Independence Day 2015 Celebration & Reading List: Classic Books to Remember

Fourth of July means celebration, and, as Telegraph suggests, there are a multitude of ways to remember this festive event: from fireworks, float parades, trips to Mount Rushmore or loud concerts.

Every year, most of us celebrate Independence Day through parties and events, but one can also commemorate this day quietly by reading classic books that show the different colors of America.

1. The House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1851

This tale of greed and repercussions begins when Colonel Pyncheon eyes a land that was already another man's property.

Set during the time when Salem witches were executed, Pyncheon started accusations that the man is associated with witchcraft. He then built a house on the acquired land known as the Seven Gables.

Before Maule's death, he left a curse during his execution that will go down in the Pyncheon bloodline for years. However, the arrival of a young woman might just be the key to end the years of ill fate and tragedies of the cursed house.

In 1940, the book was adapted into a drama film starring George Sanders, Margaret Lindsay and Vincent Price. 

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, 1868

The fantastic tale of these four little women starts in a gloomy Christmas. During the Civil War, four girls yearn for their father, who is serving in the war, and for extravagant luxuries, which their poor family cannot afford.

The enlightening story shows how four young girls, materialistic Meg, boyish Jo, shy Beth and vain Amy, grow to become American women.

This classic tale shows more than just young ladies (and gentlemen) in gowns and gloves; it is filled with amusing mistakes, embarrassing stories and youthful adventures.

3. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1920

Fitzgeralds' first book is about a handsome Amory Blaine and his pampered life at Princeton. Amory is just one of the many other "college men" in America.

With failing marks, vices and love affairs, the Blaine's story kickstarted Fitzgerald's success in writing. He is the well-known author of popular books such as "The Great Gatsby" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Their silver screen adaptations also became great hits.

4. Of Mice and Men by John Steinback, 1920

Set in the 1930s, the story centers around two men in the labor class of America, who are trying to find work.

Lennie is a big, strong man but mentally disabled. His companion, George, looks after him as they work together for their dream: a farm and land all to themselves.

The book gives an in-depth exploration of the laborers' experiences including their dreams, unpleasant times, lost chances and unpredictable fates.

This tale that, for others, may seem too short and boring, holds an extremely shocking and heartbreaking climax. 

These classic works show an America that's different from the current time. The books also tackle problems and issues of the society. Each story is representative of its time and generation as well as unravels the true face of America.

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