Best Books by American Authors: Welcome to our guide on ‘Best Books by American Authors’! As March is Reading Month in the USA, students are flocking to bookshops, eager to find the perfect reads for their studies and leisure. But with so many choices, it can be overwhelming. So, here we will be going through some of the best books by American authors, from the latest releases to timeless classics. Without further ado, let’s check it out.
Check out the list of some of the best books by American authors below, which can be good company to enjoy in your student accommodation in USA. Each selection offers a unique mix of storytelling, themes, and tragedy, making them essential reads for both young and old.
John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”
John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is a novel that won many prizes and is now considered one of the best books by American authors. It tells the story of the Joad family, who are forced to leave their farm in Oklahoma. Then, they decide to go to California to find work and a better life.
Steinbeck’s story shows the Joads’ journey in a way that criticizes the unfair economic conditions of the time and also shows how people can be strong and resilient. This book helps us understand how people can face hardships and still keep going. In 1962, Steinbeck received the Nobel Prize in Literature after winning the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” (1925)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who throws lavish parties to win back his old love, Daisy. The book shows how money and appearances can’t guarantee happiness.
It’s a classic tale of tragedy about love, ambition, and the complexities of the human spirit. This book also gives us a glimpse into the social and economic realities of the 1920s. You can buy it on Amazon.
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)
You can read Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and explore the cafes in the USA on a Sunday morning if you’re bored. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) is a novel set in a small Southern town, following Scout and Jem Finch, the two main characters.
This is one of the best books by an American author, Harper Lee and has become a cornerstone of American literature. You can buy it anytime on Amazon.
Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind (1936)
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, published in 1936, is about Scarlett O’Hara, a Southern girl. It shows her life before and after the Civil War in Georgia.
The book is a long story about love and war. It talks about how people can be strong even in tough times. Gone with the Wind is loved by many because it tells a story that lasts through time and is regarded as one of the best books by American author Margaret Mitchell.
If you prefer more recent stories, modern American authors are writing incredible books about today’s world. These books are easy to relate to and reflect modern challenges — from relationships to survival to equality. Perfect for students who want something fresh and emotional. Here are some of the best books by American authors from recent years:
| Book Title | Author | Genre | What Makes It Special? |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fault in Our Stars | John Green | Romance/Drama | A moving story of young love and illness. |
| The Road | Cormac McCarthy | Dystopian Fiction | A father and son’s journey through a post-apocalyptic world. |
| The Help | Kathryn Stockett | Historical Fiction | Civil rights era told from the voices of women. |
| Where the Crawdads Sing | Delia Owens | Mystery/Drama | Nature, loneliness, and a murder mystery. |
| Normal People | Sally Rooney (honorary mention; though Irish, loved in the U.S.) | Romance/Drama | Complex relationships and emotions. |
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Non-fiction is ideal if you want to learn real-life skills, history, or motivation while improving your reading. These are great choices if you love real stories, want career inspiration, or hope to learn about the world around you. Here are some of the best non-fiction books by American authors:
| Book Title | Author | Genre | Why You Should Read It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educated | Tara Westover | Memoir | Overcoming a tough childhood to earn a Ph.D. |
| Becoming | Michelle Obama | Memoir | Life of the former First Lady of the U.S. |
| Sapiens (widely read in U.S.) | Yuval Noah Harari | History | A global look at human history. |
| Outliers | Malcolm Gladwell | Self-Help | What makes people successful |
| The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks | Rebecca Skloot | Biography/Science | What makes people successful? |
African American voices have woven themselves into the very fabric of American literature for centuries. These writers tell stories that capture past experiences.
Through their works, they shed light on the search for equality and slavery. As we study the works of these authors, we gain a deeper understanding of dark culture, as well as a deeper understanding of the complexities of life. Check out some of the best books by African-American authors below.
| Authors | Notable Works |
| Toni Morrison | Beloved, Song of Solomon |
| James Baldwin | Go Tell It on the Mountain, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Fire Next Time |
| Alice Walker | The Color Purple, The Temple of My Familiar |
| Maya Angelou | I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, And Still I Rise, The Heart of a Woman |
| Ralph Ellison | Invisible Man |
| Zora Neale Hurston | Their Eyes Were Watching God, Jonah’s Gourd Vine |
| Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, Purple Hibiscus |
| Kiley Reid | Such a Fun Age |
| Kindred | Octavia Butler |
| Langston Hughes | The Weary Blues, Montage of a Dream Deferred, The Negro Speaks of Rivers |
| Octavia Butler | Parable of the Sower, Kindred, Dawn |
| Richard Wright | Native Son, Black Boy, Uncle Tom’s Children |
| Alex Haley | Roots: The Saga of an American Family |
| Brit Bennett | The Vanishing Half, The Mothers |
| Yaa Gyasi | Homegoing |
| Zadie Smith | White Teeth, On Beauty, Swing Time |
| Amiri Baraka | Dutchman, The Autobiography of LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka |
| Colson Whitehead | The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys |
| Toni Cade Bambara | Gorilla, My Love, The Salt Eaters |
| W. E. B. Du Bois | The Souls of Black Folk, Black Reconstruction in America |
| William Wells Brown | Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter |
| Angie Thomas | The Hate U Give, On the Come Up |
| Chinua Achebe | Things Fall Apart, No Longer at Ease, Arrow of God |
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Modern American authors like Aaron Sorkin, Margaret Atwood, Sherman Alexie, and more have contributed richly diverse literature to contemporary culture. Our lives are influenced greatly by their books. Check out some of the amazing modern American authors below.
- Aaron Sorkin
- Margaret Atwood
- Toni Morrison (1931–2019)
- Cormac McCarthy (1933–2023)
- Jonathan Franzen
- Sherman Alexie
- Maya Angelou (1928–2014)
- Philip Roth (1933–2018)
- J. K. Rowling
- George R. R. Martin
- Stephen King
- Woody Allen
- E. E. Cummings (1894–1962)
- Alice Walker
- T. S. Eliot (1888–1965)
- Joan Didion (1934–2021)
Tips for Finding These Books Abroad
Moving abroad for studies? Finding affordable books can seem like a challenge at first, but there are plenty of smart ways to get what you need without spending too much. Here’s how students abroad can easily find books on a budget:
- University Libraries – Most universities have well-stocked libraries where you can borrow textbooks and popular titles for free. Always check here first before buying.
- Second-hand Bookshops – Cities like Sheffield, London, and Manchester have brilliant second-hand stores with cheap, pre-loved books in great condition.
- Online Platforms – Websites like Amazon, eBay, and Book Depository often offer student discounts, used books, and fast delivery.
- E-books – If you prefer traveling light, go digital! Kindle, Google Books, and Apple Books are excellent for affordable and portable reading.
- Student Exchanges – Swap or buy books from other students. Check out campus boards, WhatsApp groups, or Facebook marketplaces to find great deals.
If you’re heading to the U.S. or any English-speaking country, adding some of the best books by American authors to your reading list is one of the smartest ways to prepare. So, why wait? Grab a book, make a cup of tea, and start reading! Your study abroad journey will be even better with these amazing stories by your side.
The best books by American authors include John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Harper Lees’s To Kill a Mockingbird, J.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye, Margaret Mitchells Gone with the Wind, Ray Bradburys Fahrenheit 451, Nathaniel Hawthorne The Scarlet Letter, Toni Morisons Beloved, Truman Capotes In Cold Blood, Ralph Ellisons Invisible Man, and Herman Melvilles Moby-Dick, and more.
Pride and Prejudice is one of the most-read books in America.
Some of the most famous American authors include
-Mark Twain.
-F. Scott Fitzgerald
-Ernest Hemingway
-Toni Morrison
-J.D. Salinger
-Edgar Allan
-Nathaniel Hawthorne
-John Steinbeck and more.
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852) is frequently referred to as the Great American Novel.
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of America’s most loved novels.
Yes, reading the Best Books by American Authors helps with vocabulary, comprehension, and essay writing. Many of these books are part of school and university syllabi, making them useful for academic success.
Yes! Modern titles like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas are also considered some of the Best Books by American Authors, especially for young readers.
It depends on the book’s length and your reading speed. Most students can finish the Best Books by American Authors in two to four weeks, reading a little each day.
The Best Books by American Authors include various genres such as fiction, drama, history, romance, and science fiction. This means you can find books that match your interests easily.
Yes, many of the Best Books by American Authors are available as audiobooks. Platforms like Audible and YouTube offer audio versions, which are great for improving listening skills while learning.
Thank you for reading our blog. This blog is all about the best books by American authors. Hope you like it. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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