FAQ
What is The Great American Read?The Great American Read is an eight-part television and online series designed to spark a national conversation about reading and the books that have inspired, moved, and shaped us. The series will engage audiences with a list of 100 diverse books. Audiences are encouraged to read the books, vote from the list of 100, and share their personal connections to the titles.
When does it start?The Great American Read premieres Tuesday, May 22 at 8 p.m. on PBS 6 with a launch special, kicking off a summer of reading and voting. Then in the fall, seven new episodes of the series will air as the quest to find America’s most beloved book moves into high gear. Episodes from the series will feature appearances by celebrities, athletes, experts, authors, and everyday Americans advocating for their favorite book.
What books made the list? You can see the complete list above or by downloading a PDF version to save or print yourself.
How were the top 100 books chosen? PBS and the producers worked with the public opinion polling service “YouGov” to conduct a demographically and statistically representative survey asking Americans to name their most-loved novel. Approximately 7,200 people participated.
What books are included on the list? The list contains a broad range of fictional titles, authors, time periods, countries, genres and subject matter. The list includes books from as far back as the 1600s and as recent as 2016. From beloved world literature to contemporary best sellers, many categories are represented: 20th century American classics, thrillers, young adult novels, sci-fi/fantasy, adventure, historical fiction, romantic stories, and books that represent the human experience told from a diverse range of perspectives.
When does voting start? Voting began on Tuesday, May 22 and will remain open through the fall broadcasts.
How do I get involved? Follow The Great American Read on Facebook for the latest details about the show and to learn more about voting. Also, be sure to share with your friends and join the conversation using hashtags #AZPMReads and #GreatReadPBS.
