Books forge deep into our hearts and create a special connection that we didn't expect. Even if we remember all the books we read, It is really challenging to choose a favorite one from all that. However, PBS tried a survey with the help of some literary experts to find out the most favorite book of all time, .
They made a list of hundred most popular novels in such a way that no two books of the same author were repeated. This list included books published from year 1600s to 2016. They provided this list to a sample of 7200 Americans and received a total of 4 million votes.
With 7200 participants and 100 popular titles it is impossible to pick a common favorite. But there was one title that hit the top and didn't waver from first place. This specific book had tough competition like the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkiens, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. The top favorite had to stand up to instant classics like Harry Potter and 19th century stories like Pride and Prejudice.
The book that became the top choice for five straight months of the voting period, is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The result isn't surprising because this winning star talks about racism in a Southern town through the eyes of a young girl. Worldwide it has sold 40 million copies since its debut in 1960. When the author published his second novel, Go Set a Watchman, it broke the record of first sales.
It takes effort and patience from the reader but gives more in return. We realize that books are able to change perception, guide and challenge humanity as it strives to find an identity. Many books become world wide favorites others become great importance to embed in a school curriculum. Books change lives. Books change history.
