SoCal Reads
PBS’ The Great American Read is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 different books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.
The television series features documentary segments, with testimonials from celebrities, authors, notable Americans and book lovers across the country. Throughout the summer and into the fall, PBS SoCal will share reading and book-related stories from around the region
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Testimonials
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I am never lonely or bored with a book!
– Ann L., Thousands Oaks, On why she loves reading
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I have loved reading since I was a child. I especially enjoy reading historical biographies, socialogical commentary & research, mysteries. I am not a fan of romance novels or particularly of novels inspired by dysfunctional families etc. I currently tutor as a volunteer at the Los Angeles City Library system to assist non-English speaking folks.
– Barbara C., Encino
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Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts writes about thrilling characters and an extraordinary life he has lived. It beautifully describes India and the struggles he endured to survive this unique experience. He wrote a sequel, The Mountain Shadow, which continues his magnificent endeavors thru chaos and its rewards for a fuller philosohpical view on real life.
– Beth D., Fontanta, On her favorite book
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Reading never, ever, feels like a waste of time. I can watch TV or go to the movies or play video games and come away thinking, "Well, that's some time I'll never get back." But I never feel that way about reading, similar to going to the gym or working out. Regardless of how I feel before, I never regret it after, even if the book isn't particularly good. I also love going to the bookstore and having that thrill of discovery when you find a new book! I mean, who doesn't love that?
– Dustin D. Burbank, On why he loves reading
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When the Captain of an American Destroyer in WWII turns his ship into the teeth of the onrushing Japanese fleet to try to protect our defenseless troops on the transports about to invade the Philippines. He had no more torpedoes left, but the enemy didn't know that and were forced to alter course.
"The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors"
– Jack C., Los Angeles, On his favorite moment from a book
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From The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton..the lovers were riding in a carriage and he made the removal of her glove the sexiest thing I have read.
– Judy H., Coronado, On her favorite moment in a book
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I read as a child but as an adult when I had medical condition and was unable to sleep a book was the only escape from the pain. I am still reading to this day.
– Kathy H., Los Osos
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My earliest reading memory is sitting in my mom's lap reading Dr. Seuss's "Go, Dog, Go!" We must have read that book 500 times! I remember the warmth of my mother's lap, the feeling of being nurtured, the confidence in the safety of the nestling in my mother's arms while she read to me. It is the greatest gift I received as a child, and I have passed on the same gift to my son.
– Noelle D., Westminster
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I’ve always loved to read, but 12 years ago reading saved my life. I developed Guilliane Barre Syndrome and while [I was] very fortunate to respond to treatment right away, my recovery was long in coming. I read several books a day while regaining my strength. Doctors know little about this syndrome and can’t tell me for sure, but I feel either because of the syndrome or the medication to combat it I am “hyper” inside and just sitting is difficult. But with a book in my hand I’m in another land and comfortable for a time. During the early part of my convalescence concentration was difficult so I mostly read fluff – romance and mystery, now I’ll read anything I can get my hands on.
– Janice M., Mission Viejo
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To Kill a Mockingbird. It was a bit reminiscent of my childhood. I spent my early chidhood in Texas. Also as a Mexican, looking back we were subject to prejudice but I just didn’t know it at the time. It is such a noble book about doing the right thing. That’s what my parents instilled in us. When my kids were born and started to learn to talk, they would call me by my first name. I thought it was great, just like Atticus Finch. My wife didn’t agree so we trained our kids to call me Dad.
– Joe G., Glendale
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It puts me in places I probably will never visit. Through Into Think Air I was atop Mount Everest and come back down in a blizzard!
– Peggy S., Garden Grove, On Why She Loves Reading
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I’ve always loved to read and am so grateful my mom made frequent trips to the library so I could get a library card and check out my own books. It made me feel very grown up! And a love for reading was born.
– Kathie K., Laguna Woods
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I live to read. I love that effortless prose that transports me to another time, another place. I meet the most beautiful people in books. Most will stay with me forever and some just visit me and move on.
– Dayna A., Torrance, On why she loves reading
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Reading takes you to another place in time or to another country or world. It’s an escape from your everyday life. It can be cathartic, uplifting, humorous, or tragic. You can go anywhere you want to go.
– Debi B., Menifee, On why she loves reading
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“I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou was the book that hooked me on reading in the third grade. The story was so real and well told that I was able to eaily visualize the various scenes and scenarios. I have been a lover of books ever since.
– Jennifer J,. Duarte
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I absolutely could not live without reading. Whether I’m reading a physical or digital book or I’m listening in my car I’m entranced. I learn and laugh and admire. I love TV, movies and theater but nothing takes the place of reading!
– Maria S., Culver City
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“Lord of the Rings.” It was a total immersive experience for me in Junior High. I cried when it was over because there were no more books in the series to read! I was riveted, fascinated, and totally in that world.
– Marion S., Carson, On her favorite book
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My parents bought the Childcraft series of books and my favorite was “Stories from Around the World.” One (the story about the boy who shrinks by touching a nail and finding a friend) has stayed with me still.
– Miriam C., Downey, On her earliest reading memory
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