In Defense of the Eighties

by Riya Aarini, Sarah Wester (Narrator)

Growing up in the 1980s meant you may have participated in confusing fashion trends, mixed your own music, and generally lived in a more carefree time. Fusions of pop and rock were produced by glamorous hair bands of the day—with hairspray defining the entire decade. In fact, everything was larger than life in the eighties.

Relive the days of ultra-neon colors, corded telephones, and ubiquitous leg warmers in In Defense of the Eighties, and indulge in the idiosyncrasies that made the 1980s one of the most recognizable and unforgettable decades ever.

Audible Audio

Published May 15, 2023

About the author

Riya Aarini entered her small part of the world one summer day in the Pacific Northwest. She’s the creator of the What Was It Like series—engaging prompt journals that invite readers to join the fun of exploring their unique and collective histories. She also dabbles in an eclectic mix of genres, being drawn mostly to humor, paranormal comedy, and creative nonfiction.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Defense of the Eighties

I Picked Up This Book Because: The title.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Audible
Dates Read: 12/29/25 - 12/29/25
Rating: 2 Stars
Narrator(s): Sarah Webster


The Story:

I was expecting cute antidotes and memories of the eighties but I got an awkward list of random topics that had no perspective I’ve used before.

[Alyson Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic jaunt through the generation I was born into. Such humour and a great quick read. I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yo GenXers! Like, check this out!
A collection of short musings on all the iconic, totally tubular, rad stuff that made the 80s the best decade!
Comments on everything from hairstyles to music to the most bodacious fashion trends are here!
So funny and so nostalgic all at once!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

[Raghav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an 80s child, I absolutely loved this walk down memory lane. The bite-sized chapters were fun to read and packed with humour as well as all the 80s information you need. What I really love about the book is that Riya covers all aspects of the 80s, from fashion and music to everyday appliances and hairstyles. I now look forward to going over the chapters again with my teenage daughter.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fairy Tale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry but this one wasn't for me. I was hoping this read was going to be a good time, fun and humorous - but unfortunately, I found some sections quite abrasive which spoiled the enjoyment for me.

There were times when it lost it's fun, happy tone, especially when talking about today's society and way of life. Things like today's parenting, Googling and models..

"No models in the decades since could rival the otherworldly beauty of the era's only supermodels. Today's plethora of insecure models beg to be admired--."

Ouch!

I just wanted to have fun and enjoy the 80s! - I'm sorry it didn't work out.

I received an advance review e-copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shant · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little repetitive and missed the mark for me, for some reason. As someone who usually eats up programs like I Love the 80's from VH1, I was disappointed to not like it. Short enough to read, though.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much nostalgia from my childhood.
I would have liked some pictures.