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1978 Books

From bestselling novels to critically acclaimed works, 1978 was filled with captivating stories that have stood the test of time. In this list, we highlight the most popular books of 1978, celebrating the titles that topped the charts and won the hearts of book lovers everywhere.

The Thorn Birds
Written by: Colleen McCullough
Outline: "Beautiful....Compelling entertainment."--New York Times"A heart-rending epic...truly marvelous."--Chicago TribuneOne of the most beloved novels of all time, The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCullough's sweeping family saga of dreams, titanic struggles, dark passions, and forbidden love in the Australian Outback, returns to enthrall …
The Amityville Horror
Written by: Jay Anson
Outline: The Lutz family moved into their new Long Island home in suburban Long Island in December 1975. George and Kathleen Lutz were aware that Ronald DeFeo had murdered his brothers and parents one year prior.
The World According To Garp
Written by: John Irving
Outline: 20th Anniversary Edition with a new Afterword by the author. This is the story of T. S.
Eye Of The Needle
Written by: Ken Follett
Outline: The global phenomenon created by Edge of Eternity's author. His code name was "The Needle". He was a German aristocrat of exceptional intelligence, a master spy with a history of violence.
Faeries
Written by: Brian Froud and Alan Lee
Outline: Brian Froud's Faeries, published a quarter century ago, is still a classic fantasy book. It has more than a million copies worldwide.
The Stand
Written by: Stephen King
Outline: A dark and foreboding tale unfolds, as the ominous figure of the "dark man" emerges, heralding the coming of a dire apocalypse. This expanded edition of Stephen King's acclaimed novel, "The Stand," offers both longtime fans and new readers a …
The Westing Game
Written by: Ellen Raskin
Outline: A diverse group of individuals gather for the reading of a wealthy eccentric's will, unaware of his ulterior motives. The millionaire's unconventional choice of heir, potentially a murderer, sets the stage for one final game orchestrated by the deceased. The …
Night Shift
Written by: Stephen King
Outline: This collection of tales invades and paralyzes the mind as the safe light of day is infiltrated by the shadows of the night, evoking a sense of terror and the unsettling transformation of ordinary people and objects. The listener is …
The Long Walk
Written by: Richard Bachman
Outline: Sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty, against his mother's wishes, is about to compete in the annual grueling endurance contest called The Long Walk, where 100 boys must maintain a steady pace of four miles per hour with the winner receiving any prize …
The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth
Written by: M. Scott Peck
Outline: M. Scott Peck's groundbreaking work, which blends love, science, and religion to promote personal growth, has cemented his status as a leading figure in the field of spiritual psychology. Peck's candid approach, which includes sharing his own life experiences and …
Requiem for a Dream
Written by: Hubert Selby Jr.
Outline: The text describes the intertwined stories of a lonely widow, her drug-addicted son, and his friends, who become consumed by their pursuit of wealth, fame, and escape through drugs and addiction, ultimately leading to the deterioration of their lives. Despite …
Women
Written by: Charles Bukowski
Outline: Henry Chinaski, a struggling writer and unrepentant alcoholic, finally achieves literary success later in life, embracing the rock-star lifestyle with its excessive drinking and promiscuous behavior.
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century
Written by: Barbara W. Tuchman
Outline: The 14th century was a complex period, marked by both grandeur and darkness - a time of crusades, castles, and chivalry, as well as war, fear, and the devastating Plague. This century showcases the sweeping currents of history as well …
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast
Written by: Robin McKinley
Outline: Beauty, though lacking in physical beauty, possesses an inner courage that may compensate for her appearance. Determined to save her father, she willingly becomes a prisoner at an enchanted castle, where she encounters the Beast and embarks on an unlikely …