We who claim the 90s as the greatest decade also must bear the title of elder millennial, or even—gasp—geriatric millennial (rude). We came home from the public library with piles of Sweet Valley High or Fear Street books and devoured Flowers in the Attic and Stephen King novels while the adults weren’t paying attention. The Outsiders made school bearable, and Judy Blume made us feel normal and seen. We watched Clueless and Jurassic Park and Wayne’s World on repeat. It was our time—the best of times—and we’ve been chasing that feeling ever since. Here’s a list of books sure to satisfy that nostalgic longing.
American Fantasy by Emma Straub
Boyz II Men, NKOTB, Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC. The boy bands of the 90s reigned supreme, and American Fantasy is for anyone who wants to attend—or already has tickets for—a reunion concert. The story is set on a cruise ship with a 90s boy band and thousands of women who have worshiped them for 30 years. Annie is only there for her sister, but the nostalgic atmosphere awakens a youthful wonder she thought she’d lost. It’s an uplifting story that evokes the happiness of youth—even in middle age. Fans may also enjoy This Time Tomorrow, another 90s-themed novel by Emma Straub.
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We’re All Going To Die Tonight! by Veronica Bane
If you loved Lois Duncan novels like I Know What You Did Last Summer or Killing Mr. Griffin, you’ll get all those suspenseful vibes from this twisty mystery about seven teenagers and three teachers stuck in a house on a stormy night. They’re all part of their school debate team, but they don’t all get along. And there’s a body just outside. You’ll be transported back to reading under your covers with a flashlight with this unputdownable tale.
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The Do-Over by Suzanne Park
Rom-coms like Never Been Kissed peaked in the 90s—and we still want more. Luckily, the swoony, second-chance magic of that Drew Barrymore film lives on in The Do-Over. A young Korean-American author, Lily, is offered an amazing new job, but it requires the college degree she never quite finished. Returning to her alma mater feels like a nightmare, where an old boyfriend, class deadlines, frat party invites, and dining dollars await. But a second chance could give Lily a path to happiness she never imagined or planned.
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The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
If you miss strolling Blockbuster Video stores, check out this thriller about an unsolved murder case inside a Blockbuster on the last night of the millennium. Fifteen years later, history repeats itself, causing this cold case to catch fire. It’s a page-turner that evokes summer popcorn movie vibes, with a twisty but redemptive conclusion.
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Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
Fans of Waiting to Exhale—the film or the book—will love Kennedy Ryan’s romance about female friendship and thriving over surviving. High achiever Hendrix Barry doesn’t have time for romance. But when she starts to fall for tech mogul Maverick Bell, she might need to let herself have something more. Sensual, emotional, and full of heart, Can’t Get Enough will give you all the feels.
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The Summer List by Amy Mason Doan
Once inseparable, Laura and Casey spent their childhood on wild scavenger hunts in their small California lakeside town. After a rift in their friendship, they reunite seventeen years later for one final hunt, which could bring them close again—unless the secret they unravel truly tears them apart. Tender and charming, this book about relationships will evoke Judy Blume sentimentality.
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The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
If you ever hoped for a door to Narnia or a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, you will love this sweet hug of a book. Lucy grew up reading Jack Masterson’s Clock Island books, and now she’s invited to his island with three other fans to vie for the only copy of his final book. It’s an enchanting, comforting escape-read about love, wishes, loneliness, and second chances.
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The Truth about the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline
Fans of 90s bestsellers John Grisham and Janet Evanovich will get their fix from this thriller about TJ, a lawyer at a family firm, whose world is turned upside down when his brother confides in him: he murdered a client. TJ, a black sheep forever trying to prove himself, sees an opportunity to save his brother and show his worth. But secrets keep coming, and the truth may tear this family apart.
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The Beach Trap Ali Brady
If Parent Trap was a movie on repeat in your childhood, check out The Beach Trap, about two estranged half-sisters, Kat and Blake, who reunite to deal with an inherited, dilapidated beach house in Destin, Florida. This enemies-to-friends story has it all: renovation drama, steamy summer romances, family conflict, and that feel-good reconciliation.
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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Sam and Sadie navigate an up and down friendship as they partner to create video games in the 90s. Come for the relationship drama, and stay for the fascinating, insider perspective of the video game industry during its epic rise.
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Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Landline will take you right back to twirling the phone cord while chatting with your crush. Georgie stays at home to work while her husband and two kids go to visit his parents—her marriage is in trouble. But when she calls her in-laws’ house on an old landline, Neal from the 90s picks up. Can her conversations with him help save their marriage? You’ll root for Georgie and Neal throughout this sweet romance.
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My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
The Exorcist meets The Babysitter’s Club. Two girls become best friends and one of them starts behaving strangely—is she possessed? It’s a horror story, but more than that it’s a story of friendship and love—the kind that runs deeper than fear.
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How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson
All those 90s “final girl” slashers inspired this romantic-comedy-horror meta-narrative about a killer with one goal: create the perfect final girl. His venue: a speed-dating event. Jamie, a horror movie expert just trying to find love, must use her knowledge to survive, all while navigating potential romances. If you’re a fan of the Scream franchise or the Final Destination movies, this book is for you.
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Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Sparks fly when a famous actor and a struggling, single mom have an unexpected meet-cute. But just like the 1999 film Notting Hill, fame gets in the way. Nora’s second chance at love is sure to put a dreamy smile on your face and make you want to rewatch all your favorite 90s rom-coms.
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