Semiquincentennial

Great writers are also great readers, which is why we trust them to give the best book recommendations. To celebrate 250 years of storytelling, we asked some of our favorite authors to share what they consider The Great American Novel, and they came up with a wide range of essential books that capture the spirit of American literature through powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters.

From timeless travelogues like Travels with Charley to cult classics like On the Road and epic journeys like American Rambler, these stories capture the heart of the nation.

What makes a classic so beloved? Stories that stand the test of time, inspire a new perspective and celebrate real, human feelings. Or, sometimes, animal feelings. No matter who the main character is, whether it's Wilbur the pig or Frog and Toad, we often find ourselves revisiting these stories for good reason: they stick with us. Here are the timeless children's classics to celebrate literature for little readers.

From timeless voices like Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost to contemporary poets like Amanda Gorman and boundary-pushing artists like Tupac Shakur, discover unforgettable poetry collections from across the United States.

As we celebrate 250 years of stories, it’s the perfect time to revisit the classic works that built the foundation for modern literature.

From little-known accounts to in-depth timelines and fresh perspectives, these books are packed with impressive history that will fascinate any reader.

Spark your next adventure with a little inspiration from guides, atlases, travelogues and memoirs. The best books about national parks don’t just tell you about these wondrous places, they pull you into their mountains, forests, rivers and canyons.