The Greatest American "Fiction, Travel" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

Travel

The "Travel" category of books encompasses a wide range of literature that focuses on exploring new places, cultures, and experiences. These books can be memoirs, guidebooks, travelogues, or even fiction that takes the reader on a journey to a different part of the world. The genre is characterized by its emphasis on adventure, discovery, and personal growth, as well as its ability to transport readers to far-off lands and immerse them in new and exciting cultures. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next trip or simply want to explore the world from the comfort of your own home, the Travel category has something for everyone.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

American

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

    The novel follows the journey of a young boy named Huckleberry Finn and a runaway slave named Jim as they travel down the Mississippi River on a raft. Set in the American South before the Civil War, the story explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the hypocrisy of society. Through various adventures and encounters with a host of colorful characters, Huck grapples with his personal values, often clashing with the societal norms of the time.

    The 24th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Moviegoer by Walker Percy

    The protagonist, a young stockbroker in New Orleans, is alienated, detached, and finds more reality in movies and books than in his everyday life. He searches for meaning in life, often through his relationships with his aunt and his cousin, while also dealing with existential dread and the impending reality of turning 30. This exploration of alienation and search for identity in the modern world won the National Book Award for Fiction.

    The 192nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

    In a post-apocalyptic world, a father and his young son journey through a desolate landscape, struggling to survive. They face numerous threats including starvation, extreme weather, and dangerous encounters with other survivors. The father, who is terminally ill, is driven by his love and concern for his son, and is determined to protect him at all costs. The story is a haunting exploration of the depths of human resilience, the power of love, and the instinct to survive against all odds.

    The 301st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles

    "The Sheltering Sky" is a novel about an American couple, Port and Kit Moresby, who travel to the North African desert accompanied by their friend Tunner. The journey, initially an attempt to cure their marital woes, quickly descends into a harrowing journey of self-discovery and exploration of the human condition. As they move further into the desert, the harsh environment and their isolation from the outside world push them to their psychological limits, leading to devastating consequences.

    The 495th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

    This epic fantasy novel is set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, where 'summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime'. The story follows three main plot lines: the Stark family's struggle to control the North; the exiled Targaryen siblings' attempt to regain the throne; and the Night's Watch's fight against the supernatural beings beyond the Wall. As these stories intertwine, a game of power, politics, and survival unfolds, where you either win or you die.

    The 565th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Daisy Miller by Henry James

    "Daisy Miller" is a novella that explores the social differences between American and European society in the late 19th century. The story follows a young, affluent American woman named Daisy Miller, who defies societal norms while traveling in Europe. Her flirtatious behavior and disregard for European customs create a scandal among the upper-class expatriate community, particularly catching the attention of a young American man who is both attracted to and repulsed by her nonconformity. Ultimately, Daisy's refusal to conform to societal expectations leads to her downfall.

    The 1430th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. At Play in the Fields of the Lord by Peter Matthiessen

    This novel is a deep exploration of clashes between cultures, religions and personal desires, set in the South American jungle. The story focuses on two North American adventurers who are hired to bomb a remote missionary outpost, a zealous evangelical minister trying to convert a tribe of Amazonian Indians, and the Indians themselves, who are struggling to maintain their way of life. The narrative delves into the moral and spiritual dilemmas faced by each character, and the tragic consequences of misunderstanding and intolerance.

    The 3195th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

    In this heartwarming tale, a china rabbit named Edward Tulane embarks on a miraculous journey of self-discovery. From being lost at sea to finding himself in the hands of various owners, Edward learns the true meaning of love, loss, and the importance of opening one's heart to others. Through his encounters with different people, Edward's once cold and self-centered nature gradually transforms, as he learns to value the connections he forms and the impact he can have on the lives of those around him.

    The 5018th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Dogs of March by Ernest Hebert

    The book follows the story of a man named Howard Elman who is struggling to make ends meet in a small town in New Hampshire. After his wife leaves him and he loses his job, Howard is forced to confront the harsh realities of his life. As he grapples with poverty, isolation, and his own personal demons, Howard must also contend with the changing landscape of his town as it is overtaken by urban development. The novel paints a vivid picture of rural life and the struggles of the working class, touching on themes of resilience, survival, and the human condition.

    The 6282nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. You Shall Know Our Velocity by Dave Eggers

    Two childhood friends embark on a week-long, round-the-world adventure, determined to give away a large sum of money they recently acquired. The journey is filled with absurd and often humorous encounters as they struggle to make sense of their friend's recent death and their own place in the world. The narrative explores themes of grief, friendship, and the human capacity for altruism and selflessness.

    The 6851st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. How The Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With The History Of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

    "How The Word Is Passed" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the legacy of slavery in America. Through a series of vivid and evocative essays, author Clint Smith takes readers on a journey across the United States, visiting sites that are deeply connected to the history of slavery and its aftermath. From Monticello to Angola Prison, Smith offers a nuanced and insightful look at the ways in which slavery has shaped our country and continues to impact our lives today. With a clear-eyed and compassionate approach, "How The Word Is Passed" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and ongoing legacy of slavery in America.

    The 8294th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Less by Andrew Sean Greer

    The novel follows a failing writer about to turn 50, who receives an invitation to his ex-boyfriend's wedding. In order to avoid the event, he decides to accept every literary invitation he's been given and embarks on an around-the-world journey. As he travels from Paris to India, Berlin to Japan, he finds himself facing the big questions about love, aging, and how to live a life that matters.

    The 10782nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download