If you enjoy reading books by Mark Twain then you might also like the following authors:
Ambrose Bierce had a sharp wit and a dark sense of humor. He wrote stories that often explored the stranger sides of life and death. “The Devil’s Dictionary” is a collection of satirical definitions that poke fun at society and human nature.
In “Tales of Soldiers and Civilians,” he shares gripping stories about war and its harsh realities. Some of his work might remind you of Mark Twain’s ability to mix humor with sharp criticism, but Bierce often takes a darker route.
Bret Harte wrote stories that captured life in the American West. “The Luck of Roaring Camp” tells about a newborn baby bringing hope to a rough mining town. “The Tales of the Argonauts” is a collection of stories that focus on the lives of gold prospectors and settlers.
His works often highlight the challenges and human connections of frontier life.
O. Henry wrote with a clever wit and loved unexpected endings. His stories often center on ordinary people and their lives. In “Cabbages and Kings,” he weaves together tales of a fictional Central American town filled with colorful characters and political intrigue.
Another book, “The Four Million,” explores life in New York City, focusing on the small dramas and struggles of everyday folks. Fans of Mark Twain might enjoy his humor and sharp observations about human nature.
Joel Chandler Harris is best remembered for his “Uncle Remus” stories, which focus on African American folklore and the adventures of characters like Br’er Rabbit.
Another book, “Nights with Uncle Remus,” continues these tales, sharing more stories passed down through oral tradition. He also wrote “Mingo and Other Sketches in Black and White,” which explores themes of Southern life and culture during his time.
Stephen Crane wrote stories that pull readers into intense and vivid worlds. His novel “The Red Badge of Courage” explores the fear and courage of a young soldier in the Civil War.
In “Maggie: A Girl of the Streets,” he tells the story of a young woman trying to survive in rough urban poverty.
Crane’s writing dives into the raw realities of life, showing struggles and emotions in a way that’s easy to connect with, especially if you enjoy Mark Twain’s knack for capturing human experience.
Jack London wrote stories about survival and the struggle between humans and nature. In “The Call of the Wild,” a dog named Buck is taken to the Arctic and must adapt to the harsh wilderness.
“White Fang” tells the story of a wolf-dog living in the wild and later finding a bond with humans. Another novel, “Martin Eden,” explores the life of a man trying to rise above poverty while chasing his dream of becoming a writer.
William Dean Howells was a friend of Mark Twain, and his writing has a sharp eye for everyday life. His novel “The Rise of Silas Lapham” follows a businessman trying to navigate wealth and social standing.
“A Modern Instance” deals with the breakdown of a marriage, touching on morality and relationships. If you enjoy Twain’s wit and observations, you might find Howells’s take on society worth a look.
Sinclair Lewis wrote books that often looked at American society and its flaws. In “Main Street,” he focuses on small-town life and the pressures to conform. “Babbitt” tells the story of a middle-aged businessman caught between his ambitions and a sense of emptiness.
Another of his works, “Elmer Gantry,” explores the world of a corrupt preacher and the hypocrisy in organized religion. His writing often pointed out the contradictions in people’s lives.
Edgar Wilson Nye, known for his humor, wrote light-hearted books that poke fun at everyday life. “Bill Nye and Boomerang” brings together short stories packed with wit, focusing on quirky small-town characters and their antics.
“Baled Hay” is a collection of humorous sketches that mix satire with observations of rural life. Fans of Mark Twain might enjoy Nye’s playful style and his ability to find humor in ordinary situations.
James Thurber is known for his humor and wit. His novel “The 13 Clocks” is a whimsical fairy tale about a prince trying to rescue a princess. Another classic, “The Wonderful O”, tells the story of pirates who banish the letter “O” from an island, creating chaos in the process.
Both books showcase his unique way of blending fantasy and humor.
Charles Dudley Warner was a close friend of Mark Twain, and they even co-wrote a satirical novel called “The Gilded Age,” poking fun at greed and corruption in post-Civil War America.
Another of Warner’s works, “My Winter on the Nile,” reflects on his travels in Egypt, weaving in cultural and historical observations with humor.
His book “A Little Journey in the World” explores themes of wealth and morality, telling the story of a woman navigating high society. Fans of Twain’s wit and social commentary might find Warner’s works worth checking out.
Frank Stockton wrote stories that often mixed humor with imaginative plots. One of his popular works is “The Lady, or the Tiger?” which explores a lover’s dilemma in a kingdom ruled by bizarre justice.
Another book, “Rudder Grange,” follows the quirky adventures of a couple who turn a canal boat into their home. His writing tends to focus on clever storytelling and unique situations.
Ring Lardner wrote stories filled with humor and a sharp sense of everyday life. If you’re a fan of Mark Twain, you might enjoy how Lardner captures the quirks of people.
His book “You Know Me Al” is about a young baseball player writing letters that reveal more about himself than he realizes. Another one, “The Big Town,” looks at ambition and the challenges of fitting in a new city. Both books mix wit with a good dose of human nature.
John Steinbeck wrote stories that explore ordinary people and their struggles. In “The Grapes of Wrath,” he tells the story of a family forced to leave their farm during the Great Depression.
“Of Mice and Men” follows two migrant workers with a dream of a better life but shows how fragile that dream can be. Both books deal with themes of hardship and friendship.
Thornton Wilder wrote stories that explore human connections and the passage of time. In “Our Town,” he captures small-town life while reflecting on what makes life meaningful.
“The Bridge of San Luis Rey” centers on a tragic bridge collapse and uncovers the lives of the people involved. His works often focus on universal themes, which might appeal if you enjoy Mark Twain’s way of exploring human nature.