"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Often cited as the quintessential American novel, it explores themes of decadence, idealism, and resistance to change in the roaring twenties.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

A profound and powerful novel that deals with issues of race, injustice, and moral growth.

"Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville

A complex tale of adventure and the obsessive pursuit of the titular white whale, filled with deep symbolism and philosophical themes.

"Beloved" by Toni Morrison

This haunting novel explores the brutal impact of slavery and the complex dynamics of family and memory.

"The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck

A poignant story of economic hardship and struggle during the Great Depression, focusing on the plight of displaced farm families.

"The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne

A deeply symbolic novel that examines guilt, sin, and legalism in Puritan society.

"Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

A powerful exploration of race and identity in America through the eyes of an African American man.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain

Known for its vivid depiction of people and places along the Mississippi River, it critically examines societal norms and racial attitudes.

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger 

This novel captures teenage disillusionment and alienation in a skillfully crafted narrative.

"Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut

Combining elements of science fiction and war memoir, it delves into the destructiveness of war and the concept of free will.