Bringing You a Barrage of Book Birthdays

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A toast to novels with significant anniversaries in 2025.

It’s time for my annual first-half-of-January post featuring novels with major round-number anniversaries. I’ll mostly look at novels that are turning 25 (published in 2000), 50 (from 1975), 75 (from 1950), and 100 (from 1925 — a century-ago year with a stellar 12 months of books). I’ll focus on novels I’ve read, and you’re welcome to mention ones you’ve read. 🙂

Where to begin? With Michael Chabon’s 2000-released The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. It stars two male characters loosely based on Superman’s co-creators and other real-life cartoonists, and won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Speaking of awards, 2000 also saw the publication of one of Margaret Atwood’s best: her Booker Prize-winning The Blind Assassin, starring two sisters and featuring a novel within that novel.

In the top tier of her output, too, was Barbara Kingsolver’s out-in-2000 Prodigal Summer, in which separate story lines expertly come together at the end.

There was Zadie Smith’s terrific debut novel White Teeth as well. That turn-of-the-millennium book mixes multicultural interactions, humor, and more.

The year 2000 also saw the publication of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire — the fourth in J.K. Rowling’s blockbuster wizard-world series, and the book that saw the author start to write quite-long-but-still-page-turning novels.

Lee Child’s fourth Jack Reacher novel, Running Blind, appeared in 2000, too — and it’s thrilling like the rest of the series, before and after.

John Grisham was his usual readable self with 2000’s The Brethren, about three ex-judges perpetrating a scam from jail.

And Rosamunde Pilcher’s final novel, the poignant Winter Solstice, came out 25 years ago, too.

Moving backwards to 1975, that was the year of Stephen King’s second novel: the gripping ‘Salem’s Lot. Wow — the still-prolific King’s career has passed the half-century mark!

Plus James Clavell’s very immersive Shogun, set in Japan circa-1600. And E.L. Doctorow’s Ragtime, mixing fictional and real people during the early 1900s. And Judith Rossner’s harrowing Looking for Mr. Goodbar, mixing sex and violence.

In 1950, memorable releases included Ray Bradbury’s short-stories-as-novel The Martian Chronicles, Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi classic I, Robot, Patricia Highsmith’s psychological nail-biter Strangers on a Train, and C.S. Lewis’ children’s fantasy The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, among others.

Turning to novels published in 1925 — 100 years ago! — we can only start with The Great Gatsby. (Leonardo DiCaprio is pictured atop this post in the 2013 movie version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic book.)

Other iconic or near-iconic titles published in 1925 included Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, Franz Kafka’s The Trial, Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy, W. Somerset Maugham’s The Painted Veil, Sinclair Lewis’ Arrowsmith, and the second installment of L.M. Montgomery’s Emily trilogy. Plus one of Willa Cather’s lesser-known titles — The Professor’s House — and Georgette Heyer’s Simon the Coldheart.

I think the only novel I’ve read from 1875 — a century-and-a-half ago — was The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. And nothing from 1825, 1775, and 1725, though I’ve read a number of books published not long before or after those years.

Misty the cat says: “Now that I’ve read ‘The Outsiders’ novel, it’s time to go inside.”

My comedic 2024 book — the part-factual/part-fictional/not-a-children’s-work Misty the Cat…Unleashed — is described and can be purchased on Amazon in paperback or on Kindle. It’s feline-narrated! (And Misty says Amazon reviews are welcome. 🙂 )

This 90-second promo video for my book features a talking cat: 🙂

In addition to this weekly blog, I write the 2003-started/award-winning “Montclairvoyant” topical-humor column every Thursday for Montclair Local. The latest piece — about another lawsuit in my town and a couple of contentious Council meetings — is here.

108 thoughts on “Bringing You a Barrage of Book Birthdays”

  1. In December 2025 will be the 70th anniversary of the publication of Graham Greene’s The Quiet American. Apparently though no Vintage Classics 70th anniversary edition is planned which seems to me a bit amiss.

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    • Thank you! I’ve read some Graham Greene but not “The Quiet American.” From what I’ve heard, definitely a classic — and worthy of a new edition if there hasn’t been one for a while.

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  2. Thanks Dave, this is a cool post!

    Okay Joy Fielding – 2000 – released by Doubleday – The First Time.

    I got the date from her website. It’s been a long time since I read it!

    I’m excited for next year – Grand Avenue was released in 2001.

    My new cat is possibly indoor feral. It’s been some difficult days here. My right hand is wounded from her. I am on antibiotics & had a tetanus shot.

    Sigh!

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    • Thank you, Resa! I’m not surprised that the prolific Joy Fielding had one of her novels published in 2000. 🙂 (I recently read “Now You See Her” from 2011.) I’ll try to remember to include “Grand Avenue” when I do a similar post in early 2026. 🙂 Excellent novel, as I’ve mentioned before.

      You have a new cat! Congratulations! But very, very sorry about the initial difficulties, including the wound to your hand. I really hope things get better.

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  3. I’ve found one book re a round number birthday category which is The Ghost And Mrs Muir by R.A. Dick (aka as Josephine Leslie), published January 1, 1945. All the other books, were 1 or 2 years away from being round numbers. Kinda like that old saying- ‘a day late and a dollar short’. Kudos to you Dave. Looking forward to this year as during my search for publishing dates, I added enough books to my tbr list to keep me occupied during all the sturm und drang to come. Happy reading to all!

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    • Thank you! Eighty years ago (1945) is a nice round number — 🙂 — and I definitely want to read “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” when my local library has it. Glad your publishing-date search bore some fruit! (I suppose that could include a novel by Tommy Orange. 🙂 )

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      • Nopers, but I’ll have to include his books as well. I definitely want to read The Garden by Clare Beams, and coming out in January, Andrew Lipstein’s book titled Something Rotten. Thanks for the mention of Tommy Orange. I intend to read constantly the next 4 years since I suspect the news will be very depressing. Susi

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  4. I love these posts, Dave, because they remind me to be grateful for all those who put pen to paper, adding narratives that continue to inspire new generation of readers. I have always wondered if writers had a strategy to publish their books in specific years, particularly those ending in 0 or 5. I realize that these years are typically associated with milestone anniversaries, making them ideal for launching works that resonate with themes of reflection or progress. I also wonder if the psychological impact of round numbers can create a sense of urgency and importance, encouraging readers to engage with new titles during these periods.

    So, I am going back to 1955 and find the books that were published that have added so much to my reading journey.

    1) The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
    2) Moonraker by Ian Fleming
    3) Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie
    4) The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis,

    I had to leave a quote!!!

    “What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.” C.S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6)

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    • Thank you very much, Rebecca! While I feel that the year novels are published is kind of random (whenever writers happen to finish 🙂 ), it IS nice when a consequential book appears during a round-number year. Especially a century year like 2000 or 1900 (L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Theodore Dreiser’s “Sister Carrie,” Joseph Conrad’s “Lord Jim,” Colette’s “Claudine at School,” etc.).

      And publication of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy made 1954-55 a great time for literature!

      And that’s a profound quote you found by Tolkien’s friend C.S. Lewis!

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    • I was about 6 or 7 when a primary school teacher started reading us “The Lion the Witch and Wardrobe” and I fell in love with the idea of fantasy places filled with talking animals. It took me a long time but I eventually read the whole series, and now own a beautiful set that I’d like to again read all the way through. It’s interesting that you list “The Magician’s Nephew” as the sixth book in the series, because it’s #1 on my shelf. But I’m aware that the number of the books don’t relate to the order they were published in, so maybe that’s what you’re referring to?

      Sue

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  7. Dave, I have to admit that I am not very good ad dates, but I was certainly very much thrilled by “Strangers on a train” by Patricia Highsmith, because the idea of the novel itself completely overwhelmed me! Another bock I read a long time ago and goes, more or less, into that period is “The Invisible men” by Ralph Ellison, an African American writer. I remember that it made a very important impression on me because the writer wasn’t protesting against his situation, but it made me think on changes, from all sides! Thank you very much for your interesting start into the new year:)

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    • Thank you very much, Martina! Yes, Patricia Highsmith’s premise for “Strangers on a Train” was amazing! And I agree that Ralph Ellison’s 1952 novel was an incredible, sobering read that shined a really harsh spotlight on the U.S., its racism, and more.

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  8. Gosh, what a great list, Dave, from 2000 to back to 1875. I have read more than half of those. The only one I can find on my book shelf is Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende 2000. Good one, although not as good as Blind Assassin – probably the best at that time (well, I would say).

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    • Thank you very much, Chris! I’m not surprised that the excellent and prolific Isabel Allende has a round-number-anniversary book. 🙂 And “The Blind Assassin” was indeed probably the most interesting novel of 2000. A very original book!

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  9. Really neat to see the list of books that are celebrating anniversaries this year. I was particularly interested in the books that have hit the century mark. And you picked the perfect photo for this post. Cheers to these books 🙂

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  10. Interesting year dates and how many well known 1950 books there are. Our generation and sobering 1975 is 50 years ago. I wish I had more ine but I also like to savour good books for a while and not jump into the next too quick. I have Blind Assassin on my shelf and will try and get round to Misty too. The yowl is getting louder!

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  11. It’s funny, Dave, I’ve read everything you listed from 1950, and I read A Canticle for Leibowitz that Greg mentioned. I tried thinking about what I read in 1975/76 that might have been written in 1975. Most of my reading then was found in chemistry books. But I did take American Literature and Modern American Literature. In the latter, I was introduced to Kurt Vonnegut and Richard Brautigan. I didn’t read it the year it was published, but I do own Willard and His Bowling Trophies by Richard Brautigan. It was published on January 1, 1975 (but it doesn’t hang with the others you listed from that year). It’s just a little disturbing to see “Half century” next to a year I remember well.

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    • Thank you, Dan! You’ve done some extensive 1950 reading, and, yes, it IS disturbing to think that 1975 was a half-century ago. I was in college then, and remember parts of all four of those years very well. Your mention of Kurt Vonnegut had me look up whether he had any of his novels published in 1975; nope, but “Breakfast of Champions” (1973) and “Slapstick” (1976) came close. 🙂

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  12. Hi Dave! An enlightening and amazing post! This has certainly made my Sunday! ‘White Teeth’ by Zadie Smith was excellent! I’m curious about the Patricia Highsmith novel, Strangers on a Train. I really enjoyed The Talented Mr Ripley! (1955). So many good books to read. Thanks Dave, great post!!!

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  13. It’s an interesting thought though. We take them for granted because they’re always there, unlike people, whose ages we jealously keep track of to know how long we’re likely to have them for. Thank goodness for the books though, through which the authors live on. 😊

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  17. Dave, your list of incredible books, thoughtful research, and generous insights never fail to impress. Every time I visit your brilliant blog, I leave feeling just a bit smarter and more inspired. Thank you for sharing your gift! 😊💕

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  20. As Maggie says, some of these birthdays are surprising. Some books are more recent than I realized, others older. I have just spent ten minutes pulling first books by different favorite mystery authors off my shelves and checking their initial publication dates, but so far, nothing comes up at 25, 50, 75, or 100 years ago. Dorothy L. Sayers’ first Lord Peter Wimsey book, WHOSE BODY? (certainly not her best, just #1) was 1923, not 1925. Oh well.

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  21. Some impressive books are celebrating big birthdays! The Blind Assassin is my favourite Margaret Atwood novel. Hard to believe it’s 25 years old. But even harder to believe is that Looking for Mr. Goodbar is 50 years old!

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    • Thank you, Darlene! “The Blind Assassin” is a worthy Margaret Atwood favorite. 🙂 (I’m also a big fan of her “Cat’s Eye,” “The Robber Bride,” “Alias Grace,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” etc.) And I totally hear you; those 2000 and 1975 novels don’t seem THAT long ago.

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      • I was saying the other day that to me the 1990s seem like yesterday. Well, maybe the day before yesterday. So it’s a shock to realize that we’re a quarter of the way into the 21st century.

        As to books, it’s wonderful that we can appreciate 100 year old books along with recent ones, despite the differences between the times in which they were written.

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        • Yes! The 1990s don’t seem like that long ago, Audrey. And to be a quarter of the way through this century is kind of mind-boggling.

          Great point that we can enjoy novels written so far apart — different language styles, different social norms, different technology, etc. But of course basic human emotions are pretty much the same in any era.

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  22. It was a bit of a shock to read that some of these books are already 25 years old, but then to read the list of 100 year old books was more shocking. I bet the authors had no idea their words would be read a century later. Maggie

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    • Thank you, Maggie! Yes, time does go fast. 🙂 😦 I can clearly remember rushing to read each new installment of the “Harry Potter” series when it came out. And you’re right that authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Virginia Woolf probably didn’t know just how “classic” their 1925 novels would become. “The Great Gatsby” certainly wasn’t a major bestseller until after Fitzgerald’s death.

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  24. “Ray Bradbury’s short-stories-as-novel The Martian Chronicles, Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi classic I, Robot”

    The golden age of sci-fi, a mixture of technological exuberance and dread. As an aside, for anyone who has not read it, I highly recommend “A Canticle for Leibowitz”. by Walter Miller. At least in my opinion, the greatest sci-fi novel ever written. It was inspired by the bombing and devastation of the monastery at Monte Cassino by Miller who was a radioman and gunner in one of the bombers.

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    • Thank you, Almost Iowa! Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov were definitely “golden age” sci-fi writers. Love your phrase “a mixture of technological exuberance and dread.” And I just put “A Canticle for Leibowitz” on my to-read list!

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  25. Dave, because of my silly fondness for minor nineteenth-century novels, I’ve read several from 1875, including Eight Cousins (Louisa May Alcott), A Foregone Conclusion (William Dean Howells), A Raw Youth (Dostoevsky) and Roderick Hudson (Henry James). But the one I wanted to mention in particular is The Way We Live Now by Trollope, a portrayal of a corrupt society that is unfortunately highly relevant today.

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