Oprah" s Book Club: Commendations And Criticisms
Oprahs Book Club, which was established by Oprah Winfrey herself on September 17, 1996 in her wildly popular talk show, has received its share of commendations and criticisms. This is to be expected as the featured books on the club were the personal choices of Ms. Winfrey, which people may or may not share.
Commendations Received
The popular book club has received many citations for its work in encouraging the television-watching public to patronize reading once again. Indeed, there are documented cases of books and novels shooting to the top of bestseller lists, thanks in large part to their inclusion in the clubs selections.
In consequence, the publishing and media industries have received boosts in their incomes and popularity levels. With the increase in book popularity, more books can be sold especially when labels like those featured in the Amazon site Costumers who bought this book also bought the following titles encourage readers to purchase related books.
Other media personalities and institutions have also enthusiastically joined in the praises poured for the Oprahs Book Club. To sample a few of these commendations:
In 1997, Newsweek named Winfrey the most important individual in the realm of books and media
In 1999, the National Book Foundation bestowed its 50th Anniversary Gold Medal
In 2003, the Association of American Publishers awarded Winfrey the AAP Honors in recognition of Ms. Winfreys significant contributions on focusing the publics attention on American books
As for other commendations, Kathleen Rooney described Winfrey as a serious intellectual who has highlighted the social elements of reading. This, in turn, has encouraged more and more people to become avid readers.
Predictably enough, Business Week focused its praises on the ability of Ms. Winfrey to bring in good business into the publishing industry and attention to the authors. As previously stated, erstwhile unknown books climbed up the bestseller lists because of its inclusion in the Oprahs Book Club selections. Ms. Winfreys market power eclipses that of her male counterparts like Jon Stewart, Sean Hannity, Terry Gross, and Don Imus.
Criticisms Received
However, along with the commendations come the criticisms. First, the featured books are but repetitions of the mantra espoused by Winfrey: You will experience bad things, which you have to suffer through to learn precious lessons about life and about inner self.
In itself, this is not a bad thing to champion. However, the limited nature of the selections reflects the pet obsessions of the founder herself, which can lead to the limited options being offered the clubs readers.
Also, Ms. Winfrey herself seems to suffer from book fatigue, too. It seems that the Book Queen has found it more difficult to find worthwhile books to feature in the Oprahs Book Club, if the book selections from 2002 until 2008 are to be the basis. Some contend that it may be because Ms. Winfrey likes to stick to one topic recovery from lifes trials hence, limiting the kind of books she reads and subsequently endorses.
Indeed, whatever the commendations and criticisms the Oprahs Book Club will receive, it will continue to be a strong force in the media industry. Lucky is the author who will be featured in its selections and granted television interviews!
Commendations Received
The popular book club has received many citations for its work in encouraging the television-watching public to patronize reading once again. Indeed, there are documented cases of books and novels shooting to the top of bestseller lists, thanks in large part to their inclusion in the clubs selections.
In consequence, the publishing and media industries have received boosts in their incomes and popularity levels. With the increase in book popularity, more books can be sold especially when labels like those featured in the Amazon site Costumers who bought this book also bought the following titles encourage readers to purchase related books.
Other media personalities and institutions have also enthusiastically joined in the praises poured for the Oprahs Book Club. To sample a few of these commendations:
In 1997, Newsweek named Winfrey the most important individual in the realm of books and media
In 1999, the National Book Foundation bestowed its 50th Anniversary Gold Medal
In 2003, the Association of American Publishers awarded Winfrey the AAP Honors in recognition of Ms. Winfreys significant contributions on focusing the publics attention on American books
As for other commendations, Kathleen Rooney described Winfrey as a serious intellectual who has highlighted the social elements of reading. This, in turn, has encouraged more and more people to become avid readers.
Predictably enough, Business Week focused its praises on the ability of Ms. Winfrey to bring in good business into the publishing industry and attention to the authors. As previously stated, erstwhile unknown books climbed up the bestseller lists because of its inclusion in the Oprahs Book Club selections. Ms. Winfreys market power eclipses that of her male counterparts like Jon Stewart, Sean Hannity, Terry Gross, and Don Imus.
Criticisms Received
However, along with the commendations come the criticisms. First, the featured books are but repetitions of the mantra espoused by Winfrey: You will experience bad things, which you have to suffer through to learn precious lessons about life and about inner self.
In itself, this is not a bad thing to champion. However, the limited nature of the selections reflects the pet obsessions of the founder herself, which can lead to the limited options being offered the clubs readers.
Also, Ms. Winfrey herself seems to suffer from book fatigue, too. It seems that the Book Queen has found it more difficult to find worthwhile books to feature in the Oprahs Book Club, if the book selections from 2002 until 2008 are to be the basis. Some contend that it may be because Ms. Winfrey likes to stick to one topic recovery from lifes trials hence, limiting the kind of books she reads and subsequently endorses.
Indeed, whatever the commendations and criticisms the Oprahs Book Club will receive, it will continue to be a strong force in the media industry. Lucky is the author who will be featured in its selections and granted television interviews!
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