Watching Oprah back in the day I always sensed that there was something that distinguished her from other talk show hosts. Very perceptive of me, right?
When I saw her act, and how brilliant she was, and every time I have seen her act since, my respect for her increased even more.
I do not believe I ever really grasped how important she was as a public intellectual until this show. I never really glommed onto the Book Club, even though I have bought books that have had that sticker on. I think I even caught shows where Oprah talked about it.
Anyway, how many people are out there letting the world know how important books are? There are some … I have been listening to a lot of podcasts about books, and there is booktok of course. But how many people talking about the importance of books have the clout that Oprah has?
The things which Oprah brings out of the authors, and what she sees in the books that others might have missed, and the big issues that she addresses and gives voice in this series, is inspiring. Makes an author wish to write a book quick enough that they might get to sit down and talk to Oprah. She picks important books, and they are not always easy books, and one of the things I admire most is Oprah’s willingness to confront that and to have those controversial author’s on and to give voice to both the author’s supporters and their detractors.
If you love books you have to track it down.