A bit of diversion for those surfing while watching the Olympics.
What do you consider to be the "Great American Novel" and why? I've included a poll with the usual suspect but feel free to pick something not on the list.
The poll is not exhaustive by any means (I had no room for the the Rad Badge of Courage, the Color Purple, Slaughter House Five and many others.)
I kind of go back and forth myself but I think my choice would have to be The Great Gatsby. It combines the classic American story of the "self-made man" and looks at the dark side inherent in creating that illusion. Nick's "traditional" mid-west values are tested by the "modern" mores of the East coast. I've read it many times and there's always something new to be discovered. Tom & Daisy are so horrible -- what does it say about our country that we make gods of these glamorous but wretched people? Is Gatsby a tragic hero or a pathetic sap or something else altogether?
My runner-up is not even on my shortlist poll -- Tom Sawyer. (Huckleberry Finn is supposed to be the "grown-up book). But If Gatsby the dark side of the American Dream, then Tom Sawyer is light & optimism. Tom typifies American ingenuity, and our never say die attitude.
So when you hear the words "Great American Novel" what springs to your mind?