Best 11 Books on Famous American Authors 2025

Explore books by famous American authors. Discover tales from Hemingway, Twain, and more, offering laughter, adventure, and insight.

The Grapes of Wrath coverTo Kill a Mockingbird coverThe Great Gatsby cover

Get ready to explore the world of famous American authors! When picking books for our list, we focused on timeless storytelling, impactful themes, and unforgettable characters. Our selection highlights works that have shaped American literature, offering readers an opportunity to delve into the minds of some of the greatest scribes. Whether you’re a literary novice or a seasoned bookworm, these books promise to provide hours of engaging reading.

On this list:

11 The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath cover

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

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John Steinbeck’s tale of the Joad family strikes a chord on several levels. We experienced the despair and hope of the Great Depression right alongside them. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in famous American authors.

10 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 336

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This book left us laughing and crying within the span of a few chapters. Harper Lee has a knack for storytelling that doesn’t feel outdated. It’s a staple among famous American authors.

9 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

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

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The parties, the mystery, Gatsby’s unending love for Daisy – it had us hooked! F. Scott Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of the Roaring Twenties, making it a favorite among famous American authors.

8 Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved cover

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

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Toni Morrison’s writing draws you in and does not let go. The story of Sethe and her haunted life is intense. It’s an important work from a famous American author.

7 Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 635

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We found ourselves rooting for Ishmael and shaking our heads at Captain Ahab’s madness. Herman Melville delivers an epic tale of man versus nature. A classic from a famous American author.

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

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 277

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Holden Caulfield’s journey through New York is both hilarious and sad. J.D. Salinger’s unique voice captured the teenage experience in a way few others have.

5 Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Slaughterhouse-Five cover

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

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Time travel, aliens, and the horrors of war – Slaughterhouse-Five has it all. Kurt Vonnegut’s dark humor and wit shine through. It’s a must-read from a famous American author.

4 Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Invisible Man cover

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

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Invisible Man dives deep into the struggles of African Americans. Ralph Ellison’s powerful writing made it a classic and put him among famous American authors.

3 Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Catch-22 cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1961
  • Pages: 453

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Catch-22 is one of those books where the absurdity makes perfect sense. We couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculous situations. Joseph Heller nailed it!

2 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1953
  • Pages: 194

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Books being illegal? Count us out! Ray Bradbury’s vision of a dystopian future is as relevant as ever. An essential read by a famous American author.

1 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn cover

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

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Mark Twain’s wit and humor make this book an absolute joy. We laughed so hard that our sides hurt. It’s a timeless classic and stands as the best work of a famous American author.

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!