For Americans living abroad, Independence Day can bring a unique wave of nostalgia—for the vast landscapes, the diverse people, and the complex, ever-evolving idea of the “American Dream.” There is no better way to reconnect with the heart of America than through the pages of its most iconic novels.
This is not a high school reading list. This is an ode to America—a collection of four powerful stories that capture the nation’s soul, its immense beauty, its epic struggles, and its enduring hope.
A Piece of Home, Delivered
Feeling a little homesick? We can deliver any of these classic American stories right to your door. Getting English books in Vietnam is simple with our nationwide service.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The epic story of resilience and the search for dignity in the American heartland.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the Joad family as they are driven from their Oklahoma farm during the Dust Bowl and make the arduous journey to California. It is a powerful, deeply empathetic portrait of the struggle and perseverance of ordinary people in the face of hardship, and a timeless ode to the resilience of the American spirit.
- Author: John Steinbeck
- Genre: Classic Fiction / Social Novel
Perfect for: Understanding the grit and determination at the core of the American identity.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
The defining novel of the Beat Generation and a hymn to the American landscape.
This novel is a freewheeling, jazz-fueled journey across the United States. It follows Sal Paradise and his magnetic friend Dean Moriarty as they crisscross the country in a wild search for experience, meaning, and connection. More than any other book, it captures the intoxicating freedom and immense scale of the American continent.
- Author: Jack Kerouac
- Genre: Classic Fiction / Beat Literature
Perfect for: Feeling the pulse of American counter-culture and the call of the open road.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A dazzling and tragic exploration of the American Dream.
Set in the Roaring Twenties, this novel tells the story of the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsessive love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. It is a brilliant, glittering, and ultimately heartbreaking look at wealth, class, and the elusive promise of the American Dream. It is often called the Great American Novel.
- Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Genre: Classic Fiction / Modernist Novel
Perfect for: Contemplating the glamour, hope, and tragedy of the American ideal.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
A haunting and essential masterpiece about the legacy of slavery.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a powerful and necessary part of the American story. It tells the story of Sethe, a woman who escaped slavery, but is still haunted by the ghost of her child. It is a profoundly moving and unflinching look at the trauma of slavery and the fierce love required to survive it. It is a vital story for understanding the soul of America.
- Author: Toni Morrison
- Genre: Literary Fiction / Magical Realism
- Perfect for: A deep, powerful, and essential reading experience.
Want the Full History?
If these novels spark your interest in the real stories behind them, be sure to check out our list of 4 great books to understand American History.
Celebrate with a Great American Story
Pick a classic, send us a message, and reconnect with a piece of home this holiday.