What are some of the most influential American novels?

Some of the well - known ones could be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deeply explores themes of racial injustice. Another is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which shows the decadence and dreams of the Jazz Age. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is also on the list, with its complex exploration of obsession and the human struggle against nature.

One of the very influential American novels is 'Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. It has captured the essence of teenage angst and alienation, making it relatable to young people around the world. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is also highly regarded globally. It tells a harrowing story of slavery and its aftermath, with a focus on the psychological and emotional impact on the characters. Also, 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac has influenced generations with its celebration of freedom, travel, and the search for self - discovery.

One of the most well - known is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It powerfully portrays the life of African - American women in the South, dealing with themes like racism, sexism, and the power of love and sisterhood. Another is 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison, which explores the identity of a black man in a predominantly white society. And 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is also a great classic. It delves into the legacy of slavery, as a mother kills her daughter to save her from slavery, and then has to deal with the ghost of the daughter.

For sure, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' by Harriet Beecher Stowe had a profound impact. While it was more focused on the issue of slavery, it was also a powerful voice during the time of the American revolution and its aftermath. It helped to fuel the abolitionist movement and influenced the way people thought about equality and freedom, which were central themes in the revolution.

There are many, but 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri is quite influential. It's about an Indian - American family and the issues of identity and cultural assimilation. 'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell, while not strictly American, is popular here and has a complex narrative that spans different times and places. And 'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen, which looks at a dysfunctional American family.

One of the most influential is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which tackles racism and moral growth. 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, though written earlier, had a profound impact in the 20th century with its exploration of obsession and man's struggle against nature.

I think 'Beloved' is one of the most influential. Toni Morrison's writing in it is so profound. It makes readers feel the pain and trauma of slavery deeply. 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X' is also very influential. It gives a first - hand account of Malcolm X's life, his journey from a criminal to a powerful civil rights leader, and his ideas about race and equality.

One of the most influential is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which deals with racial injustice. 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison is also important as it delves into the African - American experience in a predominantly white society.

Mark Twain is definitely one. His works like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' are considered classics. Another is Ernest Hemingway. His simple yet powerful writing style influenced a lot of writers. And F. Scott Fitzgerald with 'The Great Gatsby' which is a staple in American literature.

The 20 most influential American novels have shaped American literature in many ways. For example, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' set a high standard for books dealing with social justice issues. It influenced how later authors approach themes of prejudice. 'The Great Gatsby' influenced the way American writers depict the American Dream, often showing its hollowness. 'Moby - Dick' inspired many to write about man's relationship with the unknown and nature.