Meredith Vieira to Host PBS’s ‘The Great American Read’

PBS announced that TV personality Meredith Vieira will serve as host of The Great American Read, PBS’s forthcoming 8-episode TV documentary on the role of books and reading in American culture.

The Great American Read will premier with a special two-hour show on May 22 at 8pm. Vieira will guide the viewers as the show reveals America’s 100 most loved novels.

The eight-part documentary will feature many authors and celebrities who will share their personal stories about their favorite books and how those books affected their lives. Among the authors and celebrities slated to appear are Margaret Atwood, Jenna and Barbara Bush, Chelsea Clinton, Junot Díaz, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Green, Gayle King, George R. R. Martin, Shaquille O’Neal, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Reynolds, and Gabrielle Union among others.

In a prepared statement Vieira said “The power of reading is extraordinary – it allows us to escape to new worlds, introduces us to a diverse range of people, opens our minds to different ideas, and allows us to keep learning no matter our age or background. The Great American Read offers a forum for readers to express what titles and stories they’re passionate about and share how novels impacted their lives. I am honored to be a part of this discussion.”