Top 20 American Novels
20 items ranked
The greatest classics in the American literary tradition, according to me!
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1.
The Great Gatsby
49 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
2.
Atlas Shrugged
45 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 - 1 comment
Comments:
This book is here because of its political statement, not due to the quality of the writing. It's a very childish view of the world and not worth reading.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -6 points
3.
The Scarlet Letter
The classic tale of one woman's struggles after committing adultery and becoming pregnant. The book deals with themes of revenge, sin, and guilt. Even though many of the characters die, at least one of them, Pearl, gets a happy ending.
30 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
4.
The Sound and the Fury
28 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
5.
The Grapes of Wrath
The Great Depression-era story of a family of sharecroppers forced to move to California by the great dust bowl. It brought to light major issues of poverty, despite massive criticism from the Associated Farmers of California and other groups.
27 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
6.
The Last of the Mohicans
25 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
7.
Gone with the Wind
A tragic story of a Southern debutante who loses everything as a result of the Civil War. Scarlett O'Hara pulls herself up from her now harsh circumstances and manages to survive, and she even manages to find love, although it is troubled. Later adapted into a movie that won almost as many awards as the book itself.
24 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 - 1 comment
Comments:
I've always thought this book was overrated. The movie was a classic since it was the first feature in color, and because of great acting. As for the book itself--it can't really compare with Remarque's World War I story, Crane's account of Civil War, or Mailer's Naked and the Dead.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points
8.
Ethan Frome
24 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
9.
To Kill a Mockingbird
The classic tale dealing the racism in the early 20th century and the loss of innocence. The book was especially interesting due to the fact that its narrator was young and therefore did not understand the issue of racism that was being dealt with around her.
23 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
10.
Of Mice and Men
22 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
11.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The story of a precocious boy and his adventures in and around his hometown. There's adventure, suspense, and even a bit of romance. Written by the great American author, Mark Twain.
21 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
12.
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
21 points - added 15 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
My all-time favorite.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points
This ought to be a very adventurous
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points
13.
Moby Dick
20 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 - 1 comment
Comments:
I'm rereading this classic. It's better the second time around.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points
14.
Little Women
20 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
15.
Uncle Tom's Cabin
19 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
16.
A Farewell to Arms
17 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
17.
Fahreheit-451
6 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
18.
Catch-22
6 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
19.
Flowers for Algernon
6 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
20.
Babbitt
3 points - added 15 years ago by ArtofWar11 -
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