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General Recommendations

Seattle Picks: American Classics

By:

Seattle Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

Staff-created list

A diverse selection of classic fiction titles by American authors. (Updated March 2021)

By:

Seattle Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

1-25 of 26 items

1-25 of 26 items

The Good Earth

The Good Earth

by Buck, Pearl S.

Book - 2004

In the first of a trilogy, a peasant agrarian Chinese family struggles amidst natural disasters and socio-political strife. In the first of a trilogy, a peasant agrarian Chinese family struggles amidst natural disasters and socio-political strife. Show less

In the first of a trilogy, a peasant agrarian Chinese family struggles amidst natural disasters and socio-political strife. In the first of a trilogy, a peasant agrarian Chinese family struggles amidst natural disasters and socio-political strife. Show less

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Kindred

Kindred

by Butler, Octavia E.

Book - 2003

Dana, a Black woman, finds herself constantly shot back and forth between her modern time of 1976 in LA and pre-civil war times in Maryland, eventually meeting an ancestor. Dana, a Black woman, finds herself constantly shot back and forth between her modern time of 1976 in LA and pre-civil war times in Maryland, eventually meeting an ancestor. Show less

Dana, a Black woman, finds herself constantly shot back and forth between her modern time of 1976 in LA and pre-civil war times in Maryland, eventually meeting an ancestor. Dana, a Black woman, finds herself constantly shot back and forth between her modern time of 1976 in LA and pre-civil war times in Maryland, eventually meeting an ancestor. Show less

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The House on Mango Street

The House on Mango Street

by Cisneros, Sandra

Book - 2009

Young Latina Esperanza Cordero describes her neighborhood, family, and life growing up in Chicago. Young Latina Esperanza Cordero describes her neighborhood, family, and life growing up in Chicago. Show less

Young Latina Esperanza Cordero describes her neighborhood, family, and life growing up in Chicago. Young Latina Esperanza Cordero describes her neighborhood, family, and life growing up in Chicago. Show less

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American Psycho

American Psycho

by Ellis, Bret Easton

Book - 1991

High powered, Manhattan-based investment broker Patrick Bateman is a sociopath and a psychopath, as he's as dangerous as he is unreliable. High powered, Manhattan-based investment broker Patrick Bateman is a sociopath and a psychopath, as he's as dangerous as he is unreliable. Show less

High powered, Manhattan-based investment broker Patrick Bateman is a sociopath and a psychopath, as he's as dangerous as he is unreliable. High powered, Manhattan-based investment broker Patrick Bateman is a sociopath and a psychopath, as he's as dangerous as he is unreliable. Show less

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A Lesson Before Dying

A Lesson Before Dying

by Gaines, Ernest J.

Book - 1993

Set in Bayonne, LA (a fictional community Gaines has used previously) in the late 1940s, main character Grant Wiggins visits Jefferson, who is on death row for a crime he was unwittingly involved in. Set in Bayonne, LA (a fictional community Gaines has used previously) in the late 1940s, main character Grant Wiggins visits Jefferson, who is on death row for a crime he was unwittingly involved in. Show less

Set in Bayonne, LA (a fictional community Gaines has used previously) in the late 1940s, main character Grant Wiggins visits Jefferson, who is on death row for a crime he was unwittingly involved in. Set in Bayonne, LA (a fictional community Gaines has used previously) in the late 1940s, main character Grant Wiggins visits Jefferson, who is on death row for a crime he was unwittingly involved in. Show less

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Jonah's Gourd Vine

Jonah's Gourd Vine

A Novel

by Hurston, Zora Neale

Book - 2008

John Buddy Pearson, a popular pastor at Zion Hope on the weekends, loves women more than what's good for him during the week. John Buddy Pearson, a popular pastor at Zion Hope on the weekends, loves women more than what's good for him during the week. Show less

John Buddy Pearson, a popular pastor at Zion Hope on the weekends, loves women more than what's good for him during the week. John Buddy Pearson, a popular pastor at Zion Hope on the weekends, loves women more than what's good for him during the week. Show less

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Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God

by Hurston, Zora Neale

Book - 2006

Janie Crawford, a sassy and self-confident African- American woman of the 1930s, lives life on her own terms and goes through three marriages, one murder trial and more joy and pain than many who judge her. Janie Crawford, a sassy and self-confident African- American woman of the 1930s, lives life on her own terms and goes through three marriages, one murder trial and more joy and pain than many who judge her. Show less

Janie Crawford, a sassy and self-confident African- American woman of the 1930s, lives life on her own terms and goes through three marriages, one murder trial and more joy and pain than many who judge her. Janie Crawford, a sassy and self-confident African- American woman of the 1930s, lives life on her own terms and goes through three marriages, one murder trial and more joy and pain than many who judge her. Show less

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The Autobiography of An Ex-colored Man

The Autobiography of An Ex-colored Man

by Johnson, James Weldon

Book - 1990

The first fictional memoir written by a Black man is told through the eyes of Johnson, a biracial man, who is being forced to choose between honoring his Black heritage or passing as a white man in the post-Reconstruction era of the U.S. The first fictional memoir written by a Black man is told through the eyes of Johnson, a biracial man, who is being forced to choose between honoring his Black heritage or passing as a white man in the post-Reconstruction era of the U.S. Show less

The first fictional memoir written by a Black man is told through the eyes of Johnson, a biracial man, who is being forced to choose between honoring his Black heritage or passing as a white man in the post-Reconstruction era of the U.S. The first fictional memoir written by a Black man is told through the eyes of Johnson, a biracial man, who is being forced to choose between honoring his Black heritage or passing as a white man in the post-Reconstruction era of the U.S. Show less

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

by Kesey, Ken

Book - 2003

McMurphy, a newcomer to the psychiatric hospital, leads his fellow patients on to a series of major socio-psychological victories against the head of the nursing staff- aptly called Big Nurse. McMurphy, a newcomer to the psychiatric hospital, leads his fellow patients on to a series of major socio-psychological victories against the head of the nursing staff- aptly called Big Nurse. Show less

McMurphy, a newcomer to the psychiatric hospital, leads his fellow patients on to a series of major socio-psychological victories against the head of the nursing staff- aptly called Big Nurse. McMurphy, a newcomer to the psychiatric hospital, leads his fellow patients on to a series of major socio-psychological victories against the head of the nursing staff- aptly called Big Nurse. Show less

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The Namesake

The Namesake

by Lahiri, Jhumpa

Book - 2003

An immigrant experience story following the Ganguli family from Calcutta to Boston, and their journey becoming Americans. An immigrant experience story following the Ganguli family from Calcutta to Boston, and their journey becoming Americans. Show less

An immigrant experience story following the Ganguli family from Calcutta to Boston, and their journey becoming Americans. An immigrant experience story following the Ganguli family from Calcutta to Boston, and their journey becoming Americans. Show less

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The Dispossessed

The Dispossessed

A Novel

by Le Guin, Ursula K.

Book - 2003

Shevek, a physicist and anarchist, travels from his home planet, Anarres, where collective endeavor is privileged, to Urras, where class structure, status and money reign. Can he change Urras or will it change him? Shevek, a physicist and anarchist, travels from his home planet, Anarres, where collective endeavor is privileged, to Urras, where class structure, status and money reign. Can he change Urras or will it change him? Show less

Shevek, a physicist and anarchist, travels from his home planet, Anarres, where collective endeavor is privileged, to Urras, where class structure, status and money reign. Can he change Urras or will it change him? Shevek, a physicist and anarchist, travels from his home planet, Anarres, where collective endeavor is privileged, to Urras, where class structure, status and money reign. Can he change Urras or will it change him? Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 8 on 12 copies

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The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter

The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter

by McCullers, Carson

Book - 2000

John Singer, a deaf-mute living in a mill town in 1930s Georgia, just lost his best friend and roommate. What follows are his encounters with the rest of the town while he attempts to manage his grief. John Singer, a deaf-mute living in a mill town in 1930s Georgia, just lost his best friend and roommate. What follows are his encounters with the rest of the town while he attempts to manage his grief. Show less

John Singer, a deaf-mute living in a mill town in 1930s Georgia, just lost his best friend and roommate. What follows are his encounters with the rest of the town while he attempts to manage his grief. John Singer, a deaf-mute living in a mill town in 1930s Georgia, just lost his best friend and roommate. What follows are his encounters with the rest of the town while he attempts to manage his grief. Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 3 on 7 copies

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Lonesome Dove

Lonesome Dove

by McMurtry, Larry

Book - 2010

Set in 1880s Texas, the town of Lonesome Dove contains an assortment of heroes, bandits, prostitutes and drunks. Set in 1880s Texas, the town of Lonesome Dove contains an assortment of heroes, bandits, prostitutes and drunks. Show less

Set in 1880s Texas, the town of Lonesome Dove contains an assortment of heroes, bandits, prostitutes and drunks. Set in 1880s Texas, the town of Lonesome Dove contains an assortment of heroes, bandits, prostitutes and drunks. Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 6 on 17 copies

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The Bluest Eye

The Bluest Eye

A Novel

by Morrison, Toni

Book - 2007

A young black girl growing up in Ohio in the 1940s yearns to be seen by the world by having a set of blue eyes. A young black girl growing up in Ohio in the 1940s yearns to be seen by the world by having a set of blue eyes. Show less

A young black girl growing up in Ohio in the 1940s yearns to be seen by the world by having a set of blue eyes. A young black girl growing up in Ohio in the 1940s yearns to be seen by the world by having a set of blue eyes. Show less

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The Things They Carried

The Things They Carried

A Work of Fiction

by O'Brien, Tim

Book - 2010

Literally, the platoon men carry prosaic things: drugs, weapons, good-luck charms, toilet paper, photographs. But they also carry intangible things such a...Show more Literally, the platoon men carry prosaic things: drugs, weapons, good-luck charms, toilet paper, photographs. But they also carry intangible things such as disease, confusion, hatred, love, regret, fear, perhaps even courage. All are explored in this collection of war stories about "things they carry.” Show less

Literally, the platoon men carry prosaic things: drugs, weapons, good-luck charms, toilet paper, photographs. But they also carry intangible things such a...Show more Literally, the platoon men carry prosaic things: drugs, weapons, good-luck charms, toilet paper, photographs. But they also carry intangible things such as disease, confusion, hatred, love, regret, fear, perhaps even courage. All are explored in this collection of war stories about "things they carry.” Show less

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The Bell Jar

The Bell Jar

by Plath, Sylvia

Book - 2005

Esther Greenwood is a very talented writer and has difficulty with the world American society created. Her mother fits right in though, and makes it her business to fix Esther. Esther Greenwood is a very talented writer and has difficulty with the world American society created. Her mother fits right in though, and makes it her business to fix Esther. Show less

Esther Greenwood is a very talented writer and has difficulty with the world American society created. Her mother fits right in though, and makes it her business to fix Esther. Esther Greenwood is a very talented writer and has difficulty with the world American society created. Her mother fits right in though, and makes it her business to fix Esther. Show less

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True Grit

True Grit

by Portis, Charles

Book - 2010

When Mattie witnesses her father's death at the hands of outlaw Tom Chaney, she sets out to avenge his death alongside a deadly U.S. Marshall. When Mattie witnesses her father's death at the hands of outlaw Tom Chaney, she sets out to avenge his death alongside a deadly U.S. Marshall. Show less

When Mattie witnesses her father's death at the hands of outlaw Tom Chaney, she sets out to avenge his death alongside a deadly U.S. Marshall. When Mattie witnesses her father's death at the hands of outlaw Tom Chaney, she sets out to avenge his death alongside a deadly U.S. Marshall. Show less

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My Name Is Asher Lev

My Name Is Asher Lev

by Potok, Chaim

Book - 2003

Aspiring young painter Asher Lev is stuck between the religious responsibilities and expectations of his family and his desire to pursue his passion for art. Aspiring young painter Asher Lev is stuck between the religious responsibilities and expectations of his family and his desire to pursue his passion for art. Show less

Aspiring young painter Asher Lev is stuck between the religious responsibilities and expectations of his family and his desire to pursue his passion for art. Aspiring young painter Asher Lev is stuck between the religious responsibilities and expectations of his family and his desire to pursue his passion for art. Show less

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The Shipping News

The Shipping News

by Proulx, Annie

Book - 2003

Quoyle moves with his two daughters to Killick-Claw- his native home- Newfoundland harbor town following the death of his abusive wife, finding a writing job in which he reports car crashes and the shipping news. Quoyle moves with his two daughters to Killick-Claw- his native home- Newfoundland harbor town following the death of his abusive wife, finding a writing job in which he reports car crashes and the shipping news. Show less

Quoyle moves with his two daughters to Killick-Claw- his native home- Newfoundland harbor town following the death of his abusive wife, finding a writing job in which he reports car crashes and the shipping news. Quoyle moves with his two daughters to Killick-Claw- his native home- Newfoundland harbor town following the death of his abusive wife, finding a writing job in which he reports car crashes and the shipping news. Show less

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American Pastoral

American Pastoral

by Roth, Philip

Book - 1998

Book one of the American trilogy begins with the perfect life of Swede Levov, who grew up privileged and popular amongst his peers into early adulthood wi...Show more Book one of the American trilogy begins with the perfect life of Swede Levov, who grew up privileged and popular amongst his peers into early adulthood with a promising, rewarding career. This bliss is broken by his politically active teenager taking things too far. Show less

Book one of the American trilogy begins with the perfect life of Swede Levov, who grew up privileged and popular amongst his peers into early adulthood wi...Show more Book one of the American trilogy begins with the perfect life of Swede Levov, who grew up privileged and popular amongst his peers into early adulthood with a promising, rewarding career. This bliss is broken by his politically active teenager taking things too far. Show less

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Ceremony

Ceremony

by Silko, Leslie Marmon

Book - 2006

White-Indigenous biracial Tayo returns to the states after World War II with severe PTSD. When his doctor sends him home to improve his mental state, he revisits the demons that await him there as well. White-Indigenous biracial Tayo returns to the states after World War II with severe PTSD. When his doctor sends him home to improve his mental state, he revisits the demons that await him there as well. Show less

White-Indigenous biracial Tayo returns to the states after World War II with severe PTSD. When his doctor sends him home to improve his mental state, he revisits the demons that await him there as well. White-Indigenous biracial Tayo returns to the states after World War II with severe PTSD. When his doctor sends him home to improve his mental state, he revisits the demons that await him there as well. Show less

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East of Eden

East of Eden

by Steinbeck, John

Book - 1992

Salinas Valley, CA is home to two families- the Trasks and the Hamiltons- whose destinies fatally intertwine, replaying the rivalry of Cain and Abel. Salinas Valley, CA is home to two families- the Trasks and the Hamiltons- whose destinies fatally intertwine, replaying the rivalry of Cain and Abel. Show less

Salinas Valley, CA is home to two families- the Trasks and the Hamiltons- whose destinies fatally intertwine, replaying the rivalry of Cain and Abel. Salinas Valley, CA is home to two families- the Trasks and the Hamiltons- whose destinies fatally intertwine, replaying the rivalry of Cain and Abel. Show less

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The Joy Luck Club

The Joy Luck Club

by Tan, Amy

Book - 2006

A novel about the weekly mahjong game between four Chinese women who share their early life stories of China before immigrating to San Francisco. A novel about the weekly mahjong game between four Chinese women who share their early life stories of China before immigrating to San Francisco. Show less

A novel about the weekly mahjong game between four Chinese women who share their early life stories of China before immigrating to San Francisco. A novel about the weekly mahjong game between four Chinese women who share their early life stories of China before immigrating to San Francisco. Show less

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A Confederacy of Dunces

A Confederacy of Dunces

by Toole, John Kennedy

Book - 2000

Follows the life of antihero Ignatius Reilly, a 30-year-old living with his mother in blue-collar New Orleans. Follows the life of antihero Ignatius Reilly, a 30-year-old living with his mother in blue-collar New Orleans. Show less

Follows the life of antihero Ignatius Reilly, a 30-year-old living with his mother in blue-collar New Orleans. Follows the life of antihero Ignatius Reilly, a 30-year-old living with his mother in blue-collar New Orleans. Show less

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Indian Horse

Indian Horse

A Novel

by Wagamese, Richard

Book - 2018

Ontario First-Nations Saul Indian Horse tells the story of his emotionally distraught life, from being taken by authorities and put in a Catholic residential school to the violence and abuse he experienced into early adulthood. Ontario First-Nations Saul Indian Horse tells the story of his emotionally distraught life, from being taken by authorities and put in a Catholic residential school to the violence and abuse he experienced into early adulthood. Show less

Ontario First-Nations Saul Indian Horse tells the story of his emotionally distraught life, from being taken by authorities and put in a Catholic residential school to the violence and abuse he experienced into early adulthood. Ontario First-Nations Saul Indian Horse tells the story of his emotionally distraught life, from being taken by authorities and put in a Catholic residential school to the violence and abuse he experienced into early adulthood. Show less

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