The 80's

by Dan Epstein

Features popular television shows, actors and actresses, music, and dances, and includes a chronology of events for each decade.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

32 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Freddie Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dan Epstein seems completely incapable of presenting to us, the readers, a look back at the decade without also including heaping spoonfuls of his own personal spin on noteworthy events, whether it's pronouncing Jimmy Carter 'the savior of Detroit' in the late 70s, early 80s due to his bailout of the Chrysler Corporation, trashing Ronald Reagan as an almost comically villainous Commander In Chief out of touch with reality for being a religious man and a conservative, or telling us that Richard Pryor's films of the era were abominable failures and the Blues Brothers musical contributions to their feature film debut were 'minimal'.
After only a few pages I was wondering if Epstein was medicated during the decade. Because he obviously didn't experience reality. His book is just riddled with half truths, pure fabrications and wishful thinking, in between the Rubick's Cubes, Music Videos and Sony Walkmans.
I get that Epstein seemingly has issues with conservatives and Christians, but save it pal. I want to read about the Eighties and pop culture, not about your hang-ups. I can't recommend Any of Dan Epstein's decades books, not the 80s or 90s.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick nostalgic read highlighting icons, trends, tv, movies, music and historic moments from the decade.

[Woody Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did a quick read of this one, in preparation for Trivia Night. Once more, it was illustrated to me that you cannot study for trivia! Still, it was a good time capsule and I read it alongside another of his books.

[Jenny T · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed this book's photos and music news. The political news is also interesting, but of course it centered on Regan politics (ew) and problems with Russia, the Middle East, South America, and Libya. I care more about the things I grew up with as a kid - the movies, styles, TV (especially since I watched so much of it), videogames, etc. There were Atari, Pac Man (formerly Puck Man) and Nintendo/Super Mario Brothers. I didn't know that alcohol was legal to drink before age 21 during the 1980s and that porn was on its way out. AIDS, of course, was a big concern and the poor were ostracized as usual. Mental health facilities were shut down and many were homeless. Ughh, Repubicans...

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have decided to look through this book since I came across old diary entries from the late eighties and early early nineties. ( I am feeling nostalgic already)