Book Review: Paperback Crush: The Totally Radical History of '80s and '90s Teen Fiction by Gabrielle Moss

Paperback Crush: The Totally Radical History of ’80s and ’90s Teen Fiction
by Gabrielle Moss (813.9 Mos)

Paperback Crush is a lively, snarky look at teen fiction from the 80s and 90s. Think of it as a pastel-drenched companion to Grady Hendrix’s Paperbacks From Hell. In both cases, simply flipping through the topical sections like Love, Family, School, and Jobs is fun for looking at beautifully reproduced retro covers. The text is a hoot too, as Gabrielle Moss takes you through oh-so-precious books about malt shop dates and oh-so-tawdry tales of blackmail, bullying, and horror that would fit in the Hendrix book. Moss highlights early examples of nontraditional family structures, queer identity, and teens of color leading the story.

 

Essential reading for book professionals, but it’s all written in a welcoming style for anyone in need of a nostalgia trip.

 

Many of these titles are no longer commonly available in public libraries, but InterLibrary Loan can be your best friend if something catches your eye and you don’t want to start trawling online auction sites.

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Larger Than Life: A History of Boy Bands from NKOTB to BTS by Maria Sherman, or Blood on Black Wax: Horror Soundtracks On Vinyl and Planet Wax: Sci-fi/Fantasy Soundtracks on Vinyl by Aaron Lupton and Jeff Szpirglas.)

 

( publisher’s official Paperback Crush web site ) | ( official Gabrielle Moss web site )

 

Recommended by Garren H.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

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