PBS Books

Utah | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
2026-07-02 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Facebook Live
.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }Roll into Utah with PBS Books and the Library of Congress on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on July 2nd at 8pm ET/6pm MT for the live premiere on the PBS Books YouTube channel, or watch on the PBS Books Facebook page, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Download the BooklistGet the Engagement ToolkitUtah’s Famous Five national parks, towering red-rock canyons, desert silence, and wide-open skies have inspired generations of writers to imagine the West in bold new ways. Across this rugged landscape, authors have explored freedom, identity, history, and the enduring relationship between people and place. From Edward Abbey, whose years as a park ranger at Zion National Park inspired the rebellious spirit of The Monkey Wrench Gang, to Wallace Stegner, the celebrated “Dean of Western Writers” and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angle of Repose, Utah has long been fertile ground for literary voices. This journey also highlights Zitkála-Šá, whose American Indian Stories blends personal experience with Native activism; Wallace Thurman, the Harlem Renaissance writer who challenged colorism and social convention in The Blacker the Berry; and historian Juanita Brooks, whose groundbreaking research transformed understanding of the Mountain Meadows Massacre and reshaped Utah’s historical narrative.
Today’s Utah writers continue that tradition, using literature to preserve memory, inspire change, and spark imagination. Terry Tempest Williams illuminates the lasting impact of nuclear testing on both land and community in Refuge. Former Utah Poet Laureate Paisley Rekdal gives voice to the overlooked laborers who built the transcontinental railroad in West. Ally Condie captivated readers worldwide with her bestselling Matched trilogy, while Shannon Hale has delighted generations of young readers with stories of fantasy, friendship, and self-discovery, including Princess Academy and Real Friends.
With landscapes that often feel otherworldly, Utah invites visitors to step directly into a story. From the soaring sandstone arches of Arches National Park to the dramatic cliffs of Zion, inspiration can be found around every bend. Book lovers can explore beloved independent bookstores like The King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, visit welcoming libraries such as Grand County Public Library, home to the famous library cat, Cosmo, or immerse themselves in the state’s vibrant literary culture at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Utah Book Festival. In Utah, the spirit of storytelling is woven into the land itself.
Booklist for Reading Road Trip: Utah

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.

Texas | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
2026-07-23 20:00 - 21:00
Fasten your seatbelts as PBS Books and the Library of Congress visit Texas on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on July 23rd at 8pm ET/ 7pm CT for the episode premiere on the PBS Books YouTube channel, or watch on the PBS Books Facebook page, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Download the BooklistGet the Engagement ToolkitFrom the Panhandle to the Gulf, Texas is known for its larger-than-life identity, and its stories are no exception. Long before it became an official state, folktales, legends, and corridos shaped its cultural narrative. Writers like Américo Paredes (With His Pistol in His Hand) and J. Frank Dobie (Coronado’s Children) preserved these traditions in print, carrying them into the modern era. The frontier and cowboy mythos later inspired iconic works such as Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove and Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men, stories that both celebrate and challenge the Texas legend. Beyond the frontier, writers like Katherine Anne Porter (Pale Horse, Pale Rider) expanded the literary landscape with perspectives long absent from the Texas narrative, and Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street brought the perspective of a young Latina girl into the American literary canon.
The story of Texas continues to evolve through the writers shaping its literary landscape today. From wide-open ranges to dense pine forests, there is no single Texas voice. Instead, authors across the state carry forward its storytelling traditions while highlighting the many communities, histories, and cultures that define it. Dr. Carmen Tafolla (Warrior Girl) has spent her career bringing Mexican American voices to the forefront through more than 40 works spanning genres and audiences, often bringing her stories to life through performance. Stephen Harrigan explores the people and events that shaped Texas through his acclaimed journalism for Texas Monthly and novels such as The Gates of the Alamo. Meanwhile, Sarah Bird’s Juneteenth Rodeo, a passion project years in the making, celebrates an often-overlooked chapter of Texas history and culture.
Texas’s literary story extends far beyond the page. In a state this large and varied, libraries, bookstores, museums, and historic landmarks offer countless opportunities to connect with its past and present. Discover treasures like the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in Dallas, home to the only copy of the Declaration of Independence west of the Mississippi River, and the Austin Central Library, recognized by TIME as one of the “25 Buildings That Represent America.” Along the way, explore collections and cultural institutions that preserve the stories of Texas and the nation. And these remarkable stops are only the beginning of what the Lone Star State has to offer.
Booklist for Reading Road Trip: Texas

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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 Thursdays at 8pm EST on the PBS Books Facebook page, 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.

Booking It Across America | PBS Books Readers Club
2026-07-30 20:00 - 21:00
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, PBS Books Readers Club takes viewers on a literary journey across the country, exploring how place, history, and identity help shape the stories we tell. Hosts Fred Nahhat and Lauren Smith will highlight several contemporary authors from across the nation whose work helps form the rich tapestry of American storytelling. From sweeping nonfiction and powerful poetry to essays, children’s literature, mystery, and beloved novels, this episode celebrates the many voices that continue to define our shared story.
As Sue Monk Kidd, reflects, “Well, my first novel, The Secret Life of Bees, was heavily inspired by and drawn from my little hometown… I think it was the Greek philosopher Heraclitus who said, ‘Geography is fate,’ and that is certainly true of me and my writing.”
From cover to cover and coast to coast, celebrate the writers, communities, and landscapes that make up America’s literary map. Glimpse into the bookish culture of featured states and hear from authors whose work captures the spirit, complexity, and imagination of the places they call home. Whether you’re drawn to Western crime fiction, a poignant coming-of-age story, a lyrical reflection on the natural world, or a deeper look at American history, there is so much to discover.
Books Featured on Booking It Across America
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PBS Watch-AlikeDive even deeper into the American story with The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. This sweeping documentary series brings America’s fight for independence vividly to life through powerful storytelling and the voices of historians, writers, and citizens who experienced the Revolution. Stream now on the PBS app or on pbs.org.
For more book-inspired programming, check out American Stories: A Reading Road Trip, another PBS Books program created in partnership with the Library of Congress. Each episode highlights the bookish culture of a different state or territory, featuring pages from the past, voices of today, and distinctive literary landmarks, libraries, and bookstores. Catch up on past episodes and stay up to date on new ones on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip, and the PBS app.

Vermont | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
2026-08-20 20:00 - 21:00
Climb aboard as PBS Books and the Library of Congress visit Vermont on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on August 20th at 8 p.m. ET for the episode premiere on the PBS Books YouTube channel, or watch on the PBS Books Facebook page, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Get the Booklist Get the Engagement ToolkitVermont’s mountains, forests, and distinct four seasons have inspired generations of writers, but perhaps no literary form is more closely associated with the Green Mountain State than poetry. Robert Frost (Fire and Ice), one of the most celebrated poets of the twentieth century, found inspiration in his Vermont homes and the rural landscapes that shaped much of his work. Ruth Stone (In the Next Galaxy) built a distinguished career after settling in Goshen and was named Vermont Poet Laureate in 2007. The state’s rich poetic tradition continued through Louise Glück (The Wild Iris) and Ellen Bryant Voigt (Headwaters), who lived as neighbors in the Montpelier area, while Lucy Terry Prince (Bar Fights), whose work was published posthumously, holds the distinction of being the first known African American poet in America. Beyond poetry, Vermont has been home to influential voices such as journalist Dorothy Thompson, novelist Sinclair Lewis (It Can’t Happen Here), and back-to-the-land pioneers Scott and Helen Nearing (Living the Good Life), whose writings explored politics, society, and a different vision of American life.
That literary tradition continues today through writers who are helping new generations find their voices. Current Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone (What Is Otherwise Infinite) carries forward her family’s literary legacy while supporting fellow writers through her work at the Ruth Stone House. Former Cartoonist Laureate Tillie Walden (Charity and Sylvia) reaches readers through graphic novels that bring stories to life, while Kekla Magoon’s books for young readers, such as The Secret Library, explore identity, history, and belonging. Acclaimed novelist Julia Alvarez, author of How the García Girls Lost Their Accents, draws on both her Vermont home and her Dominican heritage, creating stories that connect cultures, communities, and generations.
Vermont’s literary spirit can be found not only in its books but also in the places that celebrate them. From the summit of Mount Mansfield to the streets of Burlington and Montpelier, independent bookstores, cultural institutions, and creative gathering spaces welcome readers of all ages. Discover beloved local shops such as Bear Pond Books, whose Montpelier location is home to a resident tortoise, or visit the renowned Bread and Puppet Theater Museum, where art, performance, and storytelling have captivated audiences for generations. Together, these destinations offer a glimpse into the vibrant literary culture that continues to thrive across the Green Mountain State.
Booklist for Reading Road Trip: Vermont

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Shop through our Bookshop.org or Libro.fm affiliate links and a portion of your purchase helps PBS Books continue to create original content you love.
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 Thursdays at 8pm EST on the PBS Books Facebook page, 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.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir | PBS Books Readers Club
2026-08-27 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club welcomes author Andy Weir to discuss his best-selling sci-fi novel Project Hail Mary. The episode premieres on August 27th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
Get the Book
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Dr. Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship millions of miles from home, with no memory of who he is, how he got there, or what he’s supposed to be doing. As his memories return, he realizes Earth is in grave danger and that the fate of humanity may depend on him. No pressure, right?
As the pieces come together and he begins to uncover his mission, he finds help in the most unexpected place. Will Dr. Grace find what he needs to save humanity, and is he really the hero they need, or just the one they have?
As Weir details, “I had the whole story in my mind kind of roughly laid out before I even started page one. In fact, I knew what the last scene was going to be before I wrote the first word…”
Project Hail Mary is equal parts thrilling, clever, funny, and surprisingly tender. Dr. Grace’s wry sense of humor, mixed with his self-deprecation, brings a light touch to a story that’s ultimately very smart and suspenseful. It’s a refreshing tale that celebrates curiosity, courage, and the power of unlikely friendship.
PBS Watch-Alike: Summer of Space on PBSWant more out-of-this-world programming this summer? PBS has you covered. Explore distant corners of space and real-life moon missions with NOVA, including episodes like Return to the Moon, which takes audiences behind the scenes of the recent Artemis mission. Or watch the four-part docuseries Once Upon a Time in Space for a deeply personal look into the early space race to today and the many challenges and triumphs along the way.
Available to stream now on pbs.org and the PBS App. Check local listings for broadcast dates and times.

How a Bodega Becomes a Home | Uncovered
2026-09-15 20:00 - 21:00
Presented by PBS Books in partnership with the Association of University Presses, Uncovered invites viewers to discover the stories behind today’s most compelling books and the conversations they inspire. In this episode, we explore Bodega Stories by Amaris Castillo, published by University Press of Florida, a member press of the Association of University Presses.
A bodega is more than a neighborhood store—it is a place where stories are shared, traditions are preserved, and communities come together. In Bodega Stories, author Amaris Castillo takes viewers inside Orlando Latin Market, her family’s bodega in St. Petersburg, Florida, to uncover the people, memories, and cultural connections that make these spaces a vital part of Hispanic and Latinx communities.
Join host Heather-Marie Montilla for a conversation with Castillo about the inspiration behind the book, her family’s journey, the research and storytelling that shaped her work, and why these everyday stories of food, language, history, and identity deserve to be celebrated. Through the experiences of customers, employees, and families from across the Caribbean and Latin America, Bodega Stories reveals how places of gathering can preserve heritage while creating a sense of belonging across generations.
This episode expands the conversation beyond the featured book to explore the rich and evolving themes of Hispanic and Latinx heritage—including identity, community, immigration, cultural traditions, and the influence of language and history on the stories we share today.
Continue the discovery with a special reading list featuring additional books from Association of University Presses member presses that explore Hispanic and Latinx heritage through diverse voices, perspectives, and genres. Together, these selections invite readers to learn more, discover new stories, and continue the conversation.
Featured Book
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Bodega Stories by Amaris Castillo
A bodega is much more than a neighborhood grocery store-it’s a lifeline to community and culture. In BODEGA STORIES, Amaris Castillo takes readers inside Orlando Latin Market, a bodega owned and operated by her parents in St. Petersburg, Florida, to reveal a thriving local hub that bridges generations, languages, and traditions.
Interwoven are snapshots of daily life, like a bulletin board outside the store where local residents post apartments for rent, messages through the bodega’s Facebook page asking for hard-to-find items, and photos from the past and present. Including Castillo’s own family’s story from the Dominican Republic to New York to Florida, BODEGA STORIES is a portrait of finding home-between the cultures we inherit and the ones we embrace.
Published by the University Press of Florida.
The scholarly publishing arm of the State University System of Florida, the University Press of Florida (UPF) was founded in 1945. UPF has published more than 3,000 volumes to date. One of the largest university presses in the South, UPF has earned a prominent reputation for publishing distinguished works by important global and local voices. UPF is proud to serve the State University System of Florida, its universities, and the diverse communities of our state.
The UPF faculty editorial board, composed of faculty members from universities in the State University System of Florida, assesses and approves all books that have passed peer review and are slated for publication under the UPF colophon, ensuring that the peer review process is thorough.
About This Episode’s Theme: Uncovered Hispanic HeritageBetween September 15 and October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens with Spanish and Latin American ancestry. In celebration, we hope to provide you with an opportunity to discover new voices and fresh perspectives that reflect the richness and diversity of Hispanic and Latinx experiences. This month’s Uncovered theme was chosen to spotlight recently published books by authors whose stories explore identity, culture, family, history, and community in thoughtful and engaging ways. By featuring new works, Uncovered invites viewers to connect with storytellers and join the conversations that are shaping our understanding of the world today.
Episode Theme Reading ListShop the BooklistDownload Printable Booklist
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About the AuthorAmaris Castillo is a Brooklyn native and daughter of Dominican immigrants. A former newspaper reporter, her work has appeared in the New York Times, Lowell Sun, Bradenton Herald, and elsewhere. She currently works at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies and lives in Tampa Bay with her family. BODEGA STORIES is her debut.
About the HostHeather-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.
