Humans constantly look to the past to feel a connected with history, and Stranger Things invites us to experience the era where science fiction, horror and thriller movies were born. It brings to mind the music and singers that we listened to, like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Guns N’ Roses, and The Clash, and with nostalgia they all become part of our playlists again.
We recollect the moments where we spent hours playing Donkey Kong and riding our bikes with our friends. We travel back in time, memories are evoked, and we feel at home even if we never lived through the 80s.
Eight episodes were not enough to satisfy us, and the wait for the next season will be a long one. The questions surrounding the possible narrative of the series will have to be put aside for a year. As time goes by, viewers will start to experience symptoms that are similar to a withdrawal, because they have become addicted to the characters’ stories.
In order to help you pass the time and re-live the best of all the 80s references showed in Stranger Things, we share a list of 7 books. Most of them have survived the test of time and become literary classics, which will distract you as you wait for the series to return in 2017.
It (1986) – Stephen King
This book shares the main plot of the show. It is the story of a horrific clown who haunts the kids of a little town. Adults scarcely believe their eyes, and are convinced it is just a children’s story. A group of boys and a girl decide to solve the mystery.
Firestarter (1980) – Stephen King
Firestarter is a novel in which a little girl acquires superpowers after being subjected to experiments. She flees from the government with her father, and he discovers he has abilities too. Eleven, from Stranger Things, and Charlie MacGee, who is the lead in Firestarter, share almost the same character development and powers.
Stranger Things is an homage to Stephen King, and the writer is aware of this fact.
Boy’s Life (1991) – Stephen King
Corey and his father witness a car accident, they both try to help, but the results are unsuccessful. The event is thoroughly discussed in the small town of Zephyr in Alabama, just like it happens in “The Vanishing of Will Byers”. Corey decides to investigate the circumstances behind the accident. He finds himself submerged in a world of horror and fantasy. Rather than feeling worried about it, he feels this is the adventure of a lifetime.
X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga – Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Mike Collins and Terry Austin
At one point in the series, Dustin asks his friends whether Ele is not similar to the mutant Jean Grey. Another reference of this comic is seen in the pilot episode, where the kids mention the volume 134. This was the first appearance of Dark Phoenix, which is the alter ego of Jean Grey.
Akira (1982) – Katsuhiro Otomo
Once again, the conspiracy theory of secret government projects is addressed in both Akira and Stranger Things. The plot of Akira starts after a nuclear explosion, which marks the start of the Third World War. The government experiments with young kids, who happen to have psychic powers. The child with more developed powers is Tetsuo, and he challenges the army in order to find his next successor.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962) – Ray Bradbury
A funfair arrives to a city where two best friends live. They both become excited about the adventures that lie ahead, and without noticing, they both enter a world of fantasy. This book and Stranger Things are an homage to the importance of family, and an ode to youth. The readers will experience a unique mixture of horror and nostalgia.
A Monster Call (2014) – Patrick Ness
Connor is your typical kid who is bullied at school, and on top of this, he must contend with his father’s abandonment and his mother’s fight against cancer. A story that is similar to the one of Will Byers in Stranger Things. Going against the grain of a horror story, for Connor, the appearance of a monster brings him comfort and puts an end to his nightmares. This is a profound narrative that takes you away from a cruel reality and into a world of fantasy.
We hope these suggestions will appease your desire to have new episodes of Stranger Things.
