For the past decade, NPR Books has been inviting readers to participate in The Great American Read, a nationwide celebration of books and reading. In 2023, we're bringing the program back for a special edition, with a focus on books that have shaped American history, culture, and identity.
From timeless classics to contemporary favorites, the books on this year's list offer a rich and diverse selection of stories that have captivated readers for generations. Whether you're a lifelong book lover or just starting to explore the joys of reading, we invite you to join us on this journey through American literature.
To kick off the program, we're asking readers to nominate their favorite books for inclusion on the list. Nominations are open now through April 30, 2023. You can nominate up to five books, and we encourage you to choose books that you think are essential reading for all Americans.
npr books 2023
Celebrating American literature and reading.
- Nationwide celebration of books
- Focus on books shaping American identity
- Diverse selection of stories
- Open to all readers
- Nominate favorite books
- Nominations open until April 30, 2023
- Join the journey through American literature
Read, nominate, and celebrate the books that have shaped America.
Nationwide celebration of books
The Great American Read is a nationwide celebration of books and reading that invites readers of all ages and backgrounds to come together and share their love of literature.
- Uniting readers across the country:
The program brings readers together from all corners of the country to celebrate their shared love of books and reading.
- Promoting literacy and a love of reading:
The Great American Read encourages people of all ages to pick up a book and experience the joy of reading.
- Raising awareness of great American literature:
The program shines a spotlight on classic and contemporary American books that have shaped our history and culture.
- Encouraging discussion and debate about books:
The Great American Read sparks conversations about books, authors, and the role of literature in our lives.
Through these initiatives, The Great American Read helps to promote literacy, foster a love of reading, and celebrate the rich literary heritage of the United States.
Focus on books shaping American identity
The 2023 edition of The Great American Read focuses on books that have shaped American identity. These books explore the history, culture, and values of the United States, and they offer insights into the American experience.
Some of the themes that these books address include:
- The American Dream and the pursuit of happiness
- The struggle for racial and social justice
- The importance of freedom and democracy
- The role of immigration in shaping American culture
- The complex relationship between humans and the natural world
By reading these books, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the United States and the American people.
The books on this year's list represent a diverse range of voices and perspectives. They include works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, and they span centuries of American history.
Whether you're a lifelong American or a newcomer to the country, these books offer a chance to learn more about the United States and its people.
We invite you to join us on this journey through American literature and discover the books that have shaped American identity.
Diverse selection of stories
The books on the 2023 Great American Read list offer a diverse selection of stories that reflect the rich tapestry of American life.
These books come from a variety of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. They are set in different time periods and locations, and they feature characters from all walks of life.
Some of the books on the list tell stories of struggle and oppression, while others celebrate joy and resilience. Some books explore the American Dream, while others grapple with the darker side of American history.
Despite their differences, all of the books on the list share one common goal: to tell stories that matter. These books offer readers a chance to see the world from different perspectives and to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.
The diverse selection of stories on the 2023 Great American Read list ensures that there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a historical novel, a contemporary drama, or a thought-provoking work of nonfiction, you're sure to find a book that you'll love.
We encourage you to explore the list and discover the many great books that have shaped American identity.
Open to all readers
The Great American Read is open to all readers, regardless of age, background, or reading level.
- No requirements or qualifications:
You don't need to have any special knowledge or experience to participate. Just pick up a book and start reading!
- Read at your own pace:
There's no rush to finish the books on the list. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
- Join the conversation:
Share your thoughts about the books you're reading on social media or in online discussion groups.
- Nominate your favorite books:
Help us choose the next books for the list by nominating your favorites. Nominations are open now through April 30, 2023.
We want everyone to be able to participate in The Great American Read, so we've made it as easy and accessible as possible. Whether you're a lifelong book lover or just starting to explore the joys of reading, we invite you to join us on this journey through American literature.
Nominate favorite books
One of the best ways to get involved in The Great American Read is to nominate your favorite books. Your nominations will help us choose the next books for the list.
To nominate a book, simply visit the NPR Books website and fill out the nomination form. You can nominate up to five books, and we encourage you to choose books that you think are essential reading for all Americans.
When nominating a book, please include the following information:
- Title of the book
- Author of the book
- Year of publication
- A brief explanation of why you are nominating the book
We welcome nominations from readers of all ages and backgrounds. Your nominations will help us create a list of books that truly reflects the diversity and richness of American literature.
Nominations are open now through April 30, 2023. So don't wait, nominate your favorite books today!
Together, we can create a list of books that will inspire and engage readers for generations to come.
Nominations open until April 30, 2023
Nominations for The Great American Read 2023 are open now and will close on April 30, 2023. This gives you plenty of time to think about your favorite books and make your nominations.
We encourage you to take your time and nominate books that you truly believe are essential reading for all Americans. Consider books that have had a profound impact on you, books that have changed your perspective on the world, or books that you simply love to read.
You can nominate up to five books, so don't be afraid to nominate a variety of books from different genres and time periods. We want the list of nominated books to reflect the diversity and richness of American literature.
To nominate a book, simply visit the NPR Books website and fill out the nomination form. The form is easy to use and only takes a few minutes to complete.
So what are you waiting for? Nominate your favorite books today and help us create a list of books that will inspire and engage readers for generations to come.
The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2023, so don't miss out! Nominate your favorite books today.
Join the journey through American literature
The Great American Read is more than just a list of books. It's an invitation to join a journey through American literature, a journey that will take you from the shores of Plymouth to the streets of modern-day New York City, from the fields of the Midwest to the mountains of the West.
Along the way, you'll meet a cast of unforgettable characters, from Huckleberry Finn to Atticus Finch, from Scarlett O'Hara to Jay Gatsby. You'll experience the triumphs and tragedies of the American people, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of the American experience.
The Great American Read is a journey that is open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or reading level. All you need is a love of reading and a willingness to explore new worlds.
So join us on this journey through American literature. Pick up a book from the list and start reading. You won't be disappointed.
The Great American Read is a journey that will change your life.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about books:
Question 1: What is the best way to find a book to read?
Answer 1: There are many ways to find a book to read. You can ask friends and family for recommendations, browse the shelves at your local library or bookstore, or check out online resources like Goodreads or Amazon.
Question 2: How can I get started reading a book if I'm not sure where to begin?
Answer 2: Start by finding a book that interests you. Once you have a book in hand, find a comfortable place to read and set aside some time each day to read. Even if you can only read for a few minutes each day, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can finish a book.
Question 3: What if I don't understand a word or phrase in a book?
Answer 3: Don't be afraid to look up words or phrases that you don't understand. A dictionary or online resource like Dictionary.com can help you find the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Question 4: How can I keep track of my reading progress?
Answer 4: There are many ways to keep track of your reading progress. You can use a bookmark, a notebook, or a reading app. Goodreads is a popular reading app that allows you to track your reading progress, set reading goals, and connect with other readers.
Question 5: What if I don't like a book that I'm reading?
Answer 5: It's okay to stop reading a book that you don't like. There are plenty of other books out there that you might enjoy more. Don't be afraid to put a book down and try something else.
Question 6: How can I get more involved in the world of books?
Answer 6: There are many ways to get more involved in the world of books. You can join a book club, attend author events, or volunteer at your local library or bookstore. You can also start a blog or podcast about books, or simply share your favorite books with friends and family.
Question 7: How can I encourage my child to read?
Answer 7: There are many ways to encourage your child to read. Read to your child from an early age, and make books available to your child at home. You can also take your child to the library or bookstore regularly and let them choose books that they are interested in. Finally, set a good example by reading yourself and talking to your child about the books that you are reading.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: Reading is a lifelong journey, and there is always something new to discover. We hope that these FAQs have answered some of your questions about books. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask your local librarian or bookseller.
Now that you know more about books, here are a few tips to help you get started on your reading journey.
Tips
Here are four practical tips to help you get the most out of your reading experience:
Tip 1: Find a comfortable reading spot.
Whether you prefer to read in a cozy armchair, at a coffee shop, or in bed, make sure you have a comfortable place to read where you won't be disturbed.
Tip 2: Set aside time for reading each day.
Even if it's just for a few minutes, try to set aside some time each day to read. The more you read, the easier it will become.
Tip 3: Keep a reading journal.
A reading journal is a great way to keep track of the books you've read, your thoughts on those books, and your reading goals. You can also use a reading journal to record quotes or passages that you find particularly meaningful.
Tip 4: Join a book club or online reading community.
Book clubs and online reading communities are a great way to connect with other readers and discuss the books you're reading. This can help you get more out of your reading experience and discover new books that you might enjoy.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: Reading is a lifelong journey, and there is always something new to discover. We hope that these tips have helped you get started on your reading journey. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask your local librarian or bookseller.
Now that you have some tips for getting the most out of your reading experience, it's time to start exploring the world of books.
Conclusion
Books are a powerful force in our lives. They can transport us to different worlds, teach us new things, and help us understand ourselves and the world around us better.
In this article, we've explored some of the many reasons why books are important. We've also provided some tips for getting the most out of your reading experience.
We hope that this article has inspired you to pick up a book and start reading. Whether you're a lifelong book lover or just starting to explore the joys of reading, we encourage you to join us on this journey through American literature.
Closing Message: Reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime. The more you read, the richer your life will be.