The Great American Read

(Rochester, NY) - Television personality and journalist Meredith Vieira hosts The Great American Read, a new eight-part television series premiering with a two-hour special event on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV. In The Great American Read, Vieira will take viewers on a journey across the country to uncover the nation’s 100 most-loved novels, the people who love them and their authors. 

As host of the series, Vieira will tie together the overarching themes of our national love of literature and guide viewers on a search to discover America’s best-loved book. “It is a privilege to partner with PBS to bring The Great American Read to viewers across the country,” said Vieira. “The power of reading is extraordinary – it allows us to escape to new worlds, introduces us to a diverse range of people, opens our minds to different ideas, and allows us to keep learning no matter our age or background. The Great American Read offers a forum for readers to express what titles and stories they’re passionate about and share how novels impacted their lives. I am honored to be a part of this discussion.”

Many key authors, celebrities and notable figures in the entertainment, sports, news and literary worlds will join Vieira in lending their voices and passion to The Great American Read. Margaret Atwood, Jenna and Barbara Bush, Chelsea Clinton, Junot Díaz, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Green, Gayle King, George R. R. Martin, Shaquille O’Neal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Reynolds, Gabrielle Union, Ming-Na Wen and many others will share their personal stories and connections to their favorite titles throughout the series.

Following the two-hour launch event of The Great American Read, and throughout the summer, viewers will be encouraged to read and engage in the conversation by participating in local events, and by visiting the interactive website and voting for their favorite book on the list at pbs.org/greatamericanread. The series will return in September with a recap and additional themed episodes exploring the nominated books, leading up to the reveal of “America’s Best-Loved Novel” on Tuesday, October 23.

To complement The Great American Read, PBS KIDS will host PBS KIDS READ as part of an annual summer learning initiative for children ages 2-8 and their families. PBS KIDS READ will encourage reading and related activities through a variety of resources for children and parents, including social media engagement, digital games and tools, and downloadable activities.

Local support for The Great American Read is provided by Cobblestone Capital Advisors and Fidelis Care.