Book clubs and literary communities also influence which novels are considered the best loved. They discuss and recommend books to each other. A novel like 'Gone with the Wind' has been a staple in many book clubs, and its popularity in these groups has added to its status as a well - loved American novel.
One of the contenders for Americas best loved novel could be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deals with themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South, and its characters like Atticus Finch have become iconic.
Well, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is surely among Americas best loved novels. It's a complex and epic tale of a whaling voyage. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, although written by a British author, is also very popular in America. It's a classic love story with great character development and social commentary.
For 'To Kill a Mockingbird', it's because it tackles important social issues like racism in a way that's accessible and moving. The characters are well - drawn and the story is both heart - breaking and inspiring.
Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference. Different readers may have different criteria for what makes a novel the 'best'. Some might focus on the historical accuracy, while others on the development of characters or the excitement of the plot.
There's no single entity that decides. Critics play a large role. They analyze aspects like writing style, character development, and thematic depth. For example, literary critics in respected publications often give high praise to novels with unique and engaging prose.
It could be a combination of different entities. Some well - known literary institutions or magazines might put together a panel of experts. These experts have studied literature extensively and can judge a novel based on its literary merit. For example, they might look at how well a novel uses symbolism or how it develops its characters over time. Sometimes, book clubs or groups of avid readers also contribute to the idea of what should be in the '100 best novels' through their discussions and preferences.
Typically, a panel of judges decides the award for best novel. These judges are often made up of literary critics, authors, and sometimes representatives from the publishing industry.
Some of them could be 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It's a classic that deals with themes of racial injustice in the American South. Another might be 'The Great Gatsby', which explores the decadence and dreams of the Jazz Age. And 'Pride and Prejudice' is also likely to be among them as it is a beloved novel worldwide with its exploration of love and social class in 19th - century England.
It's a combination of things really. Readers play a huge part. If a large number of readers love a science fiction book and recommend it to others, it starts to gain a reputation as one of the best. Critics also have a say. Professional book critics who specialize in science fiction can highlight a book's strengths, such as its unique concepts, well - developed characters, or engaging plot. Awards also contribute. For example, the Hugo and Nebula awards are highly respected in the science fiction community. Winning one of these awards often puts a book in the 'best' category.
They were probably selected based on a combination of factors like popularity over time. Novels that have been read and studied for decades are likely to be included. Also, critical acclaim plays a role. If a novel has been highly praised by literary critics, it stands a good chance of being on the list.