Searching For My Next Book to Read - Any Suggestions

To the faithful and honorable readers of Pundit Press: I appeal to your vast knowledge and literary tastes, for I am in need of your assistance...

After years of strictly political reading - histories, biographies and as much information concerning American elections as possible - I have decided to invest myself in more fictional reading: J.R.R. Tolkien's Hobbit and soon the entire series, Stephen Crane's Red Badge and just this past week George Orwell's 1984.

I find the new pace relaxing as I shift from a strictly educating reading list to one of more literary and idealist tones. Although many will argue 1984 could not be described as anything but a political novel, I'd beg to differ as I view it as not only a retelling of the Soviet Union's bloody rise to power but of one man's fight for survival in a world where big brother knows all. A doomed fight for survival in a world of absolute cruelty.

With that said, I am looking for more classic American literature as well as fictional ideological novels for my enjoyment and personal pursuits, so consider the comments section an open thread and give me some ideas, thoughts and suggestions on what book I should jump into next.

Bonus points if it entails a military aspect, as I fell in love with the Red Badge of Courage as I was able to connect and relate with the main character - Henry Fleming - and his struggle to find himself in the regiment to which he enlisted and belonged to.

What say you?