Great Books to Read: American Fiction

What makes a book great? Enjoyable, entertaining, good characters, interesting plot, memorable? All of these are important, and there are other considerations as well. What about the books that influence you, books that help to shape your perception of the world? What about the books that make you laugh, or cry?

I have read many books, some good and some great. Based on what I've read (and by no means am I an authority), I've compiled a list of books I recommend. Some are classics, some are sad, and some just made a real impact on me and made me think. And a couple, I just thought were entertaining.

If you are looking for a good book to read, here are some of my favorites in no particular order (except alphabetical):

A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean

This book isn't quite fiction because it is autobiographical, but it is a great story. Much of the story is set in Montana and describes the relationship between two brothers and their father. A good story with beautiful use of metaphor, and I do think "Eventually, all things merge into one," and "...I am haunted by waters."

A Walk in The Woods by Bill Bryson

Not a great book, but very entertaining. This book chronicles the adventures of the author as he hikes along the Appalachian Trail. He runs into interesting characters and cracks jokes along the way.

Anthem by Ayn Rand

When people lose their individuality, something bigger than the individual is lost. This is the story of one man's struggle to hold on to his individuality as he fights against overpowering odds set by his society. Rand is pushing the philosophy of objectivism, but I still think this is a very worthwhile story.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

The profanity may be a bit overwhelming at times, but this is a classic. The characters are memorable and well developed, and I've had many students tell me they are moved to tears by the ending. If you have not read this, you should!

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Again, this is not quite fiction because it is the autobiography of Sylvia Plath. That being said, the story is engaging and important. Plath was an up-and- coming poet who faced bouts with depression. This book details the dark years of a poet whose promising career ended far to soon.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Morrison is probably best known for her novel Beloved, but The Bluest Eye is an extremely important work, especially if you are a woman. Along with themes about poverty and issues involving race, the novel addresses self-image and how that is influenced by what is around us.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Apologies again, not quite fiction, but still a good inspirational story. Drinking tea is a way of conductig business; it also is the beginning of a journey to reach a dream. A man is driven to educate others and teach them about peace.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Another classic of American Literature. A colleague recently told me about her class who had just read the novel, and now they wanted to write the script and act it out. This book still excites and speaks to our youth.

These are top recommendations that come to mind, and I know there are many, many other great books to read. But if you have not read the ones mentioned above, you might want to! I encourage you to read a good book.