Right guys, I’m off to
the U.S of A in a couple of weeks, and I thought it may be fun if I do my
favourite all-American books. Books which really capture my mental vision of
America: freedom and sunshine and all that jazz, as well as my heart. So why
don’t y’all come along with me with my book-trip across the states? I’ve also picked
the bits from the books I would love to take with me.
The Great Gatsby
Do I need to say
anything more? To me it showcased the good and bad of America, as well as
taking me on an intense ride. This book showed the dark side of the American
dream, yet there was something intoxicating about the lavish parties, and
wealth and youth. There was something classy and gritty about it all, and I
loved every second of it.
Take:
Gatsby. Come on, who wouldn’t want him as a road trip companion?
I have a confession:
I’ve always wanted to go to an American high-school. Having said that, I have a
feeling I would be more like Charlie out of Perks, than Regina George (bonus
points to everyone who gets that reference). After spending most of my teens
reading and watching sugar-coated American high school dramas, it was
refreshing to read a book that resonated true to what could be an actual
high-school experience.
Take:
That famous “infinite” moment in the car with Charlie, Sam, and Patrick
I’m quite a nostalgic
person, and The Princess Diaries was the first American YA I read. It’s the
book that caused me to fall in love with New York (despite never have being
there), plus it was just so fun! I related to Mia so much (except the whole
princess thing), and again it was me secretly living my dream of American
high-school through her (I had a small obsession when I was a teen).
Take: Fat
Louis. He’s a cool cat. And maybe a tiara…
This was the first
American classic I read, and introduced me to the harsh reality of the South in
that era. I think as much as I want to think everything is all sunshine and
flag-waving, there’s a dark side to everything, and I felt To Kill a
Mockingbird’s significance as I was reading it and found it a real eye-opener
into racism in the USA.
Take: Atticus
Finch (he’s just awesome)
Tell me what are your
all-American books in the comments below!
To Kill a Mockingbird is definitely one of my FAVE American novels, and the Perks of Being a Wallflower too. Are you visiting California by any chance? Have fun in the US Rachael!
ReplyDeleteYes I am! I'm doing a tour of the West Coast. And I'm glad you loved the books too :)
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