Looking to experience the spirit of America without leaving your couch? Fiction set in the U.S. offers a window into its culture, history, and soul. Whether you’re craving a Southern courtroom drama or a haunting tale of the post-apocalypse, American literature has something for every reader. So, grab a comfy seat—here are 10 unforgettable best fiction books set in America that you simply must read.
Classic Fiction Set in America
The Great Gatsby - Best Fiction Books
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a literary classic often ranked among the best fiction books ever written. Set in 1920s America, this novel captures the glitz, glamour, and moral decay of the Jazz Age through the enigmatic figure of Jay Gatsby and his obsessive pursuit of the American Dream.
With its lush prose, timeless themes of love, ambition, and illusion, The Great Gatsby offers a powerful critique of wealth and social class. Its vivid portrayal of East and West Egg makes it an essential read for anyone exploring iconic American literature and one of the best fiction books set in the U.S.
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To Kill a Mockingbird - Best Fiction Books
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is largely recognized as one of the best American-set fiction novels, combining powerful storytelling with profound social insight.
The story is set in the racially volatile town of Maycomb, Alabama, in the 1930s, and follows little Scout Finch as her father, Atticus, defends a Black man wrongfully accused of assault.
Readers are shown the terrible realities of racism, justice, and moral growth via Scout’s naive eyes. Lee’s brilliant storyline and compelling characters transform this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel into a timeless investigation of humanity.
Its continuing significance places it among the best fiction books in American literature.
The Grapes of Wrath - Best Fiction Books
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is a timeless classic and a powerful contender among the best fiction books set in America.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, published in 1939, depicts the Joad family’s journey from Dust Bowl-ravaged Oklahoma to the promised land of California during the Great Depression.
Through vivid imagery and raw emotion, Steinbeck exposes the harsh realities of poverty, displacement, and inequality while celebrating human resilience and solidarity. With its profound social commentary and unforgettable characters,
The Grapes of Wrath remains one of the best fiction books that capture the American spirit and its enduring struggles.
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Beloved - Best Fiction Books
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s Beloved stands as a haunting masterpiece and an essential entry among the best fiction books set in America.
Set after the Civil War, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores the brutal legacy of slavery through the story of Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman haunted—both literally and figuratively—by her past. Morrison weaves together memory, trauma, and motherhood in a lyrical narrative that blends realism with supernatural elements.
Beloved is deeply rooted in American history, making it not just a powerful story of survival and identity, but also a profound commentary on the nation’s darkest chapter, earning its place among America’s literary greats.
The Road - Best Fiction Books
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy’s The Road stands as a haunting masterpiece among the best fiction books set in America.
Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows a father and son’s harrowing journey across a desolate, ash-covered America. With minimal dialogue and stark prose, McCarthy paints a bleak yet deeply moving portrait of survival, love, and the enduring human spirit.
The emotional depth and stunning imagery make it an unforgettable read that lingers long after the last page. For readers exploring the best fiction books rooted in American settings, The Road is a profound and essential addition to the list.
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Where the Crawdads Sing - Best Fiction Books
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a hauntingly beautiful novel that effortlessly earns its place among the best fiction books set in America.
Set in the marshes of North Carolina, the story follows Kya Clark, a mysterious “Marsh Girl” abandoned by her family and shunned by society.
Blending a coming-of-age tale with a gripping murder mystery, Owens explores themes of loneliness, resilience, and the healing power of nature.
The rich, atmospheric setting and lyrical prose transport readers deep into the wild Southern landscape, making it a standout in American literary fiction and a must-read for fans of emotionally powerful storytelling.
Contemporary Best Fiction Books Set in America
There There - Best Fiction Books
There There by Tommy Orange
There There by Tommy Orange is a groundbreaking novel that deserves a spot among the best fiction books set in America.
Centered around a diverse cast of Native American characters converging at a powwow in Oakland, California, the novel explores identity, heritage, and the urban Indigenous experience with raw honesty.
Orange masterfully weaves multiple narratives, shedding light on generational trauma and cultural survival in modern America. His vivid storytelling and emotionally resonant prose bring visibility to a community often overlooked in literature.
There There is not just a powerful read—it’s a vital American story that redefines what it means to belong.
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The Underground Railroad - Best Fiction Books
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Underground Railroad, a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Colson Whitehead, reimagines the historical escape network as a real underground railroad system.
The novel, which follows Cora, a young enslaved woman who is trying to find freedom, combines historical fiction with speculative aspects to create a compelling and eerie story.
It is one of the best fiction books that addresses America’s violent past because of Whitehead’s incisive style and compelling storytelling.
This captivating novel, which is set in pre-Civil War America, is both an unforgettable literary voyage and a moving meditation on history.
Litlle Fires Eveywhere - Best Fiction Books
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere is a gripping addition to the top American fiction novels.
The book examines complicated issues of parenthood, privilege, racism, and identity while taking place in the peaceful Ohio suburb of Shaker Heights. Ng deftly dispels the idea of perfection through the entwined lives of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the mysterious mother-daughter pair, Mia and Pearl.
Little Fires Everywhere has established itself as one of the most influential and socially relevant American novels of the past several years because of its deep character development and provocative plot.
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American Dirt - Best Fiction Books
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is a gripping and emotional novel that deserves its place among the best fiction books set in America.
The story follows Lydia, a Mexican woman forced to flee to the United States with her son after a drug cartel murders their family. With powerful storytelling and a harrowing journey across the border, the novel sheds light on the immigrant experience with raw intensity.
American Dirt explores themes of survival, hope, and resilience, making it an essential read for fans of thought-provoking fiction.
Tips for Exploring More Fiction Set in the U.S.
- Explore local authors by state or region.
- Look into book clubs focused on American fiction.
- Search for themes like immigration, race, or coming-of-age.
- Use Goodreads lists or library recommendations.
- Don’t shy away from indie publishers—they often spotlight underrepresented voices.
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Conclusion
America is more than a place—it’s an idea, a dream, a struggle. These 10 fiction books capture its essence through stories that stick with you long after the last page. Whether you’re new to American literature or a seasoned reader, these novels offer both heart and insight.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick one and dive into the rich, complex, and captivating world of fiction set in America.
Frequently asked questions
It reflects American culture, values, conflicts, or settings—often exploring themes like freedom, identity, and social justice.
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The Grapes of Wrath, Beloved, and The Underground Railroad offer deep historical context through powerful storytelling.
Start with regional reading lists or check out local bookstores and libraries—they often have curated selections.
Absolutely! They showcase a variety of ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds, enriching the American literary landscape.
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