Join PBS Books and the Library of Congress for book inspired adventure to Puerto Rico in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on September 17th at 8 p.m. ET for the episode premiere on the PBS Books YouTube channel, or watch on the PBS Books Facebook page, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Puerto Rico’s literary tradition is as layered and vibrant as the island itself, shaped by centuries of history, cultural exchange, and a deep connection to language and place. Among its early influential voices, Alejandro Tapia y Rivera (La Cuarterona) helped lay the foundation for Puerto Rican theater and literature, while poet Julia de Burgos (RÃo Grande de LoÃza) explored themes of place, freedom, and identity that continue to resonate today. Educator and writer Isabel Freire de Matos (Isla para los niños) introduced generations of young readers to Puerto Rican history and culture, and playwright René Marqués (La Carreta) examined the social upheaval and migration transforming life on the island. As more Puerto Ricans made their homes beyond the island, its literary influence traveled with them. In New York, poet Miguel AlgarÃn (On Call) was one of many writers shaping a growing Puerto Rican diaspora, helping establish the Nuyorican Poets Cafe as a home for voices exploring culture, community, and the Puerto Rican experience stateside.
This literary tradition continues through writers capturing the many dimensions of Puerto Rican life today, both on the island and beyond. Mayra Santos-Febres (Boat People) explores migration, displacement, and the movement of people across the Caribbean, while poet Mara Pastor (Deuda Natal) brings a contemporary voice to questions of memory and place. Giannina Braschi (Yo-Yo Boing!) pushes the boundaries of language and form, blending Spanish and English to capture the complexities of culture and belonging. From New York, poet Willie Perdomo (The Crazy Bunch) draws on the rhythms, relationships, and experiences of Puerto Rican communities in the diaspora. Together, these writers show how Puerto Rican literature continues to evolve across generations, genres, languages, and borders.
Puerto Rico’s literary story comes to life in the many places that preserve, celebrate, and share it. Across the island, libraries, independent bookstores, museums, and cultural spaces invite readers to discover generations of Puerto Rican writers and storytellers. Historic theaters, literary landmarks, archives, and community gathering places reveal how deeply books, poetry, and storytelling are woven into the island’s cultural life. Together, these spaces honor Puerto Rico’s rich literary heritage while creating room for new voices and new generations of readers.
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About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
Pack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures.
From iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores, amazing libraries, and the real-life locations that inspired great works, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way, we’ll meet bestselling authors, passionate booksellers, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart, history, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling.
New episodes will stream on select Thursdays at 8pm EST on the PBS Books Facebook page, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
About PBS Books
PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more.
