12. The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath

Where It Was Sold: Borders, Barnes & Noble; Manufacturer: Heinemann
* Original Cost: $4.95
The Bell Jar was more than just a book; it was an affecting story that connected with a lot of people in America. This semi-autobiographical work by Sylvia Plath, available at upscale bookstores like B. Dalton and Waldenbooks, questioned social mores and standards in the 1960s. The book went in-depth on identity struggles, mental health concerns, and the oppressive social pressures women faced.

Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” ©Giovanni Giovannetti/Wikimedia/Grazia Neri
A genuine, unvarnished viewpoint on the nuanced realities of gender and mental health was made available to readers. Having a copy of The Bell Jar seemed like having a mirror reflecting society’s less-discussed realities. It spurred important discussions about individuality, feminism, and mental health.