See the List: American Readers Vote for Their Favorite Novels
Readers were surveyed as part of PBS’ The Great American Read initiative
Images via Charles Scribner's Sons, Roberts Brothers, J. B. Lippincott & Co.
United States public service broadcaster PBS recently released the results for The Great American Read survey, ranking the most beloved books as voted on by readers across the nation.
Initially, PBS/YouGov conducted a survey of around 7,200 Americans, who were invited to nominate their favorite novel. Out of the longlist, an advisory panel of experts from the literary industry cut the public’s responses to 100 books. Writers were limited to one novel or series. Provided the book was written in English, authors could be from anywhere in the world.
The shortlist was then voted on by readers. Over four million votes were cast in the six-month long poll.
When all was said and done, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was named America’s favorite novel.
To Kill a Mockingbird tells a poignant coming-of-age story about racism and injustice in the American South. Set in the 1930s, the novel centers on lawyer Atticus Finch and his young children, daughter Scout and son Jem. When Atticus defends an African-American man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman, the trial and its associated events teach Scout important lessons about life, compassion and morality.