers. The book remains captivating for its lyrical prose, profound insights into human nature, and its visionary portrayal of space exploration. Similar reads: Station Eleven; Project Hail Mary.
- Length: 256 pages
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Publication Year: 1950
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov (1950)
I, Robot is a collection of interconnected short stories that introduced the famous Three Laws of Robotics. Asimov explores the complex relationship between humans and artificial intelligence through a series of logical puzzles and ethical dilemmas faced by robots and their creators. The book remains influential for its thoughtful examination of how advanced technology might integrate with human society and the moral questions that arise when creating sentient machines. Similar reads: Klara and the Sun; Inherit the Stars.
- Length: 224 pages
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Publication Year: 1950
A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie (1950)
Miss Marple decides to investigate a murder that is literally advertised in a local newspaper, and then occurs exactly as foretold. Christie weaves a masterful mystery where everyone in the village is a suspect, showcasing her trademark misdirection and clever plot twists that keep readers guessing until the final revelation. This classic whodunit shows why Christie remains the queen of the mystery genre, with her sharp observations of human nature and brilliantly constructed puzzles. Similar reads: The Thursday Murder Club; The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle.
- Length: 288 pages
- Genre: Mystery
- Publication Year: 1950
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (1951)
The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager and melancholy boy genius, who is wandering New York City after being expelled from prep school, grappling with grief, identity, and the fear of adulthood. Its raw honesty, sharp wit, and timeless portrayal of adolescent alienation have kept it popular across generations. Some say this is the first novel of the modern teenage years. If you like a character-driven coming-of-age story such as Perks of Being a Wallflower or Looking for Alaska, you will likely enjoy this one.
Note: Franny and Zooey and Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger were also published this decade.
- Length: 277 pages
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Publication Year: 1951
The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov (1953)
The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov is an epic science fiction saga that chronicles the fall of a galactic empire and the efforts to preserve knowledge and rebuild civilization. Asimov introduces the concept of psychohistory — a fictional science that predicts the future behavior of large populations — as mathematician Hari Seldon establishes the Foundation to shorten the coming dark age from 30,000 years to just 1,000. The trilogy remains influential for its grand scale, examination of how societies evolve, and exploration of the tension between determinism and free will. Similar reads: Dune or The Three-Body Problem.
- Length: 679 pages
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Publication Year: 1953
Charlotte’s Web by E. B White (1952)
If you haven’t read this book as an adult, this is a must-read. It tells the story of small town America where a young girl named Fern is allowed to keep a runty pig as a pet, which she names Wilbur. This simple story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and friendship through Charlotte’s selfless efforts to save Wilbur from becoming Christmas dinner. This beloved classic continues to touch hearts with its honest portrayal of love and loss told through White’s clear, beautiful prose that never talks down to children. If you enjoyed The One and Only Ivan or Wonder, I think you would also enjoy this book.
- Length: 184 pages
- Genre: Children’s Literature
- Publication Year: 1952
The Borrowers by Mary Norton (1952)
The Borrowers introduces the Clock family, who are tiny people who live beneath the floorboards and “borrow” what they need from the human “beans” above. Norton creates a captivating miniature world filled with creativity and adventure as these inch-high people navigate everyday objects repurposed in ingenious ways, while facing the dangers of cats, rats, and curious humans. This charming fantasy continues to enchant readers with its blend of cozy domesticity and daring escapades in a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary when seen from a different perspective. This is the first book in a five part series.
- Length: 180 pages
- Genre: Fantasy / Children’s Literature
- Publication Year: 1952
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (1952)
This one is a personal favorite and one that has stuck with me. The Old Man and the Sea tells the story of Santiago, an aging fisherman who struggles to catch a massive marlin far out at sea. Hemingway’s spare, powerful prose captures the old man’s battle against the elements and his own limitations in what becomes a moving meditation on courage, dignity, and the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Hemingway won the Nobel Prize for this novella, and it continues to resonate with readers for its exploration of determination and grace under pressure, distilled into a deceptively simple tale of man versus nature. This book was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1953.
- Length: 108 pages
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Publication Year: 1952
East of Eden by John Steinbeck (1952)
So many readers tell me this is one of their all-time favorite books. It’s been on my TBR list for way too long. (Maybe this is the year.) This is historical fiction novel that reimagines the biblical story of Cain and Abel through the lives of two California families across generations. Steinbeck explores the struggle between good and evil as the characters wrestle with their desires and the power of choice, all set against the backdrop of California’s Salinas Valley from the Civil War to World War I. This epic work endures for its complex characters, profound moral questioning, and Steinbeck’s belief in the human capacity to choose one’s own destiny despite the weight of the past. This was a New York Times bestseller in 1952. Modern read-a-likes: The Heart’s Invisible Furies or Pachinko.
- Length: 601 pages
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Publication Year: 1952
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952)
This novel follows an unnamed black narrator through American society that refuses to see him as a complete human being. Ellison crafts a powerful exploration of racial identity and individual consciousness as his African American protagonist moves from the South to New York City, encountering various political and social forces that attempt to define and control him. This groundbreaking novel remains essential reading for its innovative style, unflinching examination of racism, and universal themes of self-discovery and the search for identity in a fractured world. Invisible Man won the National Book Award in 1953. Historians argue that this book served as a catalyst for the civil rights movement. Modern read-a-likes: The Underground Railroad or Americanah.
- Length: 581 pages
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Publication Year: 1952
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)
Fahrenheit 451 is one of those books that has stuck with me even though its been years since I read it. It eerie how much about our modern-day culture that Bradbury got right. Thankfully, we still have our books 😉 Fahrenheit 451 tells the story of Guy Montag, a fireman whose job is to burn books in a future society where independent thinking is dangerous and conformity is rewarded. The novel remains popular today for its chilling warnings about censorship, technology’s impact on society, and the loss of critical thought. If you like stories that challenge you to think deeply about freedom and the power of ideas, this is a must-read.
- Length: 249 pages
- Genre: Dystopian
- Publication Year: 1952
- Modern Read-a-likes: The Giver; Hunger Games
Casino Royale by Ian Fleming (1953)
Does James Bond really need an introduction? Casino Royale is Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel. Bond is a sophisticated British secret agent tasked with bankrupting a Russian operative in a high-stakes card game at the Royale-les-Eaux casino. Fleming establishes the blueprint for the iconic spy thriller with his blend of glamour, danger, and Cold War intrigue, while revealing surprising depths to the character that later became overshadowed by the film franchise’s focus on gadgets and spectacle. This debut Bond novel remains compelling for its taut suspense, atmospheric settings, and its portrayal of a more vulnerable, cynical spy than casual fans might expect from the movies.
- Length: 224 pages
- Genre: Thriller
- Publication Year: 1953
Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (1953)
Mara, Daughter of the Nile tells the story of a clever slave girl in ancient Egypt who becomes entangled in a dangerous game of political espionage while working as a double spy. McGraw brings ancient Egypt vividly to life through meticulous historical detail as Mara navigates palace intrigue, finds unexpected love, and ultimately must choose where her true loyalties lie during a time of royal power struggles. This riveting historical adventure continues to captivate readers with its strong-willed heroine, rich cultural setting, and perfect balance of romance, suspense, and coming-of-age discovery. Great pick for someone looking for Ancient Egypt historical fiction.
- Length: 366 pages
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Publication Year: 1953
- Modern read-a-likes: The Book Thief or Code Name Verity
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954)
The Lord of the Rings is one of my top 10 favorite books. In fact, it might be number one. It is considered one of the best-selling literary works of all time. I’ve told my kids that if they don’t read The Lord of the Rings, I’m not sure we can really be friends. If you think you know the story because you’ve seen the movie, I promise there’s a lot the movies left out. The three book series that starts with The Fellowship of the Ring follows the humble hobbit Frodo Baggins on his perilous quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron. Tolkien created not just a story but an entire world with its own languages, histories, and mythologies, weaving themes of friendship, courage, corruption, and sacrifice into a richly textured narrative that defined the modern fantasy genre. The characters make this book, and Tolkien makes you feel like you are on the journey with them. If you are a fan of fantasy, you definitely want to read the first book that defined the genre.
- Length: 1300 pages
- Genre: Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1954
- Modern read-a-likes: The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (1955)
The Talented Mr. Ripley tells the story of former orphan-boy Tom Ripley, who is now an adult living in Manhattan, where he has become a petty criminal. He is known as young, charming, and handsome, but he is also a psychopath. He is hired by a man to go to Italy and bring his gallivanting son back to the United States. He finds the son, Dickie Greenleaf, but that’s when things take a turn for the worse. Fans of this book say it is not only an influential psychological crime novel that has inspired others, but also very readable. The book was made into a movie in 1999, with Matt Damon in the lead role. It is now a Netflix series.
- Length: 271 pages
- Genre: Mystery/Thriller
- Publication Year: 1955
- Modern read-a-like: American Pyscho by Bret Easton Ellis
A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O’Connor (1955)
A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories is a collection of darkly comic Southern Gothic tales that feature deeply flawed characters confronting moments of grace. O’Connor’s unflinching prose and moral vision create disturbing yet profound stories where the mundane gives way to the grotesque, often culminating in shocking revelations that force characters to confront their own spiritual emptiness. This collection remains powerful for its unique blend of the macabre and the theological, with O’Connor’s Catholic sensibility exploring human depravity and redemption through unforgettable, often unsettling narratives.
- Length: 288 pages
- Genre: Short Stories
- Publication Year: 1955
Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Clearly (1955)
Beezus and Ramona captures the realistic, often exasperating relationship between responsible nine-year-old Beezus and her imaginative, chaotic four-year-old sister Ramona. Cleary brilliantly portrays the frustrations and deep love of sisterhood through everyday family incidents that range from Ramona’s birthday party disaster to her habit of cracking eggs on her head. This children’s classic continues to resonate with readers for its honest depiction of sibling rivalry, family dynamics, and the genuine emotions of childhood, all told with warmth and humor.
- Length: 160 pages
- Genre: Children’s Lit
- Publication Year: 1955
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (1956)
This is another one of those series that probably does not need an introduction. The Chronicles of Narnia is made up of seven volumes that begins with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe where four siblings discover a wardrobe that leads to the land of Narnia, ruled by the wise lion Aslan and threatened by the White Witch. Lewis crafts an enchanting series that works on multiple levels — as pure adventure fantasy for children and as a rich Christian allegory for adult readers — while exploring themes of courage, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. This beloved series continues to captivate generations of readers with its blend of mythological creatures and the universal childhood fantasy of discovering a secret world where ordinary children can become heroes.
- Length: About 200 pages per book
- Genre: Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1950 to 1956
Night by Elie Weisel (1956)
Night is a haunting autobiographical account of the author’s experience as a teenager in Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust. Wiesel’s spare, measured prose conveys the unimaginable horrors he witnessed and endured, including the loss of his family and his own struggle to maintain his humanity and faith in the face of systematic cruelty. This powerful memoir remains essential reading for its honest accounting of one of history’s darkest chapters, serving as both a deeply personal story of survival and a universal warning about the consequences of indifference to human suffering. Night is the first book in the Night trilogy.
- Length: 120 pages
- Genre: Memoir
- Publication Year: 1956
- Modern read-a-like: The Tattoist of Auschwitz
Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg (1956)
When I think beat writers, I think Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. The most famous work by Ginsberg is his poem, “Howl”. This is considered a raw, anti-conformity, and ant-materialism written in the backdrop of post-war America. Ginsberg’s long-form poem “Howl” employs breathless, jazz-influenced rhythms and explicit imagery to chronicle the experiences of his generation who were “destroyed by madness,” challenging conventional poetic forms and societal norms alike. This collection continues to resonate for its vision, countercultural energy, and passionate defense of those marginalized by mainstream society, establishing Ginsberg as a leading voice of the Beat Generation and inspiring countless artists seeking authentic self-expression.
- Length: 56 pages
- Genre: Poetry
- Publication Year: 1956
Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis (1956)
This lesser-known work by C.S. Lewis is on the list of my all-time favorites. Till We Have Faces retells the myth of Cupid and Psyche through the eyes of Psyche’s older sister Orual, exploring themes of divine love, human jealousy, and spiritual transformation. Lewis considered this his most mature work as he crafts a profound psychological and philosophical novel that questions the nature of love, whether it truly seeks the best for the beloved or merely satisfies our own needs. Readers still love this book for its complex exploration of faith, doubt, and self-deception, culminating in the realization that we cannot truly encounter the divine until we see ourselves honestly. If you love mythological retellings, you will enjoy this book.
- Length: 368 pages
- Genre: Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1956
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson (1956)
If you grew up in the 80s, this book was required reading. Old Yeller tells the heart-wrenching story of a boy and the stray yellow dog who becomes his loyal companion in the post-Civil War Texas frontier. This is a coming-of-age novel about fourteen-year-old Travis, who is forced to take on adult responsibilities while his father is away, learning harsh lessons about love, sacrifice, and the necessities of frontier life through his relationship with the dog. This classic continues to move readers with its authentic portrayal of pioneer difficulties, the unbreakable bond between humans and animals, and its unflinching depiction of a boy’s journey toward emotional maturity in the face of loss.
- Length: 132 pages
- Genre: Children’s Lit
- Publication Year: 1956
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957)
This is a great read for its philosophical and cultural arguments it is trying to make, BUT I highly recommend skipping the sex scenes. They are just very weird. That being said, this is a worthwhile read, and another one of those books that has stuck with me. Atlas Shrugged portrays a dystopian vision of America where creative individuals withdraw from a society that increasingly demands their sacrifice for the “greater good.” Rand develops her philosophy of Objectivism through this sprawling narrative of industrial collapse and government overreach, centered on railroad executive Dagny Taggart’s search for the mysterious John Galt as the world’s innovators mysteriously disappear. This controversial novel remains both defended and critiqued for its unapologetic celebration of individualism, rational self-interest, and laissez-faire capitalism. It encompasses the worldview of many devotees of liberty.
- Length: 1000 pages
- Genre: Political Philosophy
- Publication Year: 1957
On the Road by Jack Kerouac (1957)
If you read one book from the Beat generation, let this be the one. And for a book that is almost 70 years old, I found this to be an easy read. On the Road chronicles the cross-country adventures of Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they search for meaning and authentic experience in post-war America. Kerouac’s spontaneous prose style mirrors the jazz-influenced, drug-fueled journey of his characters as they crisscross the nation, engaging with a cast of nonconformists while seeking enlightenment through speed, sensation, and freedom from conventional restraints. This defining novel of the Beat Generation continues to inspire wanderlust and rebellion with its celebration of the open road, intense friendships, and the restless pursuit of transcendent moments, capturing the quintessential American urge to break free and discover oneself through movement. This would be a great book to read on a road trip.
- Length: 416 pages
- Genre: Coming of Age Fiction
- Publication Year: 1957
Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak (1957)
Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago follows the life of Yuri Zhivago, a physician and poet whose personal and romantic struggles unfold against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the turmoil that follows. Readers still love this novel for its sweeping historical scope, lyrical prose, and exploration of love, art, and survival in times of chaos. Fans of epic, emotionally resonant stories, such as Anna Karenina or A Tale of Two Cities, will be drawn to its tragic beauty and philosophical depth. If you enjoy richly layered historical fiction with a poetic soul, Doctor Zhivago belongs on your shelf.
- Length: 216 pages
- Genre: Fantasy
- Publication Year: 1957
The Once and Future King by T.H. White (1958)
The Once and Future King reimagines the Arthurian legend as both a sweeping epic and a meditation on power, war, and human nature. White follows Arthur from his childhood as the bumbling “Wart” under Merlin’s tutelage through his rise to kingship and the eventual collapse of his Round Table. It’s a mix of humor, tragedy, and political philosophy that explores the impossible dream of creating a just society. White wrote other Arthurian novels: The Book of Merlin and The Sword in the Stone.
- Length: 632 pages
- Genre: Fantasy/Mythology
- Publication Year: 1958
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (1958)
It’s the 1600s, and Kit Tyler has just moved from the warm Caribbean to the land of the Puritans in a cold Connecticut Colony. Already struggling to fit in, the locals think she must be a witch when they find out she can swim because, according to the lore at the time, witches could float. Feel ostracized by the relatives she lives with, as she struggles to adopt the way of the puritan life, Kit ends up connecting with a local witch, which may be her downfall. So many readers say they have read this book multiple times, and it’s the book that got them into historical fiction. This book explores several themes, including what it means to be free while also being accountable, as well as how to have individuality while also living in a tight-knit family and community. Great for historical fiction book lovers!
- Length: 272 pages
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Publication Year: 1958
A Separate Peace by John Knowles (1959)
A Separate Peace is a coming-of-age story set during World War II. It tells the story about two boys from different worlds who become best friends while at a New England boarding high school. Gene, a boy from the South who excels academically, and Phineas “Finny,” who is the all-American teenager: athletic, liked by everyone, and kind in return. Gene struggles with jealousy and resentment of Finny. As one reviewer wrote: “That is an elemental frustration, native to adolescence and loneliness, and no book I have ever read has treated that frustration with more compassion and justice.” I know many people who say this is their all-time favorite book.
- Length: 204 pages
- Genre: Coming-of-Age
- Publication Year: 1959
- Read-alike: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein (1959)
This science fiction classic has many fans, but it also has its share of controversy. The controversy stems from allegedly being a disguised war novel promoting a fascist and militaristic culture and society, but it is also praised for its emotional resonance and for transcending its genre because of its philosophical nature. This is a futuristic story that imagines what life might have been like if the Cold War had gone differently. Western Civilization collapsed after a fight involving the Soviet Union, the United States, and China. It’s now a Spartan culture in which only military veterans get full citizenship. Some think this book inspired Stan Lee’s creation of Iron Man. It is also reportedly recommended reading for those entering the United States Air Force. This is a book about duty, camaraderie, and sacrifice. Despite its serious nature, readers describe this as a fun read.
- Length: 288 pages
- Genre: Science Fiction / Dystopian
- Publication Year: 1959
Note: One notable book I decided to leave off this list is Lolita, which is Vladimir Nabokov’s most famous novel. However, it is also his most controversial as it portrays a middle-aged man engaging in paedophilia behavior with a young girl. I have a hard time encouraging readers to read such a book when there are so many other good ones from this decade to choose from.
The Bestselling Books of the 1950s
I always think it’s fun to compare the books we’re still reading to what books were the bestsellers of that decade. While there is some overlap, there are often several titles I’ve never even heard of. Here are the 1950s bestsellers for each year: (2)
- 1950: The Cardinal by Henry Morton Robinson
- 1951: From Here to Eternity by James Jones
- 1952: The Silver Chalice by Thomas B. Costain (East of Eden and The Old Man and the Sea were in the top 10 this year.)
- 1953: The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas
- 1954: Not as a Stranger by Morton Thompson
- 1955: Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk
- 1956: Don’t Go Near the Water by William Brinkley
- 1957: By Love Possessed by James Gould Cozzens
- 1958: Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
- 1959: Exodus by Leon Uris
What Are You Going to Read?
There are so many good options on this list. I would love to know what you think you’ll read next. (Also, let me know if there are any 1950s titles that deserve to be on this list.)
Sources:
1 – Rosenberg, Jennifer. (2025, April 22). A Brief Timeline of the 1950s. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/1950s-timeline-1779952
