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1960s – Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962)
“Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson delivered a shocking wake-up call to the world about the dangers of pesticides. Before this book, few people realized how chemicals like DDT were silently poisoning not just birds and fish, but humans too. Carson’s clear and poetic style made her scientific findings accessible to everyone, from scientists to homemakers. The book caused such a stir that it directly influenced the U.S. government’s decision to ban DDT in 1972. It also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, a milestone in American environmental history. Earth Day celebrations, which began in 1970, owe much of their existence to the awareness generated by Carson’s work. Her legacy is a world more alert to environmental dangers and more willing to take action.
1970s – Roots by Alex Haley (1976)
“Roots” by Alex Haley pulled back the curtain on American slavery in a way that had never been done before. Through the story of Kunta Kinte and his descendants, Haley traced his family’s journey from Africa to America, giving a human face to the horrors of slavery. When the television miniseries aired in 1977, it drew an astonishing 130 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched shows in U.S. history. The book and series inspired countless Americans to research their own ancestry, launching a national genealogy craze. “Roots” also sparked necessary conversations about race, identity, and the long-term impacts of slavery. The story became a source of pride and connection for African-Americans, while challenging others to confront uncomfortable truths about the past. Today, “Roots” remains a touchstone for discussions about heritage and justice.
1980s – The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)
Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” arrived in the 1980s, but its chilling tale of a society that strips women of all rights feels hauntingly close to home even today. The book imagines a future where women are valued only for their reproductive abilities and are controlled by a theocratic regime, creating a world that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. Over the years, the story has become a symbol of resistance for women’s rights movements, especially as debates about bodily autonomy and freedom continue to heat up. The success of its television adaptation brought its themes to new generations, sparking marches and protests with “Handmaid” imagery worldwide. Atwood’s ability to tap into fears about control and oppression has made this book a permanent part of feminist and political discussions. It remains a powerful warning about the consequences of silence and submission.
1990s – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)
J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” exploded onto the scene in 1997, enchanting millions and changing children’s literature forever. The magic of Hogwarts proved irresistible, with readers lining up at midnight for each new release. The series has sold over 500 million copies around the globe and has been translated into 80 languages, making it not just a literary success but a worldwide cultural phenomenon. For many, Harry Potter made reading cool again, especially among young people who might have otherwise put books aside for video games. The books inspired blockbuster movies, theme parks, and an entire generation of fans who found community through shared love of the Wizarding World. Rowling’s story of friendship, courage, and fighting injustice resonated deeply, reminding readers everywhere that even ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
2000s – The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2003)
Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” turned the world of publishing on its head with its blend of art, history, and religious intrigue. Released in 2003, the book sold more than 80 million copies and was translated into over 40 languages. Readers were drawn to the fast-paced plot, which weaves together cryptic puzzles, secret societies, and controversial ideas about Christianity. The book’s success fueled heated debates both in religious communities and among historians, many of whom challenged its interpretations and theories. The blockbuster film adaptation brought even more attention, making symbology and hidden codes hot topics in pop culture. Brown’s thriller also sparked a renewed interest in visiting places like the Louvre and learning about figures like Leonardo da Vinci. The book’s influence can be seen in the countless imitators that followed, all hoping to strike the same nerve with readers.
2010s – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008, but cultural peak in 2010s)
Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” captured the anxieties and hopes of a whole generation, making dystopian fiction a mainstay in young adult literature. Though published in 2008, its cultural impact peaked in the 2010s alongside the hit movie series. The books sold over 65 million copies in the United States alone, with millions more worldwide. Collins’ story of Katniss Everdeen’s fight against a cruel, media-obsessed regime hit home for readers worried about government overreach and the influence of reality TV. The series inspired real-world discussions about inequality, rebellion, and the power of the individual to change society. Its success launched a wave of similar stories, making dystopia the defining genre of the decade for young readers. The “Hunger Games” phenomenon also sparked activism, with fans organizing charitable initiatives and using the story’s themes to call for social change.
2020s – The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (Originally 2014, exploded post-2020)
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk became a runaway bestseller in the 2020s as the world faced a global mental health crisis. Originally published in 2014, the book saw its sales skyrocket during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching over 1.5 million copies sold. Van der Kolk’s research shed new light on how trauma is stored not just in the mind, but in the body itself, transforming the way people understand and treat mental health. The book’s accessible language made complex neuroscience and psychology relatable, offering hope and healing to millions who struggled with anxiety, grief, and post-traumatic stress. Its impact stretched beyond individuals, influencing professionals in healthcare, education, and law enforcement to adopt more compassionate, trauma-informed approaches. “The Body Keeps the Score” has become essential reading for anyone seeking to understand themselves or support others through difficult times.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
