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Item List

BOOKS ACROSS AMERICA

in a new documentary

a writer travels to 50 states, reads 50 books, and interviews 50 authors ... all in 50 days

Learn how to watch the film!

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Participating Authors

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

James Patterson for Wix

Joyce Carol Oates for Wix

Walter Mosley for Wix

Ann Patchett for Wix

David Baldacci for Wix

Carmen Maria Machado for Wix

Clint Smith for Wix

Kristin Hannah for Wix

Ken Liu for Wix

Ross Gay for Wix

Hanif Abdurraqib for Wix

Leigh Bardugo for Wix

Veronica Roth for Wix

James Patterson for Wix

Joyce Carol Oates for Wix

Walter Mosley for Wix

Ann Patchett for Wix

David Baldacci for Wix

Carmen Maria Machado for Wix

Clint Smith for Wix

Kristin Hannah for Wix

Ken Liu for Wix

Ross Gay for Wix

Hanif Abdurraqib for Wix

Leigh Bardugo for Wix

Veronica Roth for Wix

Check out the full lineup

The Story

The filmmaker

Mason Engel is an author and filmmaker. His sci-fi novel, 2084, has earned bestseller status on Amazon, and his bookish documentaries, The Bookstour and Story Road, have appeared on public television and in major literary festivals.

The real-life "Great American Novel"

After 10 years of trying to make it as a writer in LA, Mason gives up. It's time to move home to Indiana. But not yet. Since he can't write a Great American Novel, he decides to live one. He travels to 50 states, reads 50 books, and interviews 50 authors, all in 50 days. Books Across America is his story ... and the story of readers everywhere.

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What about book bans?

The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in banned books. In this rough sample of the film, Mason speaks with the United States Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, about:

the rise of book bans
the accessibility of books and knowledge

Learn how to watch the full film!

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WHAT ARE THE BIG QUESTIONS

Why do we tell stories?

Why do we read?

and, for Mason:

Is the road trip a search for answers or something more?

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a film for the book lover

If that's you ...

Enter your details below, and we'll let you know when the film is ready.

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501(c)(3) Partner

A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, E2AC connects award-winning content creators, mission-based organizations, and passionate funders who want to share their impact through the power of story.

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Please direct all inquiries to: mason@booksxamerica.com

Official Sponsor

Bookshop.org believes local bookstores are essential community hubs that foster culture, curiosity, and a love of reading. Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores.

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