1937 Books
From bestselling novels to critically acclaimed works, 1937 was filled with captivating stories that have stood the test of time. In this list, we highlight the most popular books of 1937, celebrating the titles that topped the charts and won the hearts of book lovers everywhere.
Of Mice and Men
Written by: John Steinbeck
Outline: George and Lennie, two laborers in California's vegetable fields, form an unlikely but close friendship as they strive to achieve their shared dream of owning a small plot of land and a humble home, despite the challenges of poverty, loneliness, …
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Written by: Zora Neale Hurston
Outline: Janie Crawford, a black woman in the 1930s, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating through three marriages to find her own identity and reconnect with her roots.
Think and Grow Rich
Written by: Napoleon Hill
Outline: Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" is a timeless guide to success, offering a philosophy of positive thinking and practical steps for achieving wealth, including visualization, affirmation, and goal-setting. Published in 1937 during the Great Depression, the book's message of …
The Hobbit, Part One
Written by: J.R.R. Tolkien
Outline: Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, is drawn into a perilous quest to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug, a formidable dragon, despite the dragon's apparent slumber. However, Smaug is merely feigning sleep, keeping a watchful eye on the tunnel entrance where …
The Cost of Discipleship
Written by: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Outline: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a renowned 20th-century theologian, explores the relationship between individuals and the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the distinction between "cheap grace" and "costly grace." He provides a seminal interpretation of the demands of sacrifice and ethical consistency, exemplifying a …
Out of Africa
Written by: Isak Dinesen
Outline: Isak Dinesen's memoir, "Out of Africa," recounts her years managing a coffee plantation in Kenya from 1914 to 1931, where she honed her storytelling skills and developed a close relationship with her lover, the big-game hunter Denys Finch-Hatton. Dinesen, a …
To Have and Have Not
Written by: Ernest Hemingway
Outline: This is a dramatic tale of Harry Morgan, an honest man who resorts to smuggling contraband between Cuba and Key West to support his struggling family. His endeavors immerse him in the world of wealthy and decadent yachtsmen, leading to …
How Do You Live?
Written by: Genzaburo Yoshino
Outline: Genzaburō Yoshino's 1937 novel, a beloved Japanese classic, is now available in English. Narrated in two voices, the story follows a young protagonist, Copper, as he navigates life's challenges and questions, drawing inspiration from the stars and his uncle's wisdom. …
The Blind Owl
Written by: Sadegh Hedayat
Outline: Sadegh Hedayat's masterpiece, considered the most important work of modern Iranian literature, is a haunting tale of loss and spiritual degradation, replete with potent symbolism and terrifying surrealistic imagery, as the author's gradual descent into frenzy and madness captivates the …
And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
Written by: Dr. Seuss
Outline: In the classic tale "Mulberry Street," young Marco's vivid imagination transforms a simple horse and wagon into a fantastical journey, captivating readers of all ages with its signature rhythmic text and unmistakable illustrations. As a renowned children's author, Dr. Seuss …
What happened in 1937?
Discover what the world looked like in 1937: