The Iconic America Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge Books by Topic

*Indicates a book from an Iconic America contributor

Fenway Park

The Franchise: Boston Red Sox: A Curated History of the Red Sox by Sean McAdam

Discover the untold stories that shaped the iconic identity of this beloved franchise through a series of captivating essays. The book’s first chapter is entirely dedicated to Fenway Park, offering a fascinating exploration of the ballpark’s rich history and its enduring significance to the team and its supporters. 

*Papi: My Story by David Ortiz

In this inspiring memoir, baseball legend David Ortiz – known affectionately as “Big Papi” – shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic to superstardom in the Major Leagues. With honesty, humor, and heart, Ortiz reflects on his early struggles, his rise to fame with the Boston Red Sox, and the life-changing events that shaped his career and personal life.

*Shut Out: A Story of Race and Baseball in Boston by Howard Bryant

Explore the complex history of race relations in Boston through the lens of one of its most beloved institutions in this poignant and insightful work by noted sports writer and Boston native Howard Bryant. Through compelling interviews with black players who experienced firsthand the racial divide in the city, and a groundbreaking chapter on Jackie Robinson’s ill-fated tryout with the Boston Red Sox, this book offers a powerful exploration of the intersections of race, sports, and society.

The Hollywood Sign

*Hollywood: The Oral History by Sam Wasson

Featuring interviews with over four hundred luminaries of the silver screen, including Steven Spielberg, Katharine Hepburn, Meryl Streep, and Harold Lloyd, this book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the history of cinema, from its early beginnings to the present day. 

Interior Chinatown: A Novel by Charles Yu

This critically acclaimed novel blends satire, humor, and heart. Following the life of aspiring actor, Willis Wu and his dreams of making it big in Hollywood. But as he navigates the racial stereotypes and barriers of the entertainment industry, he begins to question whether he can ever truly escape the confines of his identity as a “Generic Asian Man.”

*The Hollywood Sign: Fantasy and Reality of an American Icon by Leo Braudy

Take a journey through the history and mythology of one of America’s most iconic symbols with “The Hollywood Sign” by Leo Braudy. This fascinating work explores the many layers of meaning and significance behind the famous landmark, from its humble origins as a real estate advertisement to its current status as a global icon of the entertainment industry. Drawing on a wealth of cultural references and historical research, Braudy delves into the complex relationships between Hollywood and American culture.

The Gadsden Flag

*The American Experiment: Dialogues on a Dream by David M. Rubenstein

Offering engaging dialogues with prominent figures that analyze the challenges facing the country in the 21st century. Digging into the history and future of the United States, this book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the American Dream and its enduring impact on the nation’s identity. Additionally, this book explores the Gadsden Flag, a symbol of American independence and freedom, its origins, and significance.

*Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson

A captivating biography that sheds new light on one of America’s founding fathers. Isaacson expertly captures Franklin’s intellectual curiosity, political savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit, while also delving into his personal life and relationships. This fascinating and well-researched book is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and legacy of one of America’s most iconic figures.

Flags of our Fathers by James Bradley and Ron Powers

A gripping account of the six men who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II, including a discussion of the Gadsden flag as a symbol of American patriotism.

The Cowboy

Black Cowboys in the American West: On the Range, on the Stage, behind the Badge by Miantae Metcalf McConnell

Who were the Black cowboys? They were drovers, foremen, fiddlers, cowpunchers, cattle rustlers, cooks, and singers. They worked as wranglers, riders, ropers, bulldoggers, and bronc busters. They came from varied backgrounds—some grew up in slavery, while free Blacks often got their start in Texas and Mexico. Most who joined the long trail drives were men, but Black women also rode and worked on western ranches and farms.

*Texas Women and Ranching: On the Range, at the Rodeo, and in Their Communities by Diana Vela

A captivating tribute to the many remarkable women who have contributed to the ranching legacy in Texas. Through engaging stories and historical accounts, Vela paints a vivid picture of the critical roles that women have played in shaping the state’s ranching culture, from the cattle drives of the 19th century to the modern-day rodeo circuit.

Outlawed by Anna North

In this novel by Anna North, the traditional male-dominated Western is reimagined with women, nonbinary people, and Black people taking center stage as law-breaking cowboys in a mid-1890s American West recovering from a devastating flu outbreak. Ada, an 18-year-old barren woman, joins the infamous Hole in the Wall Gang and its mysterious leader, known only as The Kid, on a series of adventures that challenge societal norms and redefine what it means to be an outlaw.

The Statue of Liberty

*Emma Lazarus by Esther Schor

Emma Lazarus’s most famous poem gave a voice to the Statue of Liberty, but her remarkable story has remained a mystery until now. Drawing upon a cache of personal letters undiscovered until the 1980s, Esther Schor brings this vital woman to life in all her complexity—as a feminist, a Zionist, and a trailblazing Jewish-American writer. 

Liberty’s Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty by Elizabeth Mitchell

A fascinating historical account of the creation of one of America’s most iconic landmarks. Mitchell delves into the story behind the statue’s creation, from the initial idea to its design and construction. Along the way, she explores the cultural and political context of the time and the personalities involved in bringing the statue to life. This is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the story of one of its most enduring symbols.

*White Freedom: The Racial History of an Idea by Tyler Stovall

Tyler Stovall explores the complex and often contradictory history of the concept of freedom, particularly as it has been used to justify racial hierarchies and inequalities.

From the Enlightenment to the present day, Stovall traces the evolution of the idea of “white freedom,” revealing how it has been used to justify everything from colonialism and slavery to segregation and immigration restrictions. By unpacking the racial underpinnings of this powerful concept, Stovall offers a fresh perspective on the history of modern Western thought and its ongoing impact on contemporary politics and culture.

The American Bald Eagle

*The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird by Jack E. Davis

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack E. Davis offers a fascinating exploration of the iconic bird that has come to symbolize America. Davis traces the history of the bald eagle, from its near-extinction due to hunting and habitat destruction to its successful recovery thanks to conservation efforts. Along the way, he delves into the cultural significance of the bird and its place in American identity. 

Eagles and Empire: The United States, Mexico, and the Struggle for a Continent by David A. Clary 

A sweeping account of the complex history between the United States and Mexico, and their shared struggle for dominance over the North American continent. From the Spanish conquest to the modern era, Clary traces the intertwined political, economic, and cultural developments that have shaped the two nations and their relations. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, he offers a fascinating perspective on the past and present of this critical geopolitical relationship.

Return of the Eagle: How America Saved Its National Symbol by Greg Breining

This book chronicles the efforts of scientists, conservationists, and concerned citizens who worked tirelessly to save and protect the bald eagle from the brink of extinction to a thriving population. With vivid descriptions of the eagle’s behavior, habitat, and stunning recovery, this is a fascinating exploration of America’s enduring fascination with this iconic symbol of freedom and resilience.

Stone Mountain

Atlanta’s Stone Mountain: A Multicultural History by Lora Pond Mirza and Paul Stephen Hudson

Stone Mountain, an iconic landmark of Georgia, is explored in this fascinating book. The authors delve into its history, from its origins as a sacred site for indigenous people to its current status as a tourist attraction. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, they uncover the layers of meaning and controversy surrounding this complex site. With a diverse range of sources, from historical records to personal interviews, the book explores how Stone Mountain has shaped and been shaped by the diverse communities of Atlanta.

*Blessed Experiences: Genuinely Southern, Proudly Black by James E. Clyburn

James E. Clyburn takes readers on a journey through his life as a civil rights leader, politician, and son of the South. From growing up in a segregated community to working alongside icons like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, Clyburn’s memoir provides an intimate look at the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement. Through his personal reflections and political insights, Clyburn offers a poignant and inspiring account of what it means to be genuinely Southern and proudly Black.

*Protecting Whiteness: Whitelash and the Rejection of Racial Equality by Cameron Lippard

Cameron Lippard offers a powerful examination of the ways in which white Americans have fought to maintain a privileged status in a changing society while exploring our history to reveal how the politics of fear have shaped our nation’s racial identity. Drawing on a wealth of research and interviews with activists, politicians, and ordinary citizens, Lippard provides a perspective on the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Building the Golden Gate Bridge: A Workers’ Oral History by Harvey Schwartz

Through interviews with workers and their families, Schwartz uncovers the personal stories around the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, revealing the sacrifices, struggles, and camaraderie that characterized this extraordinary feat of engineering. Illustrated with rare photographs, this book offers a compelling look at the history of the Golden Gate Bridge and the people who made it possible.

Golden Gate Bridge: History and Design of an Icon by Donald MacDonald

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks, captivating people with its elegant design and stunning views for over eight decades. In this beautifully illustrated book, architect and historian Donald MacDonald tells the fascinating story behind the creation of the bridge, from its early conceptualization to the engineering marvel that it is today. 

Golden Gate: The Life and Times of America’s Greatest Bridge by Kevin Starr

From its origins as a controversial engineering project to its current status as a beloved landmark, Starr traces the bridge’s fascinating evolution through the decades. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources and interviews with key figures, he weaves together a compelling narrative that illuminates both the bridge’s technical achievements and its cultural impact on America and the world.