The Greatest Books of All Time on American Dream
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 394 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
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1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Set in the summer of 1922, the novel follows the life of a young and mysterious millionaire, his extravagant lifestyle in Long Island, and his obsessive love for a beautiful former debutante. As the story unfolds, the millionaire's dark secrets and the corrupt reality of the American dream during the Jazz Age are revealed. The narrative is a critique of the hedonistic excess and moral decay of the era, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.
The Greatest Book of All Time -
2. U.S.A. Trilogy by John Dos Passos
The 42nd Parallel, 1919, The Big Money
The U.S.A. Trilogy is a series of three novels that chronicle the lives of various characters in the first half of the 20th century in the United States. The narrative intertwines the stories of twelve characters as they navigate the societal changes and upheavals of the era, including World War I, the Great Depression, and the rise of Hollywood. The author uses a unique narrative technique that combines traditional prose, newspaper-style headlines, biographies, and stream-of-consciousness writing to paint a vivid picture of American life during this period.
The 182nd Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream
This book is a semi-autobiographical novel that chronicles the adventures of a journalist and his attorney as they embark on a drug-fueled trip to Las Vegas. The narrative is a wild and hallucinatory exploration of the American Dream, filled with biting social commentary and outrageous antics. The protagonist's quest for the American Dream quickly devolves into an exploration of the darker side of human nature, highlighting the excesses and depravities of 1960s American society.
The 235th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. American Pastoral by Philip Roth
This novel tells the story of Seymour "Swede" Levov, a successful Jewish-American businessman and former high school athlete from Newark, New Jersey. Levov's happy and conventional upper middle class life is ruined by the domestic social and political turmoil of the 1960s during the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, which in the novel is seen through the eyes of the narrator, Nathan Zuckerman, a budding writer who idolizes the Levovs. The novel portrays the impact of this turmoil on Levov and his family, particularly his rebellious daughter who becomes involved in revolutionary political activities.
The 391st Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Tales of Amadou Koumba by Birago Diop
"Tales of Amadou Koumba" is a collection of traditional Senegalese folktales that delve into the rich oral heritage of West Africa. Narrated by the griot Amadou Koumba, these stories explore themes of human nature, societal norms, and the supernatural, weaving a vibrant tapestry of culture and wisdom. The tales are characterized by their moral lessons, intricate relationships between humans and the spiritual world, and the timeless struggle between tradition and modernity. Through captivating storytelling, the book preserves and celebrates the profound wisdom and cultural depth of Senegalese lore, offering insights into the values and beliefs of the society.
The 2025th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Independence Day by Richard Ford
A Frank Bascombe Novel
"Independence Day" is a story about a middle-aged real estate agent named Frank Bascombe, who is going through a mid-life crisis during the Fourth of July weekend. The novel delves into Frank's struggles with his career, his troubled relationship with his son, his romantic life, and his existential questions about life and his place in the world. The narrative is a reflection on the American Dream, the pursuit of happiness, and the complexities of modern life.
The 2769th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Pictures From Home by Larry Sultan
"Pictures From Home" is a compelling photographic and narrative exploration of family, memory, and the passage of time. The book combines intimate photographs with various forms of text, including interviews, family dialogue, and personal reflections, to paint a complex portrait of suburban life and the American Dream. The work delves into the artist's own family history, focusing particularly on his parents, to examine the intersections of private and public histories, revealing the emotional undercurrents that run through seemingly mundane domestic scenes. Through this poignant blend of image and word, the book invites readers to reflect on the nature of photography, storytelling, and the intricate tapestry of family dynamics.
The 3366th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. The Complete Works of Nathanael West by Nathanael West
This collection features the complete works of a renowned American author, known for his dark humor and social criticism. The book includes four novels and various other writings that depict the disillusionment and despair of the Great Depression era. His stories often revolve around aspiring artists and Hollywood dreamers, exploring themes of fame, illusion, and the American Dream. The author's unique style blends satire and tragedy, creating a distinct voice in 20th-century American literature.
The 4414th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Prairie Fires by Caroline Fraser
The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder
This book presents a deeply researched biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the "Little House on the Prairie" series. It provides an in-depth look into Wilder's life and the historical context in which she lived, from the westward expansion to the Great Depression and beyond. The narrative explores the complex relationship between Wilder and her daughter, the hardships they faced, and the ways in which these experiences shaped Wilder's writing. It also delves into the myths and realities of American frontier life, challenging the often-romanticized view of pioneer life.
The 6586th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. Typical American by Gish Jen
The novel follows the journey of a Chinese immigrant who arrives in the United States with the intention of completing his studies before returning home. However, as he settles into American life, he finds himself drifting from his original plans. Along with his sister and wife, he begins to pursue the American Dream, facing the challenges of assimilation, cultural identity, and the pursuit of success. The narrative explores themes of transformation, the immigrant experience, and the complexities of adapting to a new world while grappling with the pull of one's heritage.
The 7884th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Monsieur, Or The Prince Of Darkness by Lawrence Durrell
"Monsieur, Or The Prince Of Darkness" is a captivating novel that explores the complex and enigmatic life of a man known as Monsieur. Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, the story delves into Monsieur's mysterious past, his involvement in espionage, and his relationships with various intriguing characters. Through vivid prose and intricate storytelling, the book delves into themes of identity, love, and the blurred lines between good and evil, leaving readers questioning the true nature of Monsieur until the very end.
The 10409th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. A Cool Million by Nathanael West
The Dismantling of Lemuel Pitkin
The book satirizes the American Dream through the misadventures of its protagonist, a young man who leaves his rural home to seek fortune and success in the big city. Despite his unwavering optimism and adherence to traditional values, he faces a series of increasingly absurd and unfortunate events that strip him of his possessions, dignity, and illusions. The narrative unfolds as a darkly comedic critique of the socio-economic landscape of the time, exposing the harsh realities of capitalism and the myth of equal opportunity.
The 11533rd Greatest Book of All Time -
13. The Great American Novel by William Carlos Williams
"The Great American Novel" is a satirical work that explores the concept of the elusive quintessential American novel. Through its narrative, the book delves into the lives of various characters who are interconnected by their pursuit of writing the definitive American literary work. Set against a backdrop of changing American society, the novel critiques the literary world and the concept of the American Dream, using humor and irony to examine the ambitions and follies of its characters. The story serves as a metafictional commentary on the identity and culture of America, questioning the very idea of what makes a novel truly "great" and "American."
The 12159th Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!
Download
If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
Download