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Books That Shaped America

Books That Shaped America (05:50)

As part of our 2012 Celebration of the Book and recognition of Books That Shaped America, we asked several book enthusiasts to talk about the books that they believed shaped America.

Author Festival Reflections

Festival Reflections (04:27)

The 2010 National Book Festival attracted 150,000 festivalgoers and more than 70 best-selling authors. Organizers and book lovers share highlights of last year’s festival and reflect on the reasons why it has grown into the nation’s premiere literary event.
The Writer's View: How will e-readers change the book as we know it? (06:31)

Sales of e-readers continue to grow at an astronomical rate. Will the advent of this new technology change the book as we know it? Will e-books encourage reading or signal the death of conventional “paper and ink” books? National Book Festival authors share their thoughts on how technology will change the way we read.
The Writer's View: How would renowned authors change society? (06:13)

Find out what your favorite authors think about life and the world around them. How would such renowned authors as Isabel Allende, Ken Follett, Diana Gabaldon, David Remnick, Scott Turow and others change society?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: National Book Festival Reflections (01:16)

NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who appeared at the National Book Festival in 2004, turns his attention to reading.
Julia Alvarez: National Book Festival Reflections (01:20)

Julia Alvarez, who appeared at the National Book Festival in 2009, equates books with freedom. “It’s so wonderful that we come together to celebrate the act of freedom.”
David Baldacci: National Book Festival Reflections (00:42)

David Baldacci shares his thoughts on the creative process.
Tiki Barber: National Book Festival Reflections (01:47)

Tiki Barber talks about the importance of collecting the nation’s collective memory.
Nevada Barr: National Book Festival Reflections (00:45)

Nevada Barr shares her thoughts on the creative process.
James H. Billington: National Book Festival Reflections (01:34)

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington issues a call to action. “Embrace and evangelize the cause of reading and learning.”
Holly Black/Tony DiTerlizzi: National Book Festival Reflections (01:14)

Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi deliver a challenge to parents.
Judy Blume: National Book Festival Reflections (01:09)

Judy Blume describes her connection to libraries.
Barbara Taylor Bradford: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Barbara Taylor Bradford, who appeared at the National Book Festival in 2004, recalls how libraries nurtured her love of reading.
Douglas Brinkley: National Book Festival Reflections (01:30)

Douglas Brinkley honors the book.
Geraldine Brooks: National Book Festival Reflections (01:37)

Geraldine Brooks describes the importance of books.
Marc Brown: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Marc Brown talks about his experience at the 2004 National Book Festival.
Andrew Carroll: National Book Festival Reflections (00:46)

Andrew Carroll discusses his experience at the National Book Festival. “There is a wonderful sense of energy and a wonderful sense of community at an event like this.”
Kevin Clash: National Book Festival Reflections (01:31)

Kevin Clash and Elmo of “Sesame Street” share a special message.
Harlen Coben: National Book Festival Reflections (01:01)

Harlan Coben reflects on the value of books.
Michael Connelly: National Book Festival Reflections (01:01)

Michael Connelly sets his priorities.
“It (National Book Festival) really celebrates the power and importance of storytelling.”
Jim Cramer: National Book Festival Reflections (01:13)

Jim Cramer talks about the business of books.
Jeffery Deaver: National Book Festival Reflections (01:17)

Jeffery Deaver discusses his experience at the National Book Festival. “The festival has been absolutely wonderful.”
Carmen Agra Deedy: National Book Festival Reflections (01:30)

Children’s author Carmen Agra Deedy, a festival favorite, demonstrates her multilingual skills.
Paula Deen: National Book Festival Reflections (01:12)

Cooking celebrity Paula Deen talks about one of her memorable festival moments.
“I would not miss this event for anything.”
Kate DiCamillo: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Kate DiCamillo talks about the importance of books.
E. L. Doctorow: National Book Festival Reflections (01:02)

E. L. Doctorow shares some insight into the writing process.
“Writing requires an extended act of concentration.”
Bruce Feiler: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Bruce Feiler, who will be appearing at the National Book Festival in 2010, talks about the power of books.
Vince Flynn: National Book Festival Reflections (01:01)

Vince Flynn talks about the importance of celebrating the book.
John Hope Franklin: National Book Festival Reflections (02:06)

Historian John Hope Franklin, who passed away at the age of 94 on March 25, 2009, appeared at the National Book Festival in 2006. He shares some insights into the value of celebrating books. “It [National Book Festival] stimulates the mind.”
Arthur Frommer: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Arthur Frommer recalls his experience at the festival in 2004.
Diana Gabaldon: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Diana Gabaldon talks about the creative process of writing.
Neil Gaiman: National Book Festival Reflections (01:16)

Neil Gaiman talks about his experiences at the National Book Festival.
Leeza Gibbons: National Book Festival Reflections (01:08)

Leeza Gibbons discusses her experiences at the National Book Festival.
Julia Glass: National Book Festival Reflections (01:51)

Julia Glass talks about her love of books.
Annette Gordon-Reed: National Book Festival Reflections (00:47)

Award-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed, who appeared at the National Book Festival, talks about the importance of reading.
“Reading is fundamental to democracy.”
Heloise: National Book Festival Reflections (02:14)

Heloise shares a hint for lifelong success.
“Reading...the best thing in life”
Khaled Hosseini: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Khaled Hosseini shares his reasons for writing.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson: National Book Festival Reflections (00:49)

Kay Bailey Hutchison talks about the importance of the National Book Festival.
Gwen Ifill: National Book Festival Reflections (03:12)

Television journalist Gwen Ifill talks about the importance of books and reading.
John Irving: National Book Festival Reflections (02:42)

John Irving discusses his thoughts on the creative process.
Steven Kellogg: National Book Festival Reflections (02:41)

Steven Kellogg talks about writing for the online serial adventure “Exquisite Corpse.”
Leigh & Leslie Keno: National Book Festival Reflections (00:46)

Leigh & Leslie Keno describe the thrill of reading.
Jeff Kinney: National Book Festival Reflections (01:27)

Best-selling author Jeff Kinney, who appeared at the 2009 National Book Festival, explains the secret of his success.
“Write for adults”
Ted Kooser: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Ted Kooser talks about the creative energy of the National Book Festival.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis: National Book Festival Reflections (01:16)

Congressman John Lewis reflects on his participation in the 2004 National Book Festival.
“It (Library of Congress) is the place where we learn.”
Patricia MacLachlan: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Patricia MacLachlan explains how books enrich the nation’s youth.
U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek: National Book Festival Reflections (01:38)

Congressman Kendrick Meek brought his family to the National Book Festival in 2003.
“I look forward to continuing to support it [National Book Festival].”
Andrea Mitchell: National Book Festival Reflections (01:29)

Andrea Mitchell compares the creative process of journalism to that of writing a book.
Brad Meltzer: National Book Festival Reflections (02:06)

Mystery author Brad Meltzer talks about a different kind of thriller.
Stephenie Meyer: National Book Festival Reflections (01:15)

Stephenie Meyer reflects on her festival experience in 2006.
Walter Mosley: National Book Festival Reflections (01:45)

Walter Mosley tells why he has fun at the National Book Festival.
Robert B. Parker: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Robert B. Parker reveals a different talent.
Katherine Paterson: National Book Festival Reflections (00:47)

Katherine Paterson, the current Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, appeared at the National Book Festival in 2004.
James Patterson: National Book Festival Reflections (00:51)

James Patterson reflects on the role of the nation’s library.
Richard Peck: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Richard Peck talks about the importance of the written word.
George Pelecanos: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

George Pelecanos recalls interacting with his fans in 2006.
Nathaniel Philbrick: National Book Festival Reflections (01:14)

Nathaniel Philbrick describes the importance of preservation.
“The present is the past in the making.”
Terry Pratchett: National Book Festival Reflections (01:49)

Terry Pratchett describes one of his passions.
Anna Quindlen: National Book Festival Reflections (02:14)

Anna Quindlen explains why literacy is a civic duty.
“Reading is the ultimate democratic act”
Kathy Reichs: National Book Festival Reflections (01:09)

Kathy Reichs reflects on her experience at the National Book Festival in 2006.
David Remini: National Book Festival Reflections (01:27)

David Remini reflects on his book about the House of Representatives.
Cokie Roberts: National Book Festival Reflections (01:20)

Cokie Roberts reflects on the impact of the Library of Congress’ educational outreach.
Kay Ryan: National Book Festival Reflections (01:55)

Kay Ryan wants to personalize the reading experience.
John Sandford: National Book Festival Reflections (00:35)

John Sandford discusses his experience at the National Book Festival.
“I had a lot of fun”
Marisa de los Santos: National Book Festival Reflections (00:57)

Marisa de los Santos reflects on the magic of writing.
John Scieszka: National Book Festival Reflections (01:14)

Jon Scieszka, who appeared at the 2009 National Book Festival, discusses the online serial adventure, “Exquisite Corpse.”
“The idea was to play around with storytelling.”
Lisa Scottoline: National Book Festival Reflections (00:36)

Lisa Scottoline describes one of her passions.
R. L. Stine: National Book Festival Reflections (01:53)

R. L. Stine explains his motivation for writing.
“My whole career has been about getting kids to read.”
Alexandra Stoddard: National Book Festival Reflections (02:05)

Alexandra Stoddard talks about the connection between authors and readers.
“Certain authors change your life.”
Scott Turow: National Book Festival Reflections (01:27)

Scott Turow explains why libraries should take the lead in promoting reading.
Judith Viorst: National Book Festival Reflections (00:50)

Judith Viorst reflects on her festival experience.
Dionne Warwick: National Book Festival Reflections (00:47)

Dionne Warwick talks about the importance of literacy.

10-Year Retrospective

National Book Festival 10-Year Retrospective (03:45)

The Library of Congress National Book Festival will celebrate its 10th year on Sept. 25, 2010! Authors, event organizers and book-lovers share their impressions in a look back at “A Decade of Words and Wonder.”

Festivalgoers Share Their Experiences

2005 Festivalgoers #1: National Book Festival Reflections (00:34)

Festivalgoer discusses her experience at the 2005 National Book Festival. “It's amazing…good selection of books, great authors and illustrators here.“
2005 Festivalgoers #2: National Book Festival Reflections (00:44)

Festivalgoer shares her insights. “I think it's wonderful to get that personal background, especially on your favorite authors.”
2003 Festivalgoers #3: National Book Festival Reflections (01:06)

A husband and wife share their experience at the 2003 National Book Festival. “We are part of a group of people who value reading.”
2003 Festivalgoers #4: National Book Festival Reflections (00:36)

A teacher talks about her experience at the National Book Festival. “I come down to get bookmarks.”
2003 Festivalgoers #5: National Book Festival Reflections (00:40)

A festivalgoer shares some highlights of the 2003 National Book Festival. “His [U.S. Poet Laureate] poetry spoke to me.”
2003 Festivalgoers #6: National Book Festival Reflections (00:36)

Festivalgoers reflect on the 2003 National Book Festival “I enjoy seeing the families.”