‘The Great American Read’ tells the story of our best-loved novels

Meredith Vieira returns as “The Great American Read” hits high gear. You spent the summer reading and voting for your favorite novels, now tune in to see which books celebrities, authors and other readers across the country are rooting for.

Arizona PBS will broadcast the fall kick-off Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. on Ch. 8.1.

“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). Throughout the fall, viewers will be encouraged to read and engage in the conversation by participating in local events, interacting on Arizona PBS digital and social platforms and by voting for their favorite book on the list at https://azpbs.org/outreach/the-great-american-read/

Sept. 11:  Fall Kickoff

Sept. 18:  Who Am I? 

Explore the ways that America’s best-loved novels answer the age-old question, “Who am I?” From life lessons to spiritual journeys, these books help us understand our own identities and find our place in the world.

Sept. 25:  Heroes

Follow the trials and tribulations of some of literature’s favorite protagonists. From Katniss Everdeen to Don Quixote, examine how these everyday heroes and anti-heroes find their inner strength, overcome challenges and rise to the occasion.

Oct. 2:  Villains and Monsters

Learn why literature’s most notorious villains began behaving badly. Many weren’t born evil, but became that way when faced with some of the same choices we make every day. See what these villains can teach us about our own dark impulses.

Oct. 9:  What We Do For Love

Fall in love with some of literature’s most beautiful romances and explore the many forms of love, from family to passion to the unrequited type. Learn how America’s best-loved novels reflect the things we do for love.

Oct. 16:  Other Worlds

Take a magical journey to another world through some of America’s best-loved novels. From Middle Earth to Lilliput, the trials and tribulations of these alternate universes help us to better understand our own world.

Oct. 23:  Grand Finale

And the winner is… after millions of votes, find out which of the 100 nominated books is crowned America’s best-loved novel.