"The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman | PBS Books Readers Club
2025-10-29 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit)
PBS Books Readers Club welcomes celebrity writer Richard Osman to discuss his best-selling novel The Thursday Murder Club. The episode premieres on October 29th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
The Thursday Murder Club opens in a quiet retirement village, where four unlikely friends meet each week to solve cold cases. But when a brutal murder takes place nearby, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron suddenly find themselves with their very first live investigation. Each brings a unique set of skills to the table, but can this oddball gang catch a killer before it’s too late?
A classic cozy crime with a modern twist, The Thursday Murder Club combines the charm of amateur sleuths piecing together clues with thoughtful reflections on friendship, purpose, and aging. Heartfelt, funny, and clever, it’s a mystery that appeals to adult readers of every age.
PBS Watch-Alike: The Marlow Murder Club on PBS Masterpiece
Can’t get enough of cozy murder mysteries? Don’t miss The Marlow Murder Club on PBS Masterpiece. Follow an unlikely trio of women brought together by murder and intrigue as they balance sleuthing with the ups and downs of their personal lives in a close-knit community.
About the AuthorRichard Osman

Richard Osman is an author and television presenter. His novels, The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, The Last Devil to Die, and We Solve Murders were number one international bestsellers as well as New York Times bestsellers. He lives in London with his wife, Ingrid, and their cats Liesl and Lottie. The movie adaptation for The Thursday Murder Club will release in 2025, produced by Amblin Entertainment. The Impossible Fortune, the fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club series, is forthcoming.

About the Hosts
Heather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.

Lauren Smith

Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit Public TV, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Fred Nahhat
Fred Nahhat is an Emmy Award-winning producer, host, and presenter for Detroit’s PBS station, where he serves as Sr. VP of Production.
A 30-year broadcast veteran, Fred has hosted and produced numerous programs for Public TV – including music specials from Il Volo, Celtic Gold and the New Divas – as well as other series and specials “New Year’s Eve with the DSO”, “The Detroit Dream Cruise,” “The PBS Books Readers Club” and “Get Up, Get Out,” among others.
He is a graduate of Wayne State University and a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Michigan Chapter, USA Hockey, and Leadership Detroit.

Can We Talk Across Divides? Nolan Finley & Stephen Henderson on The Civility Book | Author Talk & Town Hall
2025-11-03 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books invites you to a Virtual Town Hall Author Talk with acclaimed journalists Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson to explore their new release, The Civility Book. Once adversarial editorial voices on opposite sides of the political spectrum, these authors have now joined forces to share an inspiring message: civil conversation is not only possible, it’s essential.
In this live, interactive event hosted by Heather-Marie Montilla, Nolan and Stephen will talk about the personal journey that led to this collaboration, the real-world challenges they’ve faced, and the everyday ways their Four Pillars of Civility can help families, friends, and communities stay connected despite differences.
Viewers will have the chance to submit their own questions during the conversation, making this more than just an author talk—it’s a town hall for anyone who’s ever wondered how we can disagree without tearing each other down.
Host

Heather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.

Guests
Stephen Henderson
Journalist
Stephen Henderson is an American journalist and winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary and the 2014 National Association of Black Journalists Journalist of the Year Award—both received while writing for the Detroit Free Press. A native of Detroit, Henderson is a graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and the University of Michigan. Since 2015, he has been the host of Detroit Today on WDET, and in 2020, he founded BridgeDetroit, where he serves as executive editor. Henderson is cohost of One Detroit and host of American Black Journal on Detroit Public Television.
Nolan Finley
Author & Journalist
Nolan Finley has held many positions at the Detroit News since the start of his career there as a copy boy, including city editor, business editor, politics editor, and deputy managing editor. In 2000, he was named editorial page editor, where he directs the expression of the newspaper’s editorial position on various national and local issues and writes a column in the Sunday newspaper. He graduated from Schoolcraft College and Wayne State University, and in 2012, he was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. Finley was also a cohost of One Detroit on Detroit Public Television.

Louisiana | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 105
2025-11-05 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Hit the gas and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we roll into Louisiana on American Stories: A Reading Road Trip! Join us on November 5th at 8pm ET/ 7pm CT for a PBS Books Facebook Live event, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Step into a literary heritage as rich and soulful as a bowl of gumbo. From George Washington Cable’s The Grandissimes and Grace King’s Balcony Stories, which sought to capture Creole life, to Ernest J. Gaines’s powerful reflections in A Lesson Before Dying and Shirley Ann Grau’s Pulitzer Prize–winning The Keepers of the House, Louisiana writers have long explored themes of identity, justice, and belonging. Even Anne Rice transformed the mystique of New Orleans into the hauntingly gothic world of Interview with the Vampire.
Hear from celebrated contemporary voices who capture the heart and rhythm of Louisiana today. Farrah Rochon shares how she uses Louisiana as a character in all her stories including the Bayou Dreams Series, while Maurice Carlos Ruffin shines a light on underrepresented voices in The American Daughters. Author-illustrator William Joyce celebrates imagination in The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, and poet Julie Kane, in Rhythm & Booze, distills the wit and musicality of New Orleans into verse. Together, they remind us that in Louisiana, stories don’t just live on the page—they dance, sing, and celebrate the soul of a place like no other.
The trip doesn’t end there- Along the way visit the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library- housed in a beautiful and historic mansion, stop into a handful of celebrated independently owned bookstores, visit the French Quarter where you might hear someone shouting, “Stella!” from the balcony, and peek into the renowned and haunted Hotel Monteleon. These literary landmarks and so many others showcase the vast and influential history of Louisiana.
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.

The Wright Conversations with Keith Knight
2025-11-17 20:00 - 21:00
Join PBS Books and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for a special edition of The Wright Conversations, featuring acclaimed cartoonist and comics creator Keith Knight.
Knight—recognized with honors including the Comic-Con Inkpot Award, CXC Master Cartoonist Award, Glyph Awards, and nominations for both the Eisner and NAACP Image Awards—has been using art and humor to spark meaningful dialogue for decades. He is the creator of the long-running autobiographical strip The K Chronicles, the socio-political cartoon (Th)ink, and the nationally syndicated The Knight Life. His life and work also inspired the Hulu comedy series Woke, where Knight served as co-creator, writer, and executive producer.
The Wright Conversations series invites luminaries from across art, history, and culture to engage in dynamic discussions about the most pressing issues of our time. This ongoing program celebrates creativity, civic engagement, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.
Tune in for a lively and thought-provoking conversation that blends art, activism, and laughter—all through the unique lens of one of today’s most influential cartoonists.
About the AuthorKeith Knight

Keith Knight is the creator of the weekly comic strip The K Chronicles (1993), the weekly single panel comic (Th)ink (2003), and the daily strip The Knight Life (2008). In a style and wit reminiscent of MAD magazine, Knight typically addresses serious social and political issues in his comics while incorporating his signature humor.In 2007 Knight won the Harvey Award for “Best Syndicated Strip or Panel” for his work on The K Chronicles. In celebration of his career in comic strips, Knight was awarded the Inkpot Award at San Diego Comic-Con in 2010. Woke, a television series partially based on Knight’s life, debuted on the Hulu streaming service in 2020; the second season became available in April 2022.

"America's First Daughter" by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie | Readers Club Ep. 211
2025-11-19 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club welcomes co-authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie to discuss their New York Times best-selling historical novel America’s First Daughter. The episode premieres on November 19th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
America’s First Daughter tells the sweeping story of Martha “Patsy” Jefferson, the eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. From the heartbreaking loss of her mother, to traveling with her father in Paris, and standing beside him through the birth of a nation—Patsy becomes his confidante and protector. More than just a witness, she shapes American history through her strength and influence.
Grounded in thousands of Jefferson’s letters, this novel blends meticulous research with powerful, emotional storytelling. The result is a vivid and intimate portrait of a woman whose resilience and influence helped shape both her family’s legacy and the young United States.
Stephanie Dray reveals, “We really did not have to juice up much of Jefferson’s life… it gets pretty soapy, especially in the later periods. We did not invent any of that. The crazier something is an historical fiction novel, the more likely it is to be true.”
The PBS Books Readers Club will also explore Dray and Kamoie’s other bestseller, My Dear Hamilton, which shines a light on the often overlooked story of Elizabeth “Eliza” Hamilton. The novel follows her as she stands steadfastly beside her husband, Alexander Hamilton, through the triumphs and challenges of building a new nation. Together, these two novels beautifully bring the stories of remarkable women out of the shadows, giving them long-overdue recognition for their vital roles in supporting—and shaping—the men who helped found America.
PBS Watch-Alike: The American Revolution
This month’s watch-alike is The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. This six-part documentary series explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year war for independence. An expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America. This series follows dozens of figures from a variety of backgrounds to paint a captivating picture of America’s founding and the war that turned the world upside down. Premiering November 16th on PBS and the PBS app.
About the AuthorStephanie Dray

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into many languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. Now she lives in Maryland with her husband, cats, and history books.

Laura Kamoie

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction, Laura Kamoie has always been fascinated by the people, stories, and physical presence of the past, which led her to a lifetime of historical and archaeological study and training. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary, published two non-fiction books on early America, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing genre fiction.

About the Hosts
Heather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.

Lauren Smith

Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit Public TV, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Fred Nahhat
Fred Nahhat is an Emmy Award-winning producer, host, and presenter for Detroit’s PBS station, where he serves as Sr. VP of Production.
A 30-year broadcast veteran, Fred has hosted and produced numerous programs for Public TV – including music specials from Il Volo, Celtic Gold and the New Divas – as well as other series and specials “New Year’s Eve with the DSO”, “The Detroit Dream Cruise,” “The PBS Books Readers Club” and “Get Up, Get Out,” among others.
He is a graduate of Wayne State University and a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Michigan Chapter, USA Hockey, and Leadership Detroit.

Alaska | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 106
2025-12-03 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Pack your parka and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we make the trek to Alaska on American Stories: A Reading Road Trip! Join us on December 3rd at 8pm EST/4pm AKST for a PBS Books Facebook Live event, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Inspired by the shimmering dance of the Northern Lights and the sweeping expanse of its landscape, Alaskans have been weaving stories long before the written word. For centuries, Indigenous peoples have passed these stories down through oral traditions, dance, and artistic expression. With the arrival of adventurers like Jack London (Call of the Wild), conservationists like Margaret Murie (Two in the Far North), anthropologists like Frederica de Laguna (Travels Among the Dena), and even its first Poet Laureate John Haines (The Stars, The Snow, The Fire)–Alaska’s literary tradition has expanded in ways that continue to celebrate what makes this state so unique.
Hear from today’s writers who carry forward this deep connection to the land including Native voices like Velma Wallis, who honors the importance of preserving tribal stories in works like Two Old Women, and children’s author and illustrator Michaela Goade, who celebrates traditional wild food harvests in Berry Song. Dana Stabenow intertwines Alaska’s rich history throughout her novels, including the Kate Shugak series, and Seth Kantner explores the stark differences from life in the Far North to modern American culture in Ordinary Wolves. Nancy Lord continues the conservationist narrative with Early Warming, linking environmental stewardship to Alaska’s literary legacy.
Alaska’s vast and wild landscape lends itself to awe-inspiring places to visit, from literary landmarks like Poems in Place to inspiring guided tours through Southeast Alaska’s nature. Fly into Anchorage and pay a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center and be sure to stop at Mosquito books while you wait for your plane to depart for your next location. There are many local libraries and bookstores throughout this expansive state.
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.

Wallace House Presents: A book talk with Jake Tapper & Javed Ali
2025-12-04 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books is proud to stream a special conversation presented by Wallace House Center for Journalists at the University of Michigan and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. This insightful book event features CNN anchor and bestselling author Jake Tapper in conversation with national security expert Javed Ali.
Together, they explore Tapper’s gripping nonfiction thriller, Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War. With the precision of investigative journalism, the book follows two U.S. attorneys in a race to prosecute an al Qaeda operative following a pivotal 2011 confession. Tapper uncovers the high-stakes intelligence operation behind a dramatic yet little-known case at the outset of the War on Terror.
In this compelling discussion, learn how prosecutors, soldiers, and intelligence agents worked across borders in the pursuit of justice—and what this story reveals about the evolving threats we continue to face today.

Indiana | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 106
2025-12-10 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Fasten your seatbelt and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress for our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip: Indiana! Join us on December 10th at 8pm EST for a PBS Books Facebook Live event, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
At the crossroads of America lies Indiana—a state with a literary culture as golden as an ear of corn. The Golden Age of Indiana literature gave us treasures like Booth Tarkington’s The Magnificent Ambersons, James Whitcomb Riley’s poetry about Little Orphan Annie, Lew Wallace’s epic Ben-Hur, and Gene Stratton-Porter’s environmentally conscious A Girl of the Limberlost. The 1960s and ’70s ushered in a powerful movement of Black writers, including poets Mari Evans (I Am a Black Woman) and Etheridge Knight (Poems from Prison). The Hoosier state has also brought us beloved cartoon characters like Garfield and Clifford the Big Red Dog. And no conversation about Indiana literature would be complete without Kurt Vonnegut’s dark and poignant novels such as Slaughterhouse-Five.
Today’s Hoosier writers are carrying that torch forward with equal brilliance. Hear from Newbery Award winner Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, who takes on difficult topics for kids delicately in novels like Fighting Words; YA author Leah Johnson, who shines a spotlight on underrepresented voices like You Should See Me in a Crown; and bestselling author Karen Joy Fowler, who drew inspiration from her Bloomington childhood in We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.
This layered literary past has left landmarks throughout the state—from museums and murals to authors’ homes and locations featured in books like the Funky Bones sculpture in Newfields from John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Indiana also boasts remarkable bookstores and libraries, including more Carnegie libraries than any other state.
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.

Our Favorite Books of 2025 | Reader's Club Episode 212
2025-12-17 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club celebrates the wrap of its second season with a highlight of our favorite author moments and books from 2025. The episode premieres on December 17th at 8pm EST as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
As the PBS Books Readers Club closes out an incredible year, Fred, Lauren, Princess, and Heather look back on the stories, conversations, and unforgettable moments that defined our reading journey. From inspiring interviews and behind-the-scenes memories to moments that made us laugh, this episode celebrates the books that brought our community together.
From powerful tales of women breaking boundaries and shaping history—like The Women by Kristin Hannah and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus—to laugh-out-loud favorites including The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman and Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding. We revisited the past through America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, uncovered family secrets in Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson, and found heart in Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes. We even got our Jane Austen fix with Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen, and were captivated by the spine-tingling mystery of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Bewitching.
After reminiscing on some of our favorite moments with these incredible authors, the hosts—Fred, Lauren, Princess, and Heather—share their own favorite books of the year, reflecting on the stories that inspired, delighted, and stayed with them throughout 2025. If you’re looking for your next read or maybe want to find the perfect gift for your book buddies, then this list is for you!

About the Hosts
Heather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.

Lauren Smith

Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit Public TV, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Fred Nahhat
Fred Nahhat is an Emmy Award-winning producer, host, and presenter for Detroit’s PBS station, where he serves as Sr. VP of Production.
A 30-year broadcast veteran, Fred has hosted and produced numerous programs for Public TV – including music specials from Il Volo, Celtic Gold and the New Divas – as well as other series and specials “New Year’s Eve with the DSO”, “The Detroit Dream Cruise,” “The PBS Books Readers Club” and “Get Up, Get Out,” among others.
He is a graduate of Wayne State University and a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Michigan Chapter, USA Hockey, and Leadership Detroit.

The American Revolution: PBS Books Filmmaker Talk
2026-01-07 20:00 - 21:00
Join PBS Books for an in-depth Filmmaker Talk featuring filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein and authors Geoffrey C. Ward and Rick Atkinson, who come together to explore the making of THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION — a landmark six-part documentary that examines how America’s founding struggle reshaped the world. Hosted by Lauren Smith, this conversation dives deep into the themes, creative process, and personal reflections behind this epic documentary series, highlighting how these storytellers bring to life a wide variety of voices to show how the fight for independence was both personal and global.
The American Revolution, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, is available on the PBS App. Check local listings for upcoming broadcast dates and times in your area. For more on the film and accompanying resources, please visit pbs.org/americanrevolution.
Corporate funding for The American Revolution was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for The American Revolution was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. The American Revolution was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
