Best American Writers 2025: Top 5 Reviewed and Ranked
Looking for the best american writers? Our list shares top picks that show why these authors stand out in American storytelling.
Choosing the best american writers for our book list is not easy, but we love any excuse to read more. We focus on stories that grab us from page one, characters so real they could steal our lunch, and a writing style that makes us stay up way too late. For this list of the best american writers based books, we only picked books that made us laugh, think, or nearly drop our coffee from shock. If you want to find your next favorite read, you’re in the right place!
On this list:
5 The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
We picked this book because it’s a shining star among best american writers. Chabon spins a wild, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking tale about two cousins making comic books in New York. It’s clever, but not too clever, and has all the wit, charm, and big dreams we like to see in classic American fiction. Plus, there’s a golem. Who doesn’t love a good golem?
4 A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
We picked this book because it’s clever, has a wild cast, and digs into American life and pop culture, just like Kavalier & Clay. Plus, it’s less about superheroes and more about rock and roll screwups—so perfect if you like a little chaos with your literary snacks. Also, we found it on Amazon after a coffee-fueled search spree.
3 The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
We picked this one because if you want to know what the best American writers do with dysfunctional families, this book is like a Thanksgiving dinner gone wrong. Franzen’s wit, sharp eye for detail, and love of chaos make it a wild ride. It’s dramatic, it’s funny, and no one ends up stuffing a turkey inside the washing machine… but it feels like they could.
2 White Teeth by Zadie Smith
We picked ‘White Teeth’ because it gives off the same wild, funny, and sharp vibes you get from some of the best American writers. The book is about family, friendship, and the chaos of modern life, just like ‘The Corrections’ or ‘Kavalier & Clay.’ And don’t worry, it’s available on Amazon, so you won’t have to sell a kidney to get it.
1 Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
We picked ‘Middlesex’ because it’s a sweeping American epic about identity, family secrets, and the immigrant experience. If you loved brainy, complex, and funny novels like ‘The Corrections’ (but without actually repeating any from your list), this is a sure bet. Plus, there’s a hermaphroditic narrator and a Greek-American family saga stretching across generations. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, your book club will have opinions.
