2025’s 9 Best Books on Best American Writers

Let's explore the best American writers through timeless classics like 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. These books changed lives and history.

The Great Gatsby coverTo Kill a Mockingbird coverThe Catcher in the Rye cover

Welcome, fellow book lovers! We’re thrilled to take you on a journey through the realm of the best American writers. Our selection focuses on timeless stories that capture the heart of American culture, society, and history. With this list, we highlight the novels that continue to influence readers and writers alike, exploring themes that range from the pursuit of the American Dream to the depths of human resilience and identity. Each of these books has a spot in our hearts for compelling narratives, unforgettable characters, and their lasting impact on literature. Let’s discover what makes these books must-reads for anyone looking to delve into the world of best American writers.

On this list:

9 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 180

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A classic of the Jazz Age, this book explores wealth and the American Dream with flair. Having read it several times, we can say it’s an all-time favorite.

8 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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This story tackles racial injustice in the Deep South. We discussed this one over coffee, and everyone agreed it hits the heart deep.

7 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 214

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Exploring teenage angst and alienation, this book is a staple in American lit. We’ve related to Holden’s rebellious spirit countless times.

6 Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 324

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Deeply moving and sorrowful, it’s about the haunting legacy of slavery. We couldn’t stop talking about its emotional depth.

5 The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1939
  • Pages: 464

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A Depression-era masterpiece, focusing on survival and dignity. Our book club chewed on this one like a juicy apple, savoring each word.

4 Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Slaughterhouse-Five cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1969
  • Pages: 275

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Mixing time travel with war, this one’s a mind-bender. We played games with timelines after reading it and got totally lost.

3 Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Invisible Man cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1952
  • Pages: 581

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This tackles race and individuality with powerful symbolism. Our debates about identity ran late into the night, sparked by this book.

2 Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick cover

  • Genre: Adventure Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 585

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A hunt for a whale that symbolizes obsession and revenge. We felt like sailors ourselves, journeying through its dense prose.

1 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn cover

  • Genre: Adventure, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1884
  • Pages: 366

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This tops our list for its bold examination of freedom and friendship on the Mississippi River. Twain’s satire perfectly captures the best and worst of America back then.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!