Quiz Bowl: April 2007, Is Oprah your guide?
Oprah recently released the name of her newest book club selection. Without knowing anything about the book, I thought "I should pick that up". I certainly haven't read all of the books that have been discussed in Oprah's book club, but I do like hearing about new books and authors. And really, who doesn't love Oprah? Certainly she'd give us nothing but good book advice.
So, for our first Quiz Bowl, answer any or all of the following:
1. Do you read the books on Oprah's list? Do you diligently read them all? How do you choose?
2. Do you have any feelings about her book club? Love it? Hate it? Any thoughts on the impact of being a chosen author?
3. Did you see the episode where she grilled and lambasted James Frey? Your thoughts?
4. How many of the Oprah Book Club books have you read (before or after her recommendation)?
5. Any favorites (old or new)?
6. Do you find that you want to make the distinction about whether you read the book before or after it made Oprah's list?
7. Are you going to read the newest selection, The Road?
For your reference, here's a link to Oprah's Book Club archive.
So, for our first Quiz Bowl, answer any or all of the following:
1. Do you read the books on Oprah's list? Do you diligently read them all? How do you choose?
2. Do you have any feelings about her book club? Love it? Hate it? Any thoughts on the impact of being a chosen author?
3. Did you see the episode where she grilled and lambasted James Frey? Your thoughts?
4. How many of the Oprah Book Club books have you read (before or after her recommendation)?
5. Any favorites (old or new)?
6. Do you find that you want to make the distinction about whether you read the book before or after it made Oprah's list?
7. Are you going to read the newest selection, The Road?
For your reference, here's a link to Oprah's Book Club archive.
After looking at Oprah's archives, I realize that I really do like her taste and have read a lot of the books on her list, BUT I have actually never read an Oprah Book Club book just because she suggested it. In fact, it annoys me when I buy a book and the Oprah sticker is on it. Not sure why.
Maybe my reaction is along the same lines as the reaction Jonathan Franzen had when she added his book "The Corrections" to her book club. He was indignant, as if his cool book shouldn't be so mainstream that all of Oprah's ladies were reading it. Of course, when he took that position I remember thinking that Jonathan Franzen should just get over himself and enjoy his big book sales.
So. . . ummm. . . what was the question? I don't think I answered it, but I guess I'm just saying that Oprah has good taste. I should pay more attention to what she tells me to read.
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I will admit to reading a full 52% of the books on this list! Most of the books I have not read the non-fiction selections, classics, and none of Bill Cosby's (whether they are fiction or non).
There are five books I read before they were Oprah selections, and for some reason, I kept saying that to myself as I checked books off the list. "Yeah, I read that but that was BEFORE it was an Oprah book" as if that made a difference to me or anyone else.
There were around seven or eight books that left me with a very lasting impression. I remembered something very distinct about each book, even if I couldn't describe the plot or even name the main characters.
There were only two or three books that I did not like, the rest I really enjoyed. Overall, I agree with Jill - it's good to listen to Oprah.
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Fresh from the bookstore, where I perused the "Oprah's book club" table, I will say I generally like her picks. In keeping with my adamant refusal to mention books without throwing in East of Eden, I read it because she picked it, and saw the interview with Steinbeck's son.
I am a whore to marketing, I totally pick based on whether I like the cover.
So what did I buy? Just the goods. This month's JENNIES BOOK CLUB selection. Maybe I will make up a sticker, and send it to Jill so she can cover that pesky Oprah one.
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