1

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Image: Girl with red hat

Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby captures the essence of an era defined by opulence and excess. The story follows Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and enigmatic man known for his lavish parties in West Egg, Long Island. Gatsby's unrelenting love for Daisy Buchanan, a beautiful and charming former debutante, drives the narrative forward.

As secrets unravel, the novel paints a stark picture of the American Dream's corruption , showcasing the moral decay hidden beneath the glitz and glamor of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald's prose is both lyrical and poignant , making The Great Gatsby a timeless critique of ambition, love, and loss.

2

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Image: Peter Bond

In J.D. Salinger's classic novel, The Catcher in the Rye , readers are introduced to Holden Caulfield, a teenager navigating the complexities of adolescence in 1950s New York City. Expelled from his prestigious boarding school, Holden embarks on a journey through the city, encountering a series of characters who highlight his deep sense of alienation and disillusionment with the adult world.

His candid, often cynical narrative voice offers a raw and honest look at the struggles of growing up. Salinger's portrayal of Holden's inner turmoil and his quest for authenticity amidst the phoniness of society has resonated with readers for decades, making it a perennial bestseller and a touchstone of modern American literature.

3

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Image: Kabiur Rahman Riyad

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a beloved classic that delves into themes of racism and morality through the eyes of young Scout Finch. Set in 1930s Alabama, the story follows Scout, her brother Jem, and their father, Atticus Finch, who is defending a black man, Tom Robinson, falsely accused of raping a white woman.

The novel shines through its memorable characters, especially the wise and principled Atticus and the curious, brave Scout. Lee’s writing is engaging, mixing humor and serious themes to paint a vivid picture of a small Southern town grappling with injustice.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a must-read for its powerful storytelling. It’s a book that challenges you to reflect on your values and the world around you, all while telling a captivating story.

4

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Image: Claudia Rancourt

Moby Dick is a tale of obsession and adventure on the high seas. The novel chronicles the journey of Ishmael, a sailor aboard the whaling ship Pequod, commanded by the enigmatic and vengeful Captain Ahab. Ahab's single-minded pursuit of the great white whale, Moby Dick, drives the crew into treacherous waters and difficult situations.

Through its richly detailed narrative and profound symbolism, the story explores themes of revenge, humanity, and the sublime power of nature. Melville's masterful storytelling and deep philosophical insights make Moby Dick a cornerstone of American literature and a compelling read for those who seek both adventure and reflection.

5

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

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Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath transports readers to the heart of the Dust Bowl era, painting a vivid portrait of the Joad family's journey from the barren plains of Oklahoma to the promise of a better life in California. Through the trials and tribulations of the Joads, Steinbeck exposes the harsh realities of poverty, displacement, and the exploitation of migrant workers during the Great Depression.

The novel's timeless themes of resilience, solidarity, and the pursuit of dignity resonate with readers across generations. Steinbeck's evocative prose and deeply human characters make The Grapes of Wrath a classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

6

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Image: Hans Vivek

Set during World War II, Joseph Heller's satirical masterpiece introduces us to Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier stationed on the fictional island of Pianosa. Yossarian's attempts to maintain his sanity in the face of bureaucratic absurdity and the arbitrary nature of military logic form the crux of the narrative.

The term "Catch-22" itself becomes a symbol of the absurdity and paradoxes inherent in the military system, where airmen are trapped in a no-win situation. Heller's dark humor and biting wit make Catch-22 a captivating and thought-provoking read, offering insights into the absurdities of war and the human condition. With its unconventional structure and memorable characters, this novel has rightfully earned its place as a classic American bestseller.

7

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

Image: Arno Senoner

William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury delves into the tragic decline of the Compson family, Southern aristocrats grappling with personal and social disintegration. Set in Mississippi, the novel's innovative structure and stream-of-consciousness technique vividly capture the inner turmoil of its characters.

Each of the four sections offers a unique perspective, primarily through the eyes of the Compson siblings: Benjy, Quentin, and Jason. Their stories weave a complex tapestry of time, memory, and loss, reflecting broader themes of identity and change in the American South. Faulkner's masterful storytelling makes The Sound and the Fury a poignant exploration of family, pride, and the inexorable passage of time.

8

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

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Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a seminal work in American literature, offering a vivid depiction of life along the Mississippi River in the mid-19th century. The novel follows the journey of Huckleberry Finn, a young boy who fakes his own death to escape his abusive father; and Jim, a runaway slave seeking freedom. Together, they embark on a raft adventure, encountering a series of colorful characters and challenging societal norms along the way. Through Huck's eyes, Twain addresses themes of race, identity, and moral growth with a blend of humor and biting social commentary.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remains a powerful exploration of freedom and friendship, celebrated for its authentic vernacular and enduring impact.

9

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Image: Brandi Redd

Lolita is a provocative and masterfully written novel that describes the complexities of obsession and desire. The story is narrated by Humbert Humbert, a literature professor with a disturbing infatuation for the twelve-year-old Dolores Haze, who he nicknames Lolita.

Through Humbert's eloquent yet unreliable narration, Nabokov (a Russian expatriate who became an American citizen in 1945) explores themes of manipulation, guilt, and the dark side of human nature. The novel's controversial subject matter is handled with linguistic brilliance, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Despite its challenging themes, Lolita remains a significant work for its literary artistry and its unflinching look at the intricacies of forbidden love.

10

Beloved by Tony Morrison

Image: Sibel Yıldırım

Beloved is a masterpiece that beautifully intertwines the horrors of slavery with the power of love and memory. The novel, set after the American Civil War, follows Sethe, an escaped slave, as she grapples with the haunting presence of her past.

Morrison's lyrical prose and profound storytelling bring to life the emotional and psychological scars of slavery, making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters. The ghost of Sethe's daughter, Beloved, serves as a powerful symbol of unresolved trauma and the enduring need for reconciliation.

While the themes are heavy, Morrison's compassionate and poetic approach offers a sense of hope and resilience. Beloved is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of confronting our history with honesty and empathy. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates deeply moving and thought-provoking literature.

1

Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

Image: Aman

Los Angeles’ hellish traffic is world-famous and every experienced driver in this city has her or his own shortcuts to save time. But this one is a universal one for sure.

When driving through Hollywood, never take Hollywood Boulevard . Take, instead, Franklin or Fountain to get around the tourist mayhem. And, if you want to avoid the awful traffic of a Hollywood Bowl show, try Mulholland Drive.

2

Getting to the airport in Los Angeles, California

Image: Lukas Souza

Nobody likes missing a flight. Or, at least, most of us don’t care for that particular situation. And, when driving in the terrible Los Angeles traffic, that possibility is always looming in the background.

A sound advice from frequent flyers is to avoid the freeway altogether and take Crescent Heights until it dead-ends. Then, drive through La Cienaga to La Tijera all the way to the symbols that point to the airport.

3

Leaving New York is never easy, New York City, New York

Image: Matteo Catanese

Caught at the right time, New York City traffic can be as bad as LA traffic. And, as it usually happens, commute hours are the worst. The endless crowds and vehicles getting in and out of Manhattan through the different bridges and tunnels can create some serious delays.

Brooklyn Bridge, George Washington Bridge, and the Lincoln Tunnel are some of the most congested routes during rush hours. So, if you have no other options, make sure to schedule extra time just in case the traffic is as bad as it can be.

4

I-95, Miami, Florida

Image: Baron Alloway

Another city with legendary traffic is, without a doubt, Miami. And, as usual, commute hours can be a nightmare. I-95 is a major Interstate Highway on the East Coast and the Miami section is usually very congested . If you are trying to go south from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. or north from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., you have to expect delays, since those are the peak times for commuters who work downtown.

The High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes run from north of Miami to north Dade. You can only enter these lanes before 112/I-95 and you can only get off at the Golden Glades exit. Don’t take these lanes if you are trying to go anywhere between downtown and Northwest 183rd Street as there are no exits. Also, HOT lanes only accept SunPass as payment.

5

Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Image: Neal Kharawala

Continuing with another one of the monster-traffic cities of America, we can’t avoid the Windy City. Locals say that the city has two seasons: winter and construction , as the number of blocked streets, avenues, and roads can be nerve-wracking.

A shortcut locals use when driving through Lake Shore Drive to get off on Michigan Ave, heading southbound with a final destination past Illinois Ave, is to take Inner Lake Shore Drive and avoid the heavy congestion on Michigan Ave, as well as the occasional standstills on southbound Lake Shore Drive.

6

San Felipe instead of Westheimer, Houston, Texas

Image: Kevin Hernandez

Houston locals are familiar with busy Westheimer Avenue and know better than to fall into its trap during rush hour. They’d get stuck between multiple METRO bus routes, potholes, and never-ending construction sites.

The savvy drivers instead use San Felipe to get downtown or to the Galleria in a much shorter time.

7

Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, Phoenix, Arizona

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Even the widest highway will become congested once everyone finds out about it. We are looking at you, Los Angeles. But, for a while at least, new roads offer a smooth and quiet ride to the lucky few who discover them first.

This is the case with Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. The 22-mile-long portion of the Valley beltway from 59th Avenue on the west side to Ahwatukee , which opened in late 2019, is a smooth drive. Rolling through a part of the Valley unspoiled by development, this freeway has light traffic and no, or very few, holes –for now.

8

San Diego International Airport, San Diego, California

Image: Justin Wolff

It may seem calmer compared to neighboring Los Angeles, but San Diego can have its traffic congestion, like any big city. Getting to the airport on time is always paramount and locals have tricks up their sleeves for this ride.

Drivers can take Washington Street to Pacific Highway and get to the airport that way, or they can also take Pacific Highway north to Barnett, then Lytton, then Rosecrans, then Nimitz, which can be better than going through Sassafras if there’s traffic.

9

LBJ interchange, Dallas, Texas

Image: Zack Brame

Dallas, Texas, is a major city with major traffic jams during rush hours. Trying to get to the LBJ interchange can be a recipe for disaster if you are in a hurry but there is a shortcut that can save quite some time.

If you are on the Central Expressway, you can get off at Coit Road , which will allow you to bypass the interchange. Instead, you'll wind around a corner and find yourself right back at the entrance ramps for LBJ. From there, you just wait for a light and merge back onto LBJ, having skipped over the whole mess.

10

I-35 alternatives, Austin, Texas

Image: MJ Tangonan

Texas’ hippest city, Austin has some major highways, including the I-35, Mopac Expressway (Loop 1), and Highway 183. These big highways can cause big delays if taken from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

But the city provides alternatives. Lamar Boulevard and Burnet Road provide time-saving options for I-35 . During rush hour and special events, knowing these lesser-used routes can save time.

1

Coca-Cola

Image: Bradley Pisney

A beverage so iconic that it inspired an entire genre of soft drinks named after it, Coca-Cola had its start in 1886 when it was created by pharmacist John Pemberton, who initially intended to market it as a temperance drink and medicinal tonic.

A blend of coca leaves and kola nuts (a source of caffeine), the iconic soft drink became a sensation, and soon Pemberton sold the ownership rights to Asa Griggs Candler, a businessman who transformed the Coca-Cola brand into a global powerhouse. While the ingredients have been changed a few times since its inception, the current formula remains a closely guarded trade secret, fueling much speculation and numerous attempts to uncover it.

2

Pepsi

Image: Oleg Ivanov

Developed in 1898 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham—and originally named "Brad's Drink"—Pepsi was initially conceived as a digestive aid. Its name is derived from pepsin, a digestive enzyme produced by the body, though pepsin was never actually included in the drink's formula.

Despite nearly going bankrupt in the early 1920s, Pepsi gained popularity during the Great Depression, even briefly outpacing Coca-Cola, thanks to clever marketing that appealed to budget-conscious consumers. This kickstarted a fierce rivalry, leading to bold marketing stunts, including an unlikely deal with the Soviet Union, making Pepsi the first Western product sanctioned for sale there.

3

Dr Pepper

Image: Yana Smetana

Another soft drink originally conceived in a pharmacist's lab, Dr Pepper actually predates both Coke and Pepsi. Launched in 1885 in Waco, Texas, its unique flavor sets it apart from most competitors. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has categorized Dr Pepper, much like Coca-Cola, as its own distinct type of beverage: "pepper soda."

The origin of its name is disputed. Originally, people would simply order a "Waco" at soda fountains. While some speculate the name comes from Charles T. Pepper, a doctor who gave Wade Morrison his first job (or, according to another version, gave him permission to marry his daughter), it was more likely than not a creative marketing decision, as using "Dr." in product names was a common way to suggest health benefits.

4

7UP

Image: Julian Rösner

7UP, created in 1929 by Charles Leiper Grigg, was originally marketed as "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda," as it contained lithium citrate (a mood-stabilizing drug) among its ingredients. While lithium was removed in 1948, the drink's refreshing lemon-lime flavor remained, having already become a household favorite.

The soft drink, however, didn’t quite find its market niche until it launched the "Uncola" marketing campaign in the 1970s, which positioned the soda as a distinct alternative to colas, boosting its popularity. The origin of the name 7UP remains a mystery, with speculation that it refers to the original 7-ounce bottles or the drink’s initial seven ingredients.

5

Sprite

Image: Gift Habeshaw

Introduced by Coca-Cola in 1961 to compete with 7UP, Sprite quickly became one of the leading lemon-lime sodas on the market. Interestingly, this popular soft drink didn’t originate in America but in West Germany in 1959, where it was launched as "Fanta Klare Zitrone" ("Fanta Clear Lemon" in English).

In the ‘80s, Sprite leveraged its appeal to younger generations through bold advertising campaigns and endorsements from popular musicians. Today, the brand has expanded into various flavors, including cranberry, cherry, grape, orange, tropical, ginger, and vanilla, among others.

6

Mountain Dew

Image: Shane

Mountain Dew was originally created in the 1940s by Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman as a mixer for whiskey. The name "Mountain Dew" was a colloquial term for homemade liquor, making it fitting for the soda’s Appalachian roots. However, the drink only took on its citrus-flavored, energizing modern form after being acquired by the Tip Corporation in 1961.

It remains one of the most caffeinated sodas on the market, containing 54 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can—nearly double that of Coca-Cola. This is likely what draws many soda drinkers to this flavor, as the high sugar and caffeine content can give a short-term boost of energy.

7

RC Cola

Image: Brooke Cagle

Founded in 1905 by Claud A. Hatcher, Royal Crown Cola (RC Cola) was originally created as a direct competitor to Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The soft drink was born after the Hatcher family, who were grocery store owners, could not get a discount for purchasing large volumes of Coca-Cola syrup from local distributors. Frustrated, they vowed to create their own alternative.

Despite never achieving the same market dominance as Coke or Pepsi, RC Cola soon gained a loyal following, especially in Southern states. Unlike its rivals, RC offered a slightly stronger cola flavor, which many found refreshing compared to the sweeter taste of Coke. RC Cola also innovated with the first aluminum can for sodas and was one of the first companies to produce diet sodas, such as Diet Rite.

8

Fanta

Image: Renato Trentin

Did you know that Fanta was born in Germany during World War II, of all places? After local Coca-Cola plants could no longer import syrup due to trade embargos, German businessman Max Keith created a new soda using available ingredients—which were mostly fruit scraps and whey.

Fanta quickly became a wartime favorite in Germany. After the war, Coca-Cola regained control of the plant, formula, and trademarks, introducing Fanta to the U.S. in 1955. It rapidly gained popularity as a fun, fruit-flavored alternative to traditional sodas. While Fanta's orange flavor remains its best seller, the brand now offers over 90 flavors worldwide.

9

A&W Root Beer

Image: David Lusvardi

A&W Root Beer was introduced in 1919 by Roy Allen, who first started selling it at a parade honoring returning World War I veterans. Its creamy texture and rich flavor quickly made A&W Root Beer a favorite, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream to create the now-iconic root beer float.

By 1922, Roy Allen partnered with fellow entrepreneur Frank Wright, and A&W became a franchised brand, launching one of the first fast-food chains in America that same year. Despite struggling with labor shortages and sugar rationing during World War II, the company endured and remains one of the most iconic root beer brands in America to this day.

10

Sunkist

Image: The Pop'd Shop

Sunkist, launched in 1979 by the Sunkist Growers cooperative, was introduced to tap into the American love for citrus-flavored sodas. Known and loved for its bold orange flavor, Sunkist was the first major orange soda to include caffeine in its formula, setting it apart from competitors like Crush and Fanta.

Most importantly, Sunkist's success was greatly boosted by its association with the California citrus industry. Its marketing campaigns, including the "Taste the Sun" slogan, further linked the brand to sunny, vibrant outdoor activities, making it one of the top-selling orange sodas in the U.S. for decades.