In 1868, an author not widely known, John William DeForest, put forward an idea for a new kind of literature. This literature would be a collective artistic endeavor for a country just starting to heal from a deep conflict. He envisioned a work of fiction that would capture “the task of painting the American soul.” He called it the Great American Novel, a concept that hadn’t been realized yet. DeForest hoped it would be, soon.
Fast forward to over a century later, and the concept of the Great American Novel has not only survived but evolved. By 2024, our understanding of what makes literature great has expanded in ways DeForest might never have imagined. Yet, the novel faces challenges from anti-intellectual and authoritarian forces that threaten to ban books and limit freedom of speech. The American literary canon has become broader, more dynamic, and more vulnerable than ever. But what does it include? That’s what we set out to find.
Our journey to map out this new American canon led us to define “American” as works first published in the United States, including notable mentions like “Lolita” and “The Bell Jar.” We focused on the last 100 years, a period rich with literary innovation and pleasure, from the heights of literary modernism to the depths of genre fiction and postmodern experimentation.
With millions of titles to consider, we sought insights from experts—scholars, critics, and novelists, both from within The Atlantic and beyond. Their recommendations helped us refine our list through discussions, debates, and careful consideration, aiming not to meet a specific number but to highlight the very best. Our list, which includes 136 titles, features novels that offer unique insights into the world through deliberate and skillful prose. It celebrates timeless classics, uncovers hidden gems, and acknowledges recent works that have already made a significant impact. Our goal was to be thorough, rigorous, and open-minded, hoping to capture the joy of discovering a must-read book.
Among the novels we selected, there are 45 debut works, nine Pulitzer Prize winners, and three children’s books. Twelve were published before the mass-market paperback era in America, and 24 after the Kindle’s introduction. Remarkably, at least 60 have faced bans by schools or libraries. Together, these books showcase the novel’s power to challenge, entertain, and transform us, leaving us more enlightened and alive. They are must-reads.