What are some Great Books regarding american culture?

drunkendam

I'm looking for some great books to read before college. What I'm mainly interested in is non-fiction books about American culture/history. Social criticisms about all those topics that school texts just don't explore very deeply. I guess I'm looking to be enlightened before i go on to pursue (hopefully) a career in psychology or sociology. The more Provocative the better.

Answer
the great gatsby
the crucible
grapes of wrath

i forgot the rest, but we are reading american classics this year.

Great Book recommendations?

aperson

I mainly read the classics, any recommendations will be welcome, but try to stick around the classics rather than romance or action.

First Question-
I want to read something by Gore Vidal. The other day at the library i was ther and saw the novel Lincoln, and it seemed interesting. To anyone who has read it, was it good? What book by him would you recommend. He's not a very wide read author so anything will be appreciated.

Second Question-
I buy books much quicker then i read books, and i've gotten many as gifts, and inherited some, so i have a humongous surplus. Once i'm done with my current book (The book thief) I'm going to read either
A. War and Peace
B. Crime and Punishment
C. Moby Dick

Which would you recommend?
Any other books you would recommend? Contemporary authors i will accept, but keep in mind the books i like. Don't pick a teen romance book, or a thriller.

Answer
to the first question: I like Julian by Gore Vidal. He's a great writer so I think you'll enjoy any of his books.

to the second one: The Secret History by Donna Tartt. For me it's one of the best books written in the last 20 or so years. From the classics - how about something a bit different like Master and Margarita by Bulgakov? Of course Oscar Wilde is a must too:) Dostoyevski is great, if you want to choose from your list above.

and sooo many more...

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