How Books Shaped The American National Identity
by NPR STAFF
Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin was the best-selling novel of the 19th century. This copy belonged to civil rights leader Susan B. Anthony.
August 14, 2012
"Books can change the way we think and can continue to influence events long after they were written. The Library of Congress exhibit "Books That Shaped America" features 88 books — from Thomas Paine's Common Senseto Dr. Seuss' The Cat In The Hat — that have influenced national identity."
For my advanced ESL students here in China, I plan to give them this list. I think reading these books will not only improve their English, but also may give them more insight into American culture, and the big issues that have shaped our national identity. What do you think? Would you consider recommending these books to your students here in China?
Are there any you haven't read that you want to check out? Any great books you think they missed?
