If you love reading—or even if you’re just dipping your toes into American literature—this is the kind of list that can change the way you see stories. Honestly, some books on this list have haunted me for weeks after finishing them, and I’m betting they’ll do the same for you.
With 2025 wrapping up, it’s natural to ask: “What should I read next year?” Well, I’ve put together a guide to the top 10 American books everyone should read before 2026, ranging from century-old classics to modern hits that people are talking about everywhere.
Table of Contents
1. “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead
Let’s start heavy—because it’s worth it. The Underground Railroad isn’t just a story about slavery; it’s about courage, resilience, and the impossible choices people made to claim freedom. Whitehead turns history into something you can feel in your chest.
Fun fact: he imagined the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad beneath the ground. It’s a shocking, heartbreaking, and unforgettable way to tell a story that still feels painfully relevant.
Learn more: Colson Whitehead Official Site
2. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
I’ll admit it: reading To Kill a Mockingbird as an adult hits differently than reading it in school. Scout Finch’s innocence, Atticus Finch’s unwavering morality—it’s a story about fairness, empathy, and growing up in a world that’s not always fair.
People often ask: “Is this book still relevant?” Absolutely. Every time we read it, we see something new about justice, prejudice, and human behavior.
More info: Goodreads: To Kill a Mockingbird
3. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Who hasn’t been curious about Gatsby’s lavish parties? Beyond the glitter, the book’s beauty is in its melancholy—the fleeting nature of dreams and the hollowness of chasing wealth at the expense of what really matters.
It’s short, yes, but somehow Fitzgerald packs a punch in less than 200 pages. I still catch myself thinking about Gatsby’s green light years after finishing it.
Analysis: The Great Gatsby SparkNotes
4. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
Warning: this book will haunt you. Morrison’s Beloved is about Sethe, a mother living in the shadow of slavery, and it’s impossible to read without feeling the weight of history. But it’s also a story about love, family, and survival.
A tip from experience: don’t rush it. Let the sentences sink in. Some of the lines will stay with you forever.
Learn more: Toni Morrison Society
5. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
Okay, now for something completely different. This one is a love letter to nature and isolation. Kya, the “Marsh Girl,” grows up alone yet resilient, and her story will make you both cry and cheer.
It’s one of the most talked-about books in 2025—and for good reason. Even if you’re usually a “classic only” reader, this book sneaks under your skin and doesn’t let go.
More info: Delia Owens Official Site
6. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
This one’s cozy but powerful. The March sisters each have their own struggles and dreams, and reading their story feels like visiting old friends. It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of life lessons about ambition, love, and family.
Little Women isn’t just a children’s book—it’s a reminder that the human story never really changes, even centuries later.
Resource: Little Women Summary
7. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
Ah, Holden Caulfield. If you ever felt misunderstood or frustrated with the adult world, this book is your mirror. It’s snarky, funny, sad, and so real.
Here’s my confession: I re-read it every few years because Holden’s struggles with identity and loneliness somehow feel timeless.
Read more: Goodreads: The Catcher in the Rye
8. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
For those who love a little magic in their lives, The Night Circus is irresistible. The circus itself becomes a character—mysterious, enchanting, impossible to forget.
I’d recommend reading it at night, maybe with a cup of tea, and just letting yourself get lost in Morgenstern’s world. Pure escapism, and yet deeply moving.
More info: The Night Circus Official Site
9. “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith
Here’s a gem for anyone who appreciates coming-of-age stories. Francie Nolan’s life in early 20th-century Brooklyn is full of hardship, hope, and tiny victories. I’ll admit, I found myself smiling at the small joys she discovers despite the challenges around her.
It’s a book that stays with you, partly because it reminds you how resilient people can be in everyday life.
Analysis: SparkNotes: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
10. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt
Finally, we end with something sprawling and immersive. The Goldfinch is about grief, art, and how one moment can shape a life forever. Theo’s story is intense, sometimes frustrating, always unforgettable.
If you’ve been looking for a novel to really get lost in, this is it. It’s long, yes—but worth every page.
More info: Goodreads: The Goldfinch
Bonus Reading Tips for 2026
- Mix classics and modern reads—you’ll get history and fresh perspectives.
- Discuss books with friends or online communities. Reddit’s r/books is full of passionate readers.
- Don’t rush—some books, like Beloved or The Goldfinch, demand patience.
Reading these books is more than a pastime; it’s a journey through American history, culture, and imagination. So grab a cozy spot, a cup of your favorite drink, and dive in—you won’t regret it.
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