PBS announces ‘The Great American Read’

PBS announcedat
the Television Critics Association Press Tour, “The Great Amerian Read”, a new eight-part television series and nationwide campaign that
explores the joy of books and the power of reading, told through the
prism of America’s 100 best-loved books, chosen by the public.
Designed to spark a national conversation about reading and the books
that have inspired, moved and shaped us, The Great American Read encompasses the eight-part PBS series, community reading programs and
special events, and a wide range of digital and social media
initiatives. Featuring testimonials from notable figures from the
entertainment, sports, news and literary worlds, the series
culminates in the first-ever national vote to choose “America’s
Best-Loved Book.”

The Great American Read will launch in spring 2018 with a multi-platform digital and social
campaign leading up to the reveal of the 100 books selected by the
American public and an advisory panel of literary professionals. 

The series begins with a two-hour kick-off event in May, the special will feature appearances by celebrities
and everyday Americans passionately advocating for and explaining
their personal connections to their favorite books. Voting and social
media engagement will continue throughout summer 2018, with six
episodes of the series exploring the nominated books through themes
such as “Being American,” “Heroes,” “Growing Up,” “What
We Do for Love” and more. Throughout the summer, PBS stations will
partner with local organizations and booksellers in the communityto
activate and inspire the next generation of readers through library,
education and community initiatives. As
summer turns to fall, voting will close and America’s top 10 books
will be revealed counting down to America’s Best-Loved in the final
episode of the series in September 2018.