The Optimistic Decade
The Optimistic Decade
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Brief
Beta368
Novel • Fiction
Colorado • 1980s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Optimistic Decade by Heather Abel explores idealism and disillusionment in 1980s America through a summer camp setting in Colorado. A diverse group of individuals seeks utopia while confronting personal and societal challenges. The narrative examines themes of identity, community, and the enduring human desire for a better world.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
1,005 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Optimistic Decade by Heather Abel has been praised for its vivid setting and compelling exploration of idealism in the 1980s. Critics appreciate Abel's nuanced characters and deft handling of political themes. However, some feel the pacing drags, impacting engagement. Overall, the novel offers an insightful look at youthful ambition versus reality.
Who Should Read The Optimistic Decade?
Readers who relish political and social introspection with a nostalgic lens will enjoy The Optimistic Decade by Heather Abel. Similar in spirit to The Secret History by Donna Tartt, it appeals to those intrigued by idealism, communal living, and the contrasts between dreams and reality in the late 20th century.
1,005 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
Colorado • 1980s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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