PBS’s The Great American Read is an eight-part series that explores America’s 100 best-loved novels. The series notes that one theme emerges often in these 100 best-loved novels—the quest for love, especially a romantic love that will endure.

Here are some quotes from literature experts commenting on the series and the novels:

“Love is the driving force behind everything that we do. So I think reading about all these different types of loves and the ways in which they present, is one of the great human questions.”

“I love a good love story. I think everybody wants it. If you don’t want it you’re trying to get it. If you have it, you’re trying to keep it.”

“Every book on this list is about love and death. And finding love that transcends death. I mean, who’s not going to love a love story?”

“We are fascinated by the fact that things can go wrong in love. We don’t want to go there. We don’t want this sort of thing to happen to us.”

Possible Preaching Angles: Romantic love and marriage are among God’s greatest gifts to humanity. Even higher than this is God's love, expressed through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The ultimate love story is when God chose us and made the ultimate commitment and sacrifice through his Son.

Source: “The Great American Read: What We Do for Love” PBS.com (9-9-18)