PBS’s attempt to find America’s “best-loved novel,” "The Great American Read" (8 p.m. Tuesday, WQED-TV), returns with seven more episodes devoted to themes including “Heroes” (Sept. 25), “Villains and Monsters” (Oct. 2) and “Other Worlds” (Oct. 16). Meredith Vieira hosts the program which aired its premiere episode in May then encouraged viewers to read as many books as possible and vote on their favorites at pbs.org/greatamericanread , where voting remains open and 2 million votes have been cast. The finale, where the winning book title will be revealed, airs Oct. 23. (I'll be voting for "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving, pictured above.)

“I think there's a passion for books that show the characters changing and people dealing with the world in which we live now,” said executive producer Jane Root at a PBS press conference in July during the Television Critics Association summer 2018 press tour. “And I think you can see quite a lot of people struggling with stuff, and looking to books for the answer. [There are] many different reasons why a book is wonderful. But looking for a few directions or a few clues to how to live your life, that's a good reason.”

Ms. Vieira said some books, including “1894” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” resonate in the current socio-political climate. And then there’s “50 Shades of Grey,” which is also on the PBS list. Ms. Root doesn’t think it will win.

“I've yet to meet somebody who has voted for it,” Ms. Root said. “Maybe they're voting privately, but I don't think so. But who knows? That's the beauty of a secret vote. We will see.”