Best American Writers 2025: Top 15 Must-Read Books
We explore the best American writers, their books bringing laughs, tears, and wisdom, perfect for new readers to enjoy.
The allure of literature by the best American writers is hard to resist. We’re bringing you a curated list of 15 books that capture the essence of American storytelling. While picking these gems, we focused on engaging narratives, unforgettable characters, and the sheer impact these works have had on readers—us included! Whether you’re a seasoned reader or new to American fiction, this list will guide you to unforgettable experiences. So, let’s discover the stories that shape our understanding of life’s quirks and beauties.
On this list:
15 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald paints the Jazz Age like a vibrant party. We loved the glamour and the heartache. A classic tale that dances between dreams and reality.
14 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Lee’s masterpiece hits home with its Southern charm and critical look at injustice. We marveled at Scout’s journey through childhood and moral discovery.
13 Moby Dick by Herman Melville
An epic sea adventure! Captain Ahab’s hunt for the white whale captivated us like a never-ending ocean wave. It’s a whale of a tale!
12 Beloved by Toni Morrison
Morrison’s engrossing tale of memory and motherhood, set in post-Civil War America, had us hooked. It’s haunting and unforgettable.
11 1984 by George Orwell
Orwell’s dystopian vision is both eerie and enthralling. We found the surveillance world frighteningly prophetic. Big Brother is always watching!
10 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Holden Caulfield’s teen angst and rebellion had us chuckling and reflecting. It’s a book that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
9 The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Steinbeck’s tale of the Great Depression was both humbling and inspiring. We admired the Joads’ resilience in tough times.
8 Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
An out-of-this-world experience! Vonnegut’s tale mixes time travel and war with satirical brilliance. We felt our minds expand while reading.
7 Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Ellison’s exploration of identity and invisibility in a racially divided America resonated deeply. It’s a powerful read full of insight.
6 The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway’s post-war story left us feeling the heat of Spain’s bullfights and the coolness of its nightlife. It’s both gritty and glamorous.
5 On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Kerouac captures the essence of the Beat Generation. His tale of wanderlust and freedom made us want to hit the open road.
4 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Twain’s classic adventure on the Mississippi River brought laughter and lessons. Huck’s journey of discovery is both fun and profound.
3 The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Hawthorne’s Puritan tale of sin and redemption came with dramatic flair. It’s a fascinating exploration of guilt and forgiveness.
2 Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Hurston’s vibrant portrayal of Janie’s life in the South was both beautiful and heartbreaking. It’s a lyrical tale of love and independence.
