1963 Books
From bestselling novels to critically acclaimed works, 1963 was filled with captivating stories that have stood the test of time. In this list, we highlight the most popular books of 1963, celebrating the titles that topped the charts and won the hearts of book lovers everywhere.
The Collector
Written by: John Fowles
Outline: The Collector, a novel that John Fowles hailed as the first modern psychological thriller is now a bestseller worldwide.
The Bell Jar
Written by: Sylvia Plath
Outline: The Bell Jar is a captivating portrayal of Esther Greenwood's mental breakdown, a brilliant and talented individual whose descent into insanity is vividly depicted by Sylvia Plath, creating a haunting and relatable American classic. Plath's masterful writing immerses the reader …
Where the Wild Things Are
Written by: Maurice Sendak
Outline: Max, a mischievous child, is punished by his weary mother and sent to his room without dinner. In his imagination, he sails to a land of Wild Things, where he is crowned their king instead of being devoured.
The Fire Next Time
Written by: James Baldwin
Outline: The book, a national bestseller in 1963, powerfully evoked James Baldwin's early life in Harlem and examined the consequences of racial injustice, serving as a passionate voice for the emerging civil rights movement. Presented as two "letters" written on the …
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind
Written by: Joseph Murphy
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Written by: Norman Bridwell
Outline: Clifford, the beloved big red dog, is introduced in the original Clifford book, where he demonstrates his unique abilities and endearing personality. The Clifford book series, first published in 1963, has since captivated millions of children worldwide with its charming …
The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea
Written by: Yukio Mishima
Outline: The text describes a group of savage 13-year-old boys who reject the adult world as illusory, hypocritical, and sentimental, and train themselves in a brutal callousness they call "objectivity." When one of the boys' mothers begins an affair with a …
The Feminine Mystique
Written by: Betty Friedan
Outline: "The Feminine Mystique" is a groundbreaking and influential work that gave voice to the frustrations and thwarted ambitions of a generation of women, inspiring them to reclaim their lives. This 50th-anniversary edition features an afterword by Anna Quindlen and a …
Hop On Pop
Written by: Dr. Seuss
Outline: Changing the first letter of a word can transform its meaning, making rhyming an engaging way for children of all ages to learn to read. Dr. Seuss's captivating stories, whimsical characters, and rhythmic language create a fun and effective approach …
The Cross and the Switchblade
Written by: David Wilkerson
Outline: A young minister from the Pennsylvania countryside travels to New York City and inspires troubled youth with his uplifting message.
Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil
Written by: Hannah Arendt
Outline: Hannah Arendt's authoritative and insightful report on the trial of Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann, which was initially published as a series of articles, sparked extensive debate. This revised edition incorporates additional material that emerged after the trial, as well as …
What happened in 1963?
Discover what the world looked like in 1963: