As we stand on the threshold of the new year, I am very happy to welcome you to the 2025 American Masterpieces Chapter-a-Day Read-Along. My hope for you is that this year’s read-along becomes a daily rhythm of savoring the language, characters, themes, and landscapes of three extraordinary works of American literature: Roots by Alex Haley, Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, and Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.

We begin the year with Alex Haley’s Roots: The Saga of an American Family, a monumental work that captured the world’s attention upon its publication in 1976.  Starting January 1, we’ll read one chapter a day, taking in this remarkable story at a deliberate and reflective pace, finishing the last chapter on April 30.

About Roots and Alex Haley

Alex Haley published Roots after years of intensive research into his family’s history. The book is a unique blend of historical fact and fictional narrative, chronicling Haley’s ancestral lineage through the story of Kunta Kinte, an 18th-century African man captured and sold into slavery, and his descendants. The story spans generations, giving readers a deeply personal and historical perspective on the African American experience. Roots became an instant phenomenon, igniting conversations about race, identity, and heritage. It won a Pulitzer Prize in 1977 and inspired millions to explore their own family histories, including me. I was in my early teens when Roots was first published, long before the Internet and services like FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, or 23andme.com. Roots excited in me a desire to research my own family history until now I seem to have become our defacto genealogist.

The Legacy of Roots

When Roots first hit the shelves, it sparked a cultural revolution. Its impact was amplified by the groundbreaking 1977 miniseries, which became one of the most-watched television events in history, with an estimated 130 million viewers. The series brought Haley’s story to life, forging an emotional connection with audiences across the globe. In 2016, a miniseries remake introduced a new generation to the story, proving that the themes of Roots remain as relevant as ever.

Professor of Media Studies Adrien Sebro, in an interview on CNN, commented on the impact the Roots miniseries has had on American culture:

“It played a huge role in how we view television; how Black life became, you know talked about in truth, about how Black lives came to America. And it really set the stage for the breadth and depth of storytelling that can be done on television….Prior to the debut of Roots, so much of Black life on television had centered around sitcoms like Sandford and Son, Good Times and The Jeffersons. Roots was different because the brutal realities of slavery in America was nothing to laugh at, especially for Black Americans.”

As we prepare to read Roots, we honor its place as a masterpiece of American literature. It challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating the strength and perseverance of the human spirit. Through its pages, we’ll walk alongside Kunta Kinte and his descendants, gaining a deeper appreciation for their journey and its significance in the broader context of history.

Sharing the Experience

One of the joys of the chapter-a-day read-along is the community it fosters. I encourage you to share your thoughts as we read together. Post your reflections on social media using the hashtag #AmericanReadalong, or join the conversation by leaving comments here on these posts. Whether it’s a favorite passage, an insight, or a question, your contributions will enrich the experience for all of us.

And remember, this year you can interact with the American Masterpieces Chapter-a-Day Read-Along on any of the following social media services:

• Chapter-a-Day Read-Along on Instagram
• Chapter-a-Day Read-Along on Threads
• Chapter-a-Day Read-Along Facebook Page
• Chapter-a-Day Read-Along on Bluesky
• Chapter-a-Day Read-Along on X (formerly known as Twitter)

Getting Ready

As we approach January 1, take some time to find your copy of Roots and set up a cozy spot for daily reading. This is your invitation to step into an unforgettable story—one chapter at a time.

Whether you read first thing in the morning, last thing in the evening, or at random times each day, may your daily reading be a sacred, reflective, contemplative time.

Thank you for joining the 2025 American Masterpieces Chapter-a-Day Read-Along. I can’t wait to see where this year of reading takes us.

Happy reading!