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Oprah is not God...think for yourselfOct 17 '00 Write an essay on this topic.Disclaimer: I love Oprah. I have absolutely nothing against her. Her show is wonderful (a bit sentimental at times, but nevertheless great). She is a magnificent woman and it's beautiful that is is always helping people. My review is not intended as a personal attack on Oprah. If you are selflessly devoted to Oprah and view any negative comments about her and/or her book club as personal attacks on you, then please don't continue reading this opinion because it may leave you feeling sad and dejected. Thank you My Review: I hate Oprah's Book Club. I find it very admirable that a woman with so much influence has taken the time to promote the consumption of literature among the masses, however the mechanics of it irritate me. Problem #1: Oprah, in my humble opinion, has very bad taste in books. I have read several of them, trying to find one that I like, but never have I been able accomplish this. I realize that she, Oprah, is probably selecting books that she can identify with. She has admittedly had a very difficult life, however everyone of those books is so tragic and depressing. They very often include graphic depictions of rape, heterosexual and homosexual relations, dysfunctional families, suicide, and the list goes on. What's up with that? Literature does not have to be tragic to be good! I can understand the occasional crisis, and it wouldn't even bother me if some of the books were depressing...but why all? They are all the types of books that can only be described with such words as "heartfelt" "poignant" "stunning" "bittersweet." Why aren't there any humourous books on the list? Why aren't there any mysteries or epic stories. Why are there no psychological dramas? Why are they all about women? This may come as a surprise to Oprah, but some people do lead happy lives! Not only that, but many of the books carry no message whatsoever. I think that the purpose of literature is to provide either an escape or a lesson. If someone has had a bad life, fine,tell me about it...but also tell me what they learned. Tell me the good parts too. I don't wan't corny stories that end with weddings, but I don't want to feel like I need to go slit my wrists after reading the story. Oprah herself is an example of how people triumph over tragedy, why don't her books reflect this? Problem #2: Just because Oprah said it's good doesn't mean that it is. I hate how the minute that Oprah deems a book "fabulous"it shoots up the charts and becomes a bestseller. Isn't it sick that this one woman has so much say over what society reads? Oprah literally controls the New York Times Bestseller list. Read books because they interest you, not because they interest Oprah! Look around. Wander through Barnes and Noble or your local independent bookstore. Ask the salespeople for suggestions. Talk to your friends. Read reviews in magazines and newspapers. Don't be afraid to disagree with Oprah or anyone else that recommends a book that you don't find interesting. Don't just read new releases...try the classics Joyce, Chopin, Salinger, Capote, Bronte, Austen...the list goes on and on and spans hundreds of years. Tony Morrison and Wally Lamb are not the only "good" writers (I think that they are awful, but don't take my word for it) I know that I've said a great deal and that you may not agree with me, but that's okay because this is just an opinion...as is Oprah's Book Club. Make your own.  |
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by dandj
by texas-swede
by ladyconsumer
