Early American. What, music?

Hey all, I've been listening to some of George Gershwin' s music lately and it sort of gives me a feel. I don't know if anyone knows what I'm talking about, or if my descriptions of what I want to read are too vague, but I want a crazy adventure story, related to Early 20th Century American happenings, whether it be about train hoppers, industrial workers, or gangsters, I need something that reads like Rhapsody in Blue sounds. If this works I have a few other requests, but I'll see how it goes...thanks in advance.

I think I'll just repost this in /mu/ as there might be a wider variety of knowledge of the type of music I'm talking about. I'll still check back here, though...

OP here again, I don't really think /mu/ will be helpful after all...(one suggestion was the Great Gatsby...) Anyhow, maybe "Spy Jazz" will get more recs? Thanks, sorry.