Oprah began her final "farewell" season this Fall and tomorrow, she will announce her final selection for her book club. Everyone is wondering whether she will chose Jonathan Franzen's Freedom or Nelson Mandela's Conversations With Myself. Of course we all know what happened in 2001 when Oprah wanted Franzen's The Corrections in her club - Franzen wasn't happy, stating that Orpah "picked some good books, but she's picked enough schmaltzy, one-dimensional ones that I cringe".
Of course Oprah is hugely influential in the publishing world. Not only have her book club selections made millions - some have gone on to be reviewed by the New York Times, sometimes as the cover story, and have been translated to the big screen.
"The all-powerful Oprah Book Club is not so much a book club as a ruthlessly influential marketing vehicle, with the power to fundamentally alter best-seller lists, Amazon rankings and royalty payments." -Time Magazine
So, Mandela or Franzen? My vote is on Mandela.
Update: I guess we don't have to wait until tomorrow. The AP says she picked Freedom. I wonder if we will hear anything from Franzen?
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jiadvWbqqjoxK7X5WQ5WJbmKUnFgD9I931800
ReplyDeleteStill shocked she chose Freedom. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me...Right? Let the snarkiness commence! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised. I was sure she'd pick Mandela. I kind of understand what Franzen is saying though. Some of her book club picks are pretty awful.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a big Oprah's Book Club fan. Although I definitely still want to read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle... and I was a big fan of The PIllars of the Earth on Starz. I'm curious to try and find more info on how she made her final selection.
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