#UnitedStatesOfBooks: capturing the literary spirit of the 50 states

​Penguin Random House introduces #UnitedStatesOfBooks, a new social initiative and ReadDown book list series that celebrates, on Instagram and www.penguinrandomhouse.com, the literary spirit of each of the 50 states. #UnitedStatesOfBooks takes readers on a literary tour state by state, with dedicated Instagram posts that highlight a book set in each state, paired with an object that is representative of the state. Curated ReadDown book lists will offer additional reading recommendations for each state.  
 
#UnitedStatesOfBooks kicked off in January 2017, and will run through the end of the year. The states will be presented on the site during the coming months in the order in which they joined the union, having started with Delaware, and to conclude with Hawaii. Readers are encouraged to use hashtag #UnitedStatesOfBooks on Instagram to discuss their favorite books, iconic objects, and images related to each state. Related ReadDown lists for each state can be found by swiping up on an Instagram story. The states, books, and objects that have been featured to date include:

• Delaware: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez and Dogfish Head Ales
• Pennsylvania: Miller’s Valley by Anna Quindlen and Hershey Kisses
• New Jersey: Drown by Junot Diaz and bagels
• Georgia: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt and sweet tea
• Connecticut: Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates and autumn leaves
• Massachusetts: Little Women by Luisa May Alcott and Homesick Candles

 
“We invite readers to join Penguin Random House on an armchair literary tour of the #UnitedStatesOfBooks to better understand the different voices, values, perspectives, and stories that make our country a unique place,” said Kristen O’Connell, Senior Director, Consumer Marketing and Social Media, at Penguin Random House. “The #UnitedStatesOfBooks is one of the many ways we are helping readers discover their next great read and engage in discussion about the world in which we live, through books, and the sharing of them on social media.”

Source: press release