If you enjoy reading books by Budd Schulberg then you might also like the following authors:
Nathanael West wrote sharp, satirical novels that expose the dark side of the American dream, showing readers the emptiness beneath glamour and fame.
His novella, The Day of the Locust, is a vivid portrayal of disillusionment in Hollywood, filled with striking characters and biting critique of a superficial society.
John O'Hara specialized in stories about complex social interactions and the hidden tensions beneath polite society. His style is straightforward but perceptive, with an eye for how class shapes people's lives.
In Appointment in Samarra, O'Hara explores the quick downfall of a seemingly successful man, providing a sharply observed view of American life and status.
James M. Cain was known for his lean, gritty style and exploration of human desire and moral ambiguity. He tells stories about ordinary people caught up in tough situations, often driven by passion and greed.
His highly-regarded novel, The Postman Always Rings Twice, is a tense and intense story about crime, lust, and betrayal.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels reflect on ambition, love, and the elusiveness of the American dream during the Jazz Age. His graceful yet clear writing captures the lives and disappointments of the wealthy class.
The Great Gatsby is his best-known novel, a memorable story of wealth, desire, and tragedy.
Raymond Chandler's novels defined hard-boiled detective fiction, with writing known for vivid imagery, sharp dialogue, and gritty atmospheres. His stories often feature tough but morally complex detectives facing corruption and dishonesty.
The Big Sleep showcases Chandler's famous detective, Philip Marlowe, and is a classic example of crime fiction with its atmospheric Los Angeles setting and clever narration.
If you appreciate Budd Schulberg’s realistic view of gritty American life, you might enjoy Dashiell Hammett. Hammett brings vivid realism to detective fiction, focusing on complex characters navigating corruption and moral ambiguity.
His style is spare and tough, with sharp dialogue and clear-eyed observation. Try The Maltese Falcon, where detective Sam Spade confronts betrayal, greed, and elusive truths in a shady urban landscape.
Like Schulberg, Arthur Miller examines the darker side of the American dream, with a strong focus on the moral struggles and internal conflicts of everyday individuals.
Miller’s dramas often explore heavy themes like ambition, failure, integrity, and corruption, delivered through vivid, realistic dialogue. His play Death of a Salesman portrays a salesman named Willy Loman confronting disillusionment and lost hope within his quest for success.
If Schulberg's sharp social insights appeal to you, Norman Mailer might be another author worth exploring. Mailer often blends journalism, fiction, and cultural commentary to reflect modern American society.
His novel The Naked and the Dead engages deeply with human fragility, cruelty, and heroism amidst the harsh realities of war in the Pacific Theater.
Fans of Schulberg’s empathy toward ordinary people dealing with tough circumstances will probably enjoy John Steinbeck. Steinbeck’s works frequently portray struggles against economic hardship, injustice, and the complexities of human character.
With powerful storytelling and straightforward prose, his book The Grapes of Wrath vividly portrays the Joad family's difficult journey westward in search of dignity and survival during the Great Depression.
Similar to Schulberg in theater, Clifford Odets creates authentic, emotionally charged dramas that highlight social tensions and economic realities. His plays combine pointed dialogue and recognizable character portraits to reveal society’s struggles during the Great Depression.
A good example is Waiting for Lefty, which showcases ordinary workers taking collective action against injustice, capturing both their personal and political dilemmas.
Daniel Fuchs writes vividly about urban life, particularly immigrant communities and working-class struggles. He captures the raw reality of city streets and the dreams of those who inhabit them.
In his novel Summer in Williamsburg, he portrays the bustling immigrant neighborhood in Brooklyn, exploring the hopes, hardships, and conflicts of everyday people in a rapidly changing world.
Horace McCoy's novels are gritty and direct, focusing on the darker aspects of American dreams and ambitions. His characters often face harsh environments and tough moral choices.
In his best-known work, They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, McCoy showcases desperation during a Depression-era dance marathon, giving readers an unflinching look at despair and the desire for fame.
Irwin Shaw creates powerful narratives about human ambition, personal struggles, and moral conflict. His style is polished but accessible, able to draw readers into the lives of realistic and relatable characters.
In his novel The Young Lions, Shaw explores the lives of soldiers and civilians in World War II, portraying the effects of war on individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Nelson Algren writes gritty, compassionate stories about marginalized people navigating poverty, crime, and urban decay. His prose is raw but lyrical, capturing both the despair and humanity of his characters.
His novel The Man with the Golden Arm powerfully depicts addiction, desperation, and redemption in post-war Chicago's underbelly.
James T. Farrell explores working-class life with honesty and depth, often painting complex portraits of characters striving for a better life despite tough circumstances.
In his novel Studs Lonigan, Farrell charts the struggles and disappointments of an Irish-American youth growing up in Chicago, highlighting themes of ambition, identity, and the pressures of society.