The Great American Read show's poster

Heroes

A journey through America that introduces our list of the 100 best-loved books and explores the many ways in which these novels affect, reflect and connect us all.

RMPBS Passport

Please log in to your PBS Passport account to watch this video

Become a Member

Heroes

Season 1 Episode 4 | 52m 25s | CC

We examine books on America’s list that feature heroic characters. Celebrities, literary experts, authors and everyday book lovers discuss why our favorite heroes are complex and relatable, from the everyday hero to the tragic and unlikely or anti-hero.

Related stories

Outdoor Recreation
Durango students celebrate Indigenous culture through traditional games
On Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Durango School District invited children and community members to participate in traditional Indigenous games, including Double Ball, Arrow Throw, and Scream and Run.
 | Ziyi Xu
Rocky Mountain PBS
Culture, kimchi and community at 9,000 feet
The Korean Cultural Heritage Camp offers adopted children from South Korean and their adoptive families a chance to learn more about South Korean culture and community.
 | Chase McCleary
Rocky Mountain PBS
Juneteenth celebration upholds ‘crown jewel’ of Black culture in Denver
Nearly 30,000 people celebrated Juneteenth in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. The festival’s organizers said it’s an anchor of Black culture and celebration.
 | Alison Berg

The Great American Read

Watch more episodes

See more
See more
The Great American Read is made possible by the Anne Ray Foundation and public television viewers. Additional engagement funding for The Great American Read is made possible by CPB.