Four Famous American Authors for Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July!

Whether you’re celebrating this holiday or simply looking for some fantastic classics to read/reread, here are some of my favorite well-known books by famous American authors.

Throughout history there have been so many talented writers that have made history. Whether young or old, stories have been part of cultures since the beginning. They’re passed down, told over and over, embellished, retold, redone. Whether traditional or far out of the ordinary, they’re important. Authors like these have created something extraordinary, something unique, something magical, and something different. I hope they encourage you to continue your reading journey!

1. Nathaniel Hawthorne

I began the Scarlet Letter without knowing what to expect. Yes, it’s so famous and mentioned on repeat everywhere- TV, modern day writing, and anything else you could think of. Yet I had never managed to pick it up before a year ago, when I read it for the first time. I was immediately enchanted by Hawthorne’s poetic and unique way of writing, and the story of the scarlet letter A captured my interest from beginning to end.

The tale is the story of a young mother who had committed the crime of adultery. Her fate was set- she was an outcast and seen as absolutely nothing. Yet the empathy I felt for this young woman was indescribable. The Scarlet Letter is an absolute must read.

2. John Steinbeck

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck is a classic. A young boy named Jody is beyond thrilled when he receives a beautiful red pony and is promised a colt later on. But these gifts that once brought him so much joy are followed by tragedy and leave Jody feeling empty. The lessons that Jody learns about life and death are valuable, and Steinbeck’s way of gentle teaching through writing truly shines.

3. Harper Lee

Everyone has at least heard of the famous book To Kill a Mockingbird, if not read it.

It’s a classic historical fiction novel written about an unjust trial against a man in the segregated south. A coming-of-age story told through the eyes of a young girl Scout, we get to witness the horror and atrocities of segregation.

It’s been translated into more than forty languages and also sold over 40 million copies worldwide. To Kill a Mockingbird is a piece of literature loved by the entire world.

4. Emily Dickinson

Instead of recommending a specific book by this author, I’m encouraging you to read her poems. One of the most famous poets (and one of the best ones in my opinion), she wrote beautiful poems on love, life, and death.

Her unique way of writing poems was different than any other poet of her time and her style captivated the world.

“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain. -Emily Dickinson “If I can Stop One Heart from Breaking”