top of page

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 screen the film

Interested in a virtual or in-person screening of the film? Fill out the form below and we'll send you more details on the screening process later this year 🙂.

Please send all questions to mason@booksxamerica.com

Subscribe

wide map for wix.png

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. After releasing his sci-fi novel, 2084, he began working on 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.

My project-1 (1)_edited.png

A Sample of the Film

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 host a screening!

question mark 2.png

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?

pose pic thumbnail for b-trailer2.png

Wanna host a screening?

Beginning in the fall of 2024, Books Across America will screen at libraries, bookstores, and art centers nationwide. Screenings will include:

a 90-minute documentary on the state of reading in America
a live/virtual Q&A with the director

Click here if you want a screening!

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.

BCA(large).png

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.

bottom of page