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General Recommendations

Seattle Picks: American Classics

By:

Seattle Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

Staff-created list

A selection of classic fiction by American authors. (March 2018)

By:

Seattle Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

23 items

23 items

Go Tell It on the Mountain

Go Tell It on the Mountain

by Baldwin, James

Book - 2013

The story of John, a 14-year-old boy whose stepfather is a Pentecostal minister in Harlem in 1935, as he struggles to discover his own identity. (1953; 226 pages) The story of John, a 14-year-old boy whose stepfather is a Pentecostal minister in Harlem in 1935, as he struggles to discover his own identity. (1953; 226 pages) Show less

The story of John, a 14-year-old boy whose stepfather is a Pentecostal minister in Harlem in 1935, as he struggles to discover his own identity. (1953; 226 pages) The story of John, a 14-year-old boy whose stepfather is a Pentecostal minister in Harlem in 1935, as he struggles to discover his own identity. (1953; 226 pages) Show less

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My Ántonia

My Ántonia

by Cather, Willa

Book - 1994

Antonia, the spirited daughter of a Bohemian immigrant family, is determined to tame the Nebraska farmland in this poignant tale set in the late 19th century. (1918; 290 pages) Antonia, the spirited daughter of a Bohemian immigrant family, is determined to tame the Nebraska farmland in this poignant tale set in the late 19th century. (1918; 290 pages) Show less

Antonia, the spirited daughter of a Bohemian immigrant family, is determined to tame the Nebraska farmland in this poignant tale set in the late 19th century. (1918; 290 pages) Antonia, the spirited daughter of a Bohemian immigrant family, is determined to tame the Nebraska farmland in this poignant tale set in the late 19th century. (1918; 290 pages) Show less

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The Awakening and Selected Stories

The Awakening and Selected Stories

by Chopin, Kate

Book - 2003

A daring novel of a woman's sexual and spiritual awakening The Awakening shocked turn-of-the-century readers and reviewers with its treatment of sex and death by suicide. (1899; 286 pages) A daring novel of a woman's sexual and spiritual awakening The Awakening shocked turn-of-the-century readers and reviewers with its treatment of sex and death by suicide. (1899; 286 pages) Show less

A daring novel of a woman's sexual and spiritual awakening The Awakening shocked turn-of-the-century readers and reviewers with its treatment of sex and death by suicide. (1899; 286 pages) A daring novel of a woman's sexual and spiritual awakening The Awakening shocked turn-of-the-century readers and reviewers with its treatment of sex and death by suicide. (1899; 286 pages) Show less

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Invisible Man

Invisible Man

by Ellison, Ralph

Book - 1995

During the 1950s a young nameless black man finds himself rendered invisible as he moves through levels of American intolerance. (1952; 581 pages) During the 1950s a young nameless black man finds himself rendered invisible as he moves through levels of American intolerance. (1952; 581 pages) Show less

During the 1950s a young nameless black man finds himself rendered invisible as he moves through levels of American intolerance. (1952; 581 pages) During the 1950s a young nameless black man finds himself rendered invisible as he moves through levels of American intolerance. (1952; 581 pages) Show less

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Light in August

Light in August

The Corrected Text

by Faulkner, William

Book - 1990

This is the intense and lyrical story of Lena Grove, a force of nature looking for the man who got her with child, and Joe Christmas, a lost man seeking the dreaded secret of his own racial identity. (1932; 512 pages) This is the intense and lyrical story of Lena Grove, a force of nature looking for the man who got her with child, and Joe Christmas, a lost man seeking the dreaded secret of his own racial identity. (1932; 512 pages) Show less

This is the intense and lyrical story of Lena Grove, a force of nature looking for the man who got her with child, and Joe Christmas, a lost man seeking the dreaded secret of his own racial identity. (1932; 512 pages) This is the intense and lyrical story of Lena Grove, a force of nature looking for the man who got her with child, and Joe Christmas, a lost man seeking the dreaded secret of his own racial identity. (1932; 512 pages) Show less

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The Sun Also Rises

The Sun Also Rises

by Hemingway, Ernest

Book - 2006

Sultry temptress Lady Brett Ashley, her drunken fiancé and smitten war veteran Jake Barnes are among a group of expatriates who leave Paris to see the bullfights of Pamplona, Spain, in the 1920s. (1926; 250 pages) Sultry temptress Lady Brett Ashley, her drunken fiancé and smitten war veteran Jake Barnes are among a group of expatriates who leave Paris to see the bullfights of Pamplona, Spain, in the 1920s. (1926; 250 pages) Show less

Sultry temptress Lady Brett Ashley, her drunken fiancé and smitten war veteran Jake Barnes are among a group of expatriates who leave Paris to see the bullfights of Pamplona, Spain, in the 1920s. (1926; 250 pages) Sultry temptress Lady Brett Ashley, her drunken fiancé and smitten war veteran Jake Barnes are among a group of expatriates who leave Paris to see the bullfights of Pamplona, Spain, in the 1920s. (1926; 250 pages) 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. (1937; 219 pages) 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. (1937; 219 pages) 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. (1937; 219 pages) 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. (1937; 219 pages) Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 11 on 9 copies

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On the Road

On the Road

by Kerouac, Jack

Book - 1976

In this groundbreaking novel, a group of Ivy League-educated young men break off from the mainstream, hitchhiking across 1950s America in a mad bohemian adventure of irreverent revelry. (1957; 307 pages) In this groundbreaking novel, a group of Ivy League-educated young men break off from the mainstream, hitchhiking across 1950s America in a mad bohemian adventure of irreverent revelry. (1957; 307 pages) Show less

In this groundbreaking novel, a group of Ivy League-educated young men break off from the mainstream, hitchhiking across 1950s America in a mad bohemian adventure of irreverent revelry. (1957; 307 pages) In this groundbreaking novel, a group of Ivy League-educated young men break off from the mainstream, hitchhiking across 1950s America in a mad bohemian adventure of irreverent revelry. (1957; 307 pages) Show less

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Passing

Passing

by Larsen, Nella

Book - 2003

Nella Larsen's powerful, thrilling, and tragic tale about the fluidity of racial identity that continues to resonate today. (1929; 122 pages) Nella Larsen's powerful, thrilling, and tragic tale about the fluidity of racial identity that continues to resonate today. (1929; 122 pages) Show less

Nella Larsen's powerful, thrilling, and tragic tale about the fluidity of racial identity that continues to resonate today. (1929; 122 pages) Nella Larsen's powerful, thrilling, and tragic tale about the fluidity of racial identity that continues to resonate today. (1929; 122 pages) Show less

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To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird

by Lee, Harper

Book - 2010

A young girl growing up in an Alabama town in the 1930s learns of injustice and violence when her father, a widowed lawyer, defends a black man falsely accused of rape. (1960; 323 pages) A young girl growing up in an Alabama town in the 1930s learns of injustice and violence when her father, a widowed lawyer, defends a black man falsely accused of rape. (1960; 323 pages) Show less

A young girl growing up in an Alabama town in the 1930s learns of injustice and violence when her father, a widowed lawyer, defends a black man falsely accused of rape. (1960; 323 pages) A young girl growing up in an Alabama town in the 1930s learns of injustice and violence when her father, a widowed lawyer, defends a black man falsely accused of rape. (1960; 323 pages) Show less

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The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter

The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter

by McCullers, Carson

Book - 2000

Deaf-mute John Singer becomes the confidant for various types of misfits in a Georgia mill town during the 1930s. (1940; 359 pages) Deaf-mute John Singer becomes the confidant for various types of misfits in a Georgia mill town during the 1930s. (1940; 359 pages) Show less

Deaf-mute John Singer becomes the confidant for various types of misfits in a Georgia mill town during the 1930s. (1940; 359 pages) Deaf-mute John Singer becomes the confidant for various types of misfits in a Georgia mill town during the 1930s. (1940; 359 pages) Show less

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House Made of Dawn

House Made of Dawn

by Momaday, N. Scott

Book - 2010

This Pulitzer Prize winner traces the plight of modern Native Americans through the story of a young soldier returning home after World War II, and his difficulty re-absorbing his cultural heritage on the reservation. (1968; 185 pages) This Pulitzer Prize winner traces the plight of modern Native Americans through the story of a young soldier returning home after World War II, and his difficulty re-absorbing his cultural heritage on the reservation. (1968; 185 pages) Show less

This Pulitzer Prize winner traces the plight of modern Native Americans through the story of a young soldier returning home after World War II, and his difficulty re-absorbing his cultural heritage on the reservation. (1968; 185 pages) This Pulitzer Prize winner traces the plight of modern Native Americans through the story of a young soldier returning home after World War II, and his difficulty re-absorbing his cultural heritage on the reservation. (1968; 185 pages) Show less

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A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories

A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories

by O'Connor, Flannery

Book - 1983

This collection established O'Connor's reputation as one of the American masters of the short story. Contains the celebrated title story and ten other stories. (1955; 265 pages) This collection established O'Connor's reputation as one of the American masters of the short story. Contains the celebrated title story and ten other stories. (1955; 265 pages) Show less

This collection established O'Connor's reputation as one of the American masters of the short story. Contains the celebrated title story and ten other stories. (1955; 265 pages) This collection established O'Connor's reputation as one of the American masters of the short story. Contains the celebrated title story and ten other stories. (1955; 265 pages) Show less

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No-no Boy

No-no Boy

by Okada, John

Book - 2014

Ichiro Yamada refuses to fight for America in World War II and is incarcerated both in an internment camp and in prison during the war, returning home to Seattle disgraced and confused about his loyalties. (1957; 232 pages) Ichiro Yamada refuses to fight for America in World War II and is incarcerated both in an internment camp and in prison during the war, returning home to Seattle disgraced and confused about his loyalties. (1957; 232 pages) Show less

Ichiro Yamada refuses to fight for America in World War II and is incarcerated both in an internment camp and in prison during the war, returning home to Seattle disgraced and confused about his loyalties. (1957; 232 pages) Ichiro Yamada refuses to fight for America in World War II and is incarcerated both in an internment camp and in prison during the war, returning home to Seattle disgraced and confused about his loyalties. (1957; 232 pages) Show less

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The Bell Jar

The Bell Jar

by Plath, Sylvia

Book - 2005

This semi-autobiographical novel of famous poet Sylvia Plath follows the downward spiral of Esther Greenwood’s mental illness, her awkwardly amusing experiences working in New York, and her therapy and rehabilitation. (1963; 244 pages) This semi-autobiographical novel of famous poet Sylvia Plath follows the downward spiral of Esther Greenwood’s mental illness, her awkwardly amusing experiences working in New York, and her therapy and rehabilitation. (1963; 244 pages) Show less

This semi-autobiographical novel of famous poet Sylvia Plath follows the downward spiral of Esther Greenwood’s mental illness, her awkwardly amusing experiences working in New York, and her therapy and rehabilitation. (1963; 244 pages) This semi-autobiographical novel of famous poet Sylvia Plath follows the downward spiral of Esther Greenwood’s mental illness, her awkwardly amusing experiences working in New York, and her therapy and rehabilitation. (1963; 244 pages) Show less

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My Name Is Asher Lev

My Name Is Asher Lev

by Potok, Chaim

Book - 2003

A gifted artist, even as a child, Asher lands in hot water with his Hasidic Brooklyn community when instead of focusing on his Jewish studies, he copies famous nude studies and art works reflecting Christianity. (1972; 369 pages) A gifted artist, even as a child, Asher lands in hot water with his Hasidic Brooklyn community when instead of focusing on his Jewish studies, he copies famous nude studies and art works reflecting Christianity. (1972; 369 pages) Show less

A gifted artist, even as a child, Asher lands in hot water with his Hasidic Brooklyn community when instead of focusing on his Jewish studies, he copies famous nude studies and art works reflecting Christianity. (1972; 369 pages) A gifted artist, even as a child, Asher lands in hot water with his Hasidic Brooklyn community when instead of focusing on his Jewish studies, he copies famous nude studies and art works reflecting Christianity. (1972; 369 pages) Show less

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The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye

by Salinger, J. D.

Book - 1991

Spend a few days playing hooky in the city with Holden Caulfield, a wry and skeptical 16-year-old who can't quite get used to the crummy fact that growing up means becoming a complete and total phony. (1951; 214 pages) Spend a few days playing hooky in the city with Holden Caulfield, a wry and skeptical 16-year-old who can't quite get used to the crummy fact that growing up means becoming a complete and total phony. (1951; 214 pages) Show less

Spend a few days playing hooky in the city with Holden Caulfield, a wry and skeptical 16-year-old who can't quite get used to the crummy fact that growing up means becoming a complete and total phony. (1951; 214 pages) Spend a few days playing hooky in the city with Holden Caulfield, a wry and skeptical 16-year-old who can't quite get used to the crummy fact that growing up means becoming a complete and total phony. (1951; 214 pages) Show less

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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

by Smith, Betty

Book - 2006

Young Francie Nolan, having inherited both her father's romantic and her mother's practical nature, struggles to survive and thrive growing up in the slums of Brooklyn in the early twentieth century. (1943; 2006) Young Francie Nolan, having inherited both her father's romantic and her mother's practical nature, struggles to survive and thrive growing up in the slums of Brooklyn in the early twentieth century. (1943; 2006) Show less

Young Francie Nolan, having inherited both her father's romantic and her mother's practical nature, struggles to survive and thrive growing up in the slums of Brooklyn in the early twentieth century. (1943; 2006) Young Francie Nolan, having inherited both her father's romantic and her mother's practical nature, struggles to survive and thrive growing up in the slums of Brooklyn in the early twentieth century. (1943; 2006) Show less

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The Grapes of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath

by Steinbeck, John

Book - 2014

The Joads, Oklahoma tenant farmers whose farm has blown away, struggle westward towards the promised land of California on a road freighted with human misery and the imperishable will to survive. (1939; 479 pages) The Joads, Oklahoma tenant farmers whose farm has blown away, struggle westward towards the promised land of California on a road freighted with human misery and the imperishable will to survive. (1939; 479 pages) Show less

The Joads, Oklahoma tenant farmers whose farm has blown away, struggle westward towards the promised land of California on a road freighted with human misery and the imperishable will to survive. (1939; 479 pages) The Joads, Oklahoma tenant farmers whose farm has blown away, struggle westward towards the promised land of California on a road freighted with human misery and the imperishable will to survive. (1939; 479 pages) Show less

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Uncle Tom's Cabin

Uncle Tom's Cabin

by Stowe, Harriet Beecher

Book - 2008

Follows three slaves and their experiences in and out of slavery. (1852; 536 pages) Follows three slaves and their experiences in and out of slavery. (1852; 536 pages) Show less

Follows three slaves and their experiences in and out of slavery. (1852; 536 pages) Follows three slaves and their experiences in and out of slavery. (1852; 536 pages) Show less

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Slaughterhouse-five, Or, The Children's Crusade

Slaughterhouse-five, Or, The Children's Crusade

A Duty-dance With Death

by Vonnegut, Kurt

Book - 2009

While on exhibit on the planet of Tralfamadore, Billy Pilgrim, American soldier and witness to the bombing of Dresden, revisits his memories of the past and the horrors of war. (1969; 275 pages) While on exhibit on the planet of Tralfamadore, Billy Pilgrim, American soldier and witness to the bombing of Dresden, revisits his memories of the past and the horrors of war. (1969; 275 pages) Show less

While on exhibit on the planet of Tralfamadore, Billy Pilgrim, American soldier and witness to the bombing of Dresden, revisits his memories of the past and the horrors of war. (1969; 275 pages) While on exhibit on the planet of Tralfamadore, Billy Pilgrim, American soldier and witness to the bombing of Dresden, revisits his memories of the past and the horrors of war. (1969; 275 pages) Show less

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The Age of Innocence

The Age of Innocence

by Wharton, Edith

Book - 1996

In this sparkling social novel set in the stiff upper crust of 19th-century New York, Newland Archer is distracted from his proper fiancée May by her mysterious and vivacious cousin, the Countess Olenska. (1920; 330 pages) In this sparkling social novel set in the stiff upper crust of 19th-century New York, Newland Archer is distracted from his proper fiancée May by her mysterious and vivacious cousin, the Countess Olenska. (1920; 330 pages) Show less

In this sparkling social novel set in the stiff upper crust of 19th-century New York, Newland Archer is distracted from his proper fiancée May by her mysterious and vivacious cousin, the Countess Olenska. (1920; 330 pages) In this sparkling social novel set in the stiff upper crust of 19th-century New York, Newland Archer is distracted from his proper fiancée May by her mysterious and vivacious cousin, the Countess Olenska. (1920; 330 pages) Show less

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Native Son

Native Son

by Wright, Richard

Book - 2005

Dehumanized by white society, Bigger Thomas, a young black man in 1940s Chicago, accidentally kills the daughter of his white employer and veers into a rebellious, self-destructive spiral. (1940; 504 pages) Dehumanized by white society, Bigger Thomas, a young black man in 1940s Chicago, accidentally kills the daughter of his white employer and veers into a rebellious, self-destructive spiral. (1940; 504 pages) Show less

Dehumanized by white society, Bigger Thomas, a young black man in 1940s Chicago, accidentally kills the daughter of his white employer and veers into a rebellious, self-destructive spiral. (1940; 504 pages) Dehumanized by white society, Bigger Thomas, a young black man in 1940s Chicago, accidentally kills the daughter of his white employer and veers into a rebellious, self-destructive spiral. (1940; 504 pages) Show less

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