PBS today unveiled a list of America’s 100 best-loved novels, chosen in support of THE GREAT AMERICAN READ, a new PBS series and multi-platform initiative that celebrates the joy of reading and the books we love. THE GREAT AMERICAN READ,
hosted by television personality and journalist Meredith Vieira,
launches with a two-hour episode on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 8 p.m. on
PBS stations and will introduce viewers to the full list of America’s 100 favorite novels selected through a demographically representative national survey conducted by YouGov.
The series will also feature interviews with celebrities, authors,
superfans and everyday Americans discussing the way particular books
have influenced them and their significance in American popular culture.
Then, after a multi-platform initiative throughout the summer, which
will include live public events, social media components and national
reading clubs, the series will resume in the fall with several themed
episodes, including an exciting finale, culminating in the first-ever
national vote to choose “America’s Best-Loved Novel.” It will be the
most expansive national celebration of books and reading aimed at
engaging multi-generational readers across multiple platforms ever
created.
“There is perhaps no greater experience than discovering a
novel that takes hold of you, works itself into your heart and your
mind, changes the way you think or takes you into another world,” said
Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO. “With THE GREAT AMERICAN READ,
we will leverage our combined broadcast and digital presence, along
with the strong local connections of PBS member stations, to inspire a
national conversation about beloved books and the power of reading.”
“The
100 novels selected have a special place in our hearts as they share
our stories and celebrate the depth and range of our culture,” said Jane
Root, CEO and founder of Nutopia. “I have no idea which book will come
out on top, but I am so excited to join the journey and discover
America’s most loved novel.”
Voting will open with the launch of
the two-hour premiere episode on May 22 and continue throughout the
summer, leading up to the grand finale in October 2018. Over the summer,
viewers will be able to vote at pbs.org/greatamericanread
and through hashtag voting via Facebook and Twitter using
#GreatReadPBS. In the fall, viewers will also be able to cast their vote
toll-free by phone and through SMS texting.
Authors, celebrities
and notables joining the search for “America’s Best-Loved Novel” include
Diana Gabaldon, George Lopez, Seth Meyers, Lauren Graham, John Green,
John Irving, Bill T. Jones, Devon Kennard, Gayle King, George R.R.
Martin, Wynton Marsalis, Lesley Stahl, Ming-Na Wen and many more, each
of whom will share their personal stories and connections to their
favorite book.
Whether it’s rediscovering an old favorite or engaging with a new title, THE GREAT AMERICAN READ
program will encourage people to read as many novels as they can from
the top 100 list, discuss them in virtual and community events organized
by local public television stations, libraries and book reading clubs,
and vote all summer for their favorites. The campaign will culminate in a
list of America’s favorite works of fiction and ultimately, America’s
number one novel.
THE GREAT AMERICAN READ is
supported by an extensive multi-platform digital and social media
campaign designed to inspire Americans to read, vote and share their
personal connections to titles on the top 100 list and beyond over the
course of the summer. This includes an interactive website, links to
local events, interactive video content, social share features and much
more. As part of the experience, PBS Digital Studios will develop and
produce unique programming across its award-winning YouTube Channels and
an original miniseries on Facebook Watch. PBS Digital Studios hosts
will collaborate with authors, booktubers and other creators to bring
PBS’ legacy of championing literacy to Digital platforms. PBS Digital
Studios’ Facebook Watch series is inspired by THE GREAT AMERICAN READ and features six video essays covering broad book-related topics in a highly shareable and engaging way.
In addition to the digital and social campaigns, THE GREAT AMERICAN READ
has sparked nationwide community engagement efforts that will offer
stations opportunities to create complementary content; stage community
events; partner with libraries, booksellers, charitable organizations,
schools, and other entities; and deepen the conversations and
connections among people around the country. More than 100 stations are
activating around the project, with stations such as Detroit Public
Television, Nashville Public Television, WLIW in New York, WETA in
Washington, DC, and WUCF in Orlando leading the charge. Detroit’s
literary social media series, “PBS Books,” is broadening the reach of
some of the nation’s biggest book festivals in support of THE GREAT AMERICAN READ.
Nashville and WUCF are leveraging their already robust community
partnerships and sharing best practices throughout the system. WLIW will
utilize its content-sharing platform, Wavelength, to make customizable
companion programs for THE GREAT AMERICAN READ, and WETA is partnering with PBS to amplify the excitement around THE GREAT AMERICAN READ.
PBS will continue to work with its stations through the fall to develop
resources that will encourage, promote, and support the local
initiatives that are taking root across the United States.
Additionally,
working with member stations and partners, PBS will develop resources
and materials, including lesson plans and virtual book clubs, to
encourage summer reading activities and extend the campaign into
classrooms for the fall. To complement THE GREAT AMERICAN READ, over the summer PBS KIDS will also host PBS KIDS READ
as part of an annual summer learning initiative for children ages 2-8
and their families, encouraging reading and related activities through a
variety of resources for kids and parents.
The top 100 book list released today is based on a public opinion poll, conducted by YouGov on behalf of PBS for THE GREAT AMERICAN READ,
that asked respondents to name their favorite novel. An advisory panel
of book industry professionals compiled the results. Each author was
represented only once, and series such as the Alex Cross Mysteries were included as one entry.
The chosen books span five centuries, from Don Quixote (1603) to Ghost (2016). Authors from 15 different countries are represented, with genres ranging from beloved children’s classics such as Charlotte’s Web to modern best-sellers such as Twilight.