Peyton Place
by Grace Metalious (1956)

Plot: Small town rocked by rape, incest, rough sex, illegal abortion, illegitimate kids, patricide. Let's hear it for family values.

Why it's on the list: It was 1956. The book sold six million copies by 1958. You were probably conceived to this book.

Excerpt: For the first time in their relationship she undressed herself and let him watch her, and still there was this joy of giving in her. She could not lie still under his hands.

"Anything," she said, "Anything. Anything."

"I love this fire in you. I love it when you have to move."

"Don't stop."

"Here? And here? And here?"

"Yes. Oh, yes. Yes."

"Your nipples are as hard as diamonds."

"Again, darling. Again."

"Your legs are absolutely wanton, do you know it?"

"Am I good for you, darling?"

"Good! Christ!"

"Do it to me then."