Book Marks is delighted to be supporting The Great American Read—an exciting new eight-part PBS series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.
The television series features entertaining and informative documentary segments, with compelling testimonials from celebrities, authors, notable Americans and book lovers across the country. It is comprised of a two-hour launch episode in which the list of 100 books is revealed, five one-hour theme episodes that examine concepts common to groups of books on the list, and a finale, in which the results are announced of a nationwide vote to choose America’s best-loved book.
The Great American Read premieres tonight, May 22nd at 8 pm ET, with a special two-hour introductory episode which kicks off a summer campaign on digital and social platforms, as well as community events across the nation. The series then returns with themed episodes on Tuesday, Sept 11 at 8 pm ET, and the Grand Finale will air on Tuesday, October 23 at 8 pm ET.
The day after each themed episode airs we’ll be casting an eye back through our Classic Review Archives to bring you a curated selection of the first reviews of every iconic book discussed, from Lonesome Dove to The Lord of the Rings, A Confedercy of Dunces to Americanah, The Godfather to Gone Girl, and much more.
We’re eager to find out what book takes home the title of America’s Best-Loved Novel when the announcement is made in October, but before then we’ve got heaps of archival gems to share with you all.
Come rediscover some classics with us!
