Ten titles that bring back the wild magic of the ’80s

At Oprah Daily Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne tagged ten standout "books about the nightlife scene, late-night culture, and comedy of the ’80s." One title on their list:

My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson

TV writer and producer Rasheed Newson’s electric, hilarious, critically acclaimed debut novel gives readers a seat on main character Trey Singleton’s roller-coaster journey to finding himself in New York City’s East Village in the mid-’80s. A Black gay man born to a privileged family in the Midwest, Singleton escapes to New York, gets involved in AIDS crisis advocacy, experiences sexual liberation, and grapples with who and what is worth fighting for during this charged, tumultuous era in the city’s history. Presented as a memoir, complete with footnoted references to actual historical events and real individuals, this cinematic coming-of-age tale seamlessly recreates ’80s New York and introduces a relatable and unforgettable protagonist.

Read about the other entries on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue