Top 10 Greatest American Novels

The People's Convoy in Hagerstown, Maryland
The People's Convoy in Hagerstown, Maryland / Anadolu Agency/GettyImages

American literature is some of the most interesting and unique in the world. Many great novels have been written by American authors and it can be hard to determine which ones are truly the "greatest." 

But we can give you a list of our top 10 favorites. Here are ten of the greatest American novels ever written.

F. Scott Fitzgerald - The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a classic American novel that tells the story of Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. The book is set in the 1920s and is a great portrayal of that time period.

Toni Morrison - Beloved

This book is a masterpiece by Toni Morrison and tells the story of a family haunted by their past. Morrison delves into the topics of slavery, family, and motherhood. It is a beautiful and painful book that is not easily forgotten. It also won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988.

Mark Twain - The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

This novel follows the journey of Huck Finn and his friend Jim as they travel down the Mississippi River. The book offers readers humor and adventure while also dealing with the issue of slavery.

Ernest Hemingway - The Old Man And The Sea

This novel tells the story of an old fisherman and his journey to catch a fish larger than any he has ever caught before. It's a short novel but is filled with so much beauty, wisdom, and tragedy. It is considered one of Hemingway's best works and earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953. 

Harper Lee - To Kill A Mockingbird

This novel is set in the American South during the 1930s and deals with the issue of racism. It is a timeless story that is both powerful and moving.

Ralph Ellison - Invisible Man

This novel tells the story of a black man in America who is invisible to society. It is a powerful and important book that shows the struggles of African Americans throughout history. This novel won the U.S. National Book Award for Fiction in 1953.

J. D. Salinger - The Catcher In The Rye

A true classic, this novel tells the story of Holden Caulfield and his coming-of-age. The book is honest, funny, and touching and has been a favorite of many for years. It is a unique and touching story that still resonates with people today.

Joseph Heller - Catch-22

This novel is a dark and humorous look at war and its effects on the human mind. It is a classic that is sure to entertain readers of all ages.  Heller's unique writing style makes Catch-22 one of the most memorable novels ever written.

Louisa May Alcott - Little Women

Louisa May Alcott wrote this novel based on her own childhood experiences. It tells the story of four sisters coming of age during the Civil War. This book is still loved by many girls and women today.

Herman Melville - Moby Dick

This novel tells the story of a whaling voyage and the obsession of one man to catch the white whale. It is a long and complex book, but it is worth the read for its beautiful prose and interesting characters.