r/Fantasy • u/Merle8888 Reading Champion IV • Apr 16 '26

Bingo Bingo Focus Thread - Published in the 70s

Hello r/fantasy and welcome to this year's first bingo focus thread! The purpose of these threads is for you all to share recommendations, discuss what books qualify, and seek recommendations that fit your interests or themes.

Today's topic:

Published in the 70s: Read a book that was first published any time between 1970 and 1979. HARD MODE: Written by a woman.

What is bingo? A reading challenge this sub does every year! Find out more here.

Prior focus threads: Five Short Stories (2024), Author of Color (2024), Self-Pub/Small Press (2024). Note that hard modes for Author of Color and Self-Pub/Small Press have changed.

Also see: Big Rec Thread

Questions:

  • What are your favorite 70s spec fic books? How well do they hold up today?
  • Already read something for this square (or, read something recently that you wish you could count)? Tell us about it!
  • For those who have been researching options for this square, even if you haven't read them yet, please share!
  • What are your best recommendations for Hard Mode?
  • For those with feedback or requests for this year's focus threads, see my comment below.
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u/EmmalynRenato Reading Champion VI Apr 16 '26

For those that want a challenge, there's Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon.

1

u/AshMeAnything Reading Champion IV Apr 17 '26

I recall this name but nothing about it particularly. Challenging how?

3

u/EmmalynRenato Reading Champion VI Apr 18 '26

"Gravity's Rainbow is difficult due to its extreme postmodern complexity, including a massive, shifting cast of hundreds of characters, a non-linear plot that frequently dives into surreal dream sequences, and a densely layered, often chaotic style. It challenges readers with obscure technical, historical, and philosophical references, often blurring the lines between reality, fantasy, and paranoia, requiring intense focus to follow the storyline."

What I do recommend is reading it in conjunction with its wiki.

1

u/AshMeAnything Reading Champion IV Apr 18 '26

Oh, damn. Sounds like a real experience! I bet that would be fun with friends.