books Oprah loves (and you will too!)

Oprah’s Book Club is a long-running book discussion group created by Oprah Winfrey. It began in 1996 as part of her talk show and became a cultural phenomenon, helping to catapult many books to bestseller status. Oprah selects books that resonate with her personally, often focusing on themes like self-discovery, resilience, and complex relationships. Let’s take a look at some of the books Oprah loves!

Noteworthy details about Oprah’s book club:

1. Wide reach: Oprah’s endorsement can significantly boost a book’s sales and visibility. Books featured in her club often see a surge in popularity.
2. Varied genres: Selections include literary fiction, memoirs, and sometimes non-fiction, with a focus on compelling stories and diverse voices.
3. Global discussions: The club now engages readers worldwide through social media, making it more interactive than ever.
4. Partnerships with businesses: Oprah has partnered with Apple and Starbucks, integrating special content and coffee pairings.

Some famous picks include The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, and Becoming by Michelle Obama.

I’ve always admired Oprah, and I’m eager to learn more about her book recommendations.

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Selected titles of books Oprah loves:

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

This novella takes place in a small Irish town in the 1980s. It centers on Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, who faces a moral dilemma when he discovers a secret about the local convent. Bill is forced to confront his own past and beliefs about duty, knowing that if he comes forward it will rock the town. The story highlights the importance of small acts of kindness and their potential to change the course of a life.

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

This collaborative memoir is a labor of love. Riley Keough pored through her mother’s notes and tapes in an effort to complete the project her mother started. They share intimate stories about Lisa Marie’s relationship with Elvis, her troubled time in school, her romantic life, and motherhood. It’s a heartfelt look at their journey through grief, fame, and self-discovery.

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

In this novel, Strout delves into the lives of three characters from some of her previous works. Lucy Barton, Bob Burgess, and Olive Kitteridge are featured in a series of conversations and introspections. Throw in an unfolding murder investigation to keep things interesting. The characters navigate the pain of the past while trying to make sense of the present. The book explores loneliness, connection, and the ways in which our pasts shape who we become.

Familiaris by David Wroblewski

This novel follows the story of a newly married couple, two close friends, and three dogs. Set in Wisconsin’s northwoods, the story examines themes of loyalty, regret, and the complexities of familial love. Experience the full gamut of emotions in this tale of adventure, heartbreak, and enchantment. Dogs–Canis familiaris–feature prominently in the work.

Long Island by Colm Tóibín

In this work, Tóibín depicts a complicated extended family living in Long Island. Eilis Lacey, an Irish woman who marries into this large Italian family, has her world upended following a shocking revelation from an unknown Irishman who shows up on her doorstep. Follow this riveting tale as the family navigates some difficult choices.

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

This memoir tells the story of Lara Love Hardin’s remarkable journey through addiction, motherhood, incarceration, and the pursuit of healing. Hardin embarks on a path to recovery and self-discovery. The book is a testament to resilience. It focuses on the powerful impact of love, particularly the love of a mother, in healing and finding purpose. It highlights how the complexity of one’s life can be a source of strength.

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

In this novel, Ward explores the brutal realities of slavery in the antebellum South through the perspective of an enslaved woman. The story is deeply rooted in historical trauma and offers a profound examination of race, survival, and resistance. Ward’s poetic and evocative writing highlights the psychological and physical suffering of those enslaved, while also portraying their strength and defiance. It’s a poignant meditation on the legacy of oppression and the hope for freedom.

Wellness by Nathan Hill

This novel centers on the intertwining lives of a couple from their time as students in Chicago to their later life in the suburbs. The narrative explores themes of wellness, the pursuit of perfection, and the societal pressures that shape how we view ourselves and each other. Hill delves into the emotional and intellectual complexities of personal growth, as well as the conflict between individual desires and collective expectations. It is both a critique of contemporary culture and a deep dive into human relationships.

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

This book is also featured in my book club books post. Set in India between 1900 and 1977, this book covers three generations of a family with a strange tie to water. Learn about medical progress, relationships, and hardship through the experiences of this interesting family. It’s an incredible story, intricately woven and full of tragedy, anguish, and loss. I found one quote in the book that really sums it up: “What defines a family isn’t blood but the secrets they share.”

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

This novel is an emotional exploration of family, love, and the bonds that define us. It follows the story of William, whose life intertwines with the four sisters of the Padavano family. As William becomes a part of their world, he discovers the depth of his own vulnerabilities and emotional needs. Darkness from his past causes a huge rift they all must negotiate. The story weaves themes of loyalty, forgiveness, and the complexity of human relationships.

Bittersweet by Susan Cain

In Bittersweet, Susan Cain examines the emotional depth of life through the lens of bittersweetness, exploring the interplay between joy and sorrow. Drawing on a range of personal stories, scientific research, and cultural insights, Cain highlights how embracing both the light and dark aspects of life can lead to greater emotional resilience and fulfillment. The book focuses on how moments of longing, loss, and melancholy can deepen our experiences of connection, creativity, and meaning.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, Demon Copperhead tells the story of a boy growing up in poverty in rural Appalachia. As he faces the challenges of his environment—including addiction, foster care, and the effects of generational poverty—Demon struggles to overcome the obstacles in his life. Kingsolver’s novel tackles themes of resilience, survival, and the impact of societal systems on individuals. It offers a powerful portrait of a young man trying to make sense of his world.

That Bird Has My Wings by Jarvis Jay Masters

This memoir by Jarvis Jay Masters recounts his life journey, including his time on death row. Masters shares his experiences with violence, incarceration, and redemption, revealing how he found solace and purpose through Buddhist teachings. The book is an exploration of identity, spirituality, and the possibility of transformation even within the confines of the prison system. Masters reflects on how the prison system dehumanizes individuals, but also how personal change and growth are possible despite such conditions.

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A little about Oprah

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential figures in media and entertainment. She was born on January 29 (my birthday too, different year!), 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Oprah had a challenging childhood marked by poverty and hardship, but her resilience and determination helped her rise above these obstacles.

Family background

Oprah was primarily raised by her grandmother in rural Mississippi and later lived with her mother in Milwaukee. She experienced a tumultuous early life but found stability when she moved to Nashville to live with her father. He emphasized education, which became a cornerstone of her success.

Career highlights

1. Broadcasting:
   Oprah started in radio as a teenager and eventually transitioned to television. Her big break came in 1984 when she became the host of a talk show in Chicago, AM Chicago. Within months, her charisma and relatability turned it into a hit. This led to the launch of The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986.
2. Media Empire:
   Over its 25-year run, The Oprah Winfrey Show became one of the highest-rated talk shows in television history. Oprah used her platform to discuss social issues, inspire change, and champion reading through her iconic book club.
3. Entrepreneurship:
   In 1986, Oprah founded Harpo Productions, making her one of the first Black women to own a major production company. Her business ventures expanded to include a magazine, a satellite radio channel, and her cable network, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network).
4. Philanthropy:
   Oprah has donated millions to educational and social causes. Notable projects include the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, established in 2007, and her substantial contributions to scholarships and disaster relief efforts.
5. Acting and producing:
   Oprah earned critical acclaim for her acting in The Color Purple (1985), Beloved (1998), and Selma (2014). Her voice acting and producing credits include A Wrinkle in Time and numerous other projects.
6. Awards and honors:
   Oprah has received countless accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013, honorary degrees, and multiple Emmy Awards. She was also the first Black woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2018.

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Are you interested in any of these books Oprah loves? Let me know if you read one!

Other posts you may like:

• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: book club discussion (This is also a book from Oprah’s list.)
• mindful living strategies: reflect, reset, and refresh
• book club list: a year of excellent reading
• praying for your community: a prayer “walk” around town
• book review: The Women
• Three Sisters by Heather Morris: five stars!

Fondly,

Crysti