What are some examples of the “bad books” that girls and young women loved in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s—books that were criticized for being trashy, poorly written, or not “serious literature”? What do you think made these books so appealing despite the criticism they faced?

I’ve been reading the ACOTAR series (not looking to debate the series here, LOL), and it made me curious about past decades. These books are hugely popular but often criticized, and it got me thinking about what books were considered "bad" or "low-brow" for girls and women in previous generations.

For example, I was born in the late 80s and loved Sweet Valley High growing up in the 90s. They were so fun and dramatic, but I wasn’t allowed to read them because they were seen as trashy or not "real literature."

What books from earlier decades fit into this pattern of being beloved by young women but criticized by others? Were there certain trends or types of books that dominated during those times?

\This post was re-posted after not following the sub reddit requirements*