From the website:
THE GREAT AMERICAN READ is an eight-part 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.
I already can see this will be a hard one -- on the first page alone I see a few of my favorites and I wouldn't even begin to know which should top which. I'm a little surprised Flowers in the Attic and 50 Shades of Grey made the list, but since the criteria seems to be votes, popularity and impact on American culture/fads, it does end up making sense after all.
Just wish a book I hate and don't understand the popularity of, Where the Red Ferns Grows, didn't make the list.
Depending on how good the show is - it may end up boring instead - I will comment on episodes here if I get caught up in it.
Premiers Tuesday, May 22 at 8/7 central on PBS.
