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1976 Books

From bestselling novels to critically acclaimed works, 1976 was filled with captivating stories that have stood the test of time. In this list, we highlight the most popular books of 1976, celebrating the titles that topped the charts and won the hearts of book lovers everywhere.

Ragtime
Written by: E. L. Doctorow
Outline: The Modern Library selected Ragtime as one of the 100 greatest novels of all-time. Published in 1975, Ragtime revolutionized our notion of what a novel can be.
The Selfish Gene
Written by: Richard Dawkins
Outline: "The Selfish Gene," published in 1976, revolutionized the understanding of natural selection by presenting a gene-centric perspective in accessible language, and its profound insights continue to resonate with both the scientific community and the general public even today.
Roots: The Saga of an American Family
Written by: Alex Haley
Outline: Alex Haley's grandmother shared stories about their family's history, tracing back to an African ancestor named Kunta Kinte, who was abducted and sold into slavery. After years of research and travel, Haley not only discovered Kunta Kinte's identity and the …
The Omen
Written by: David Seltzer
Outline: Jeremy Thorn, the U.S. Ambassador to England, and his wife Katherine welcome a son whose fate is to fulfill a terrifying prophecy. (Horror film directed by John Moore, starring Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles, Mia Farrow, and David Thewlis, released in …
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
Written by: Tom Robbins
Outline: Sissy Hanshaw, a small-town girl with big dreams and a quirky personality, embarks on an amazing odyssey from Virginia to Manhattan and the Dakota Badlands, where she encounters a diverse cast of characters, including Bonanza Jellybean, Chink, Julian, and Dr. …
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
Written by: William Zinsser
Outline: The book has been widely acclaimed for its sound advice, clarity, and warm writing style. It provides fundamental principles and insights from a renowned writer and teacher, catering to individuals seeking to improve their writing skills, whether for personal or …
Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking
Written by: Marcella Hazan
Outline: Marcella Hazan's comprehensive culinary guide, "The Essential Marcella Hazan," combines her most beloved books, offering a comprehensive and accessible manual for cooks of all levels, with updated entries, new recipes, and Hazan's unparalleled expertise in teaching the art of authentic …
The Woman Warrior
Written by: Maxine Hong Kingston
Outline: Growing up in California, a Chinese American woman's identity has been profoundly influenced by the Chinese myths, family narratives, and personal experiences from her childhood.