Join PBS Books, the Library of Congress, and the affiliated Centers for the Book for a one-of-a-kind literary adventure in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip.Next stop: Georgia! The episode premieres September 17 at 8 PM ET on the PBS Books Facebook page, YouTube channel, and the PBS app.
This episode celebrates Georgia’s powerful influence on American storytelling—from Pulitzer Prize winner Margaret Mitchell (Gone with the Wind) to the Southern Gothic brilliance of Flannery O’Connor (A Good Man is Hard to Find) and Carson McCullers (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter), and the groundbreaking voices of Alice Walker (The Color Purple), John Lewis (March), and Lillian Smith (Strange Fruit).
Hear from acclaimed contemporary authors who have called Georgia home like Sue Monk Kidd (The Secret Life of Bees), Karin Slaughter (Will Trent series), Jericho Brown (The Tradition), Carmen Agra Deedy (The Library Dragon), and Katie Mitchell (Prose to the People), as they share how the people, places, and histories of Georgia continue to inspired their legendary works.
Along the way, visit iconic literary landmarks such as historic author homes, storied cemeteries, beloved indie bookstores, Carnegie libraries, and the statewide PINES network—painting a vivid portrait of a state where stories are as enduring as its red clay and as vibrant as its communities.
About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
Pack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures.
From iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores, amazing libraries, and the real-life locations that inspired great works, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way, we’ll meet bestselling authors, passionate booksellers, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart, history, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling.
New episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
About PBS Books
PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more.
