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  What about those books on Oprah's Book List?

  My book club tends to read a lot of Oprah books. I read them only to broaden my horizon, and to not be a wet blanket at the meetings. I enjoy reading for knowledge, escapism, pleasure, adventure, and sheer fun! I don't want to constantly be reminded about horrors, sorrows, disfunctions and general inhumanity. If I want that, all I have to do is read the newspaper or watch the news.

  Raspberrymocha55 started this discussion 6 months ago. ( reply )

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  Bodrugan 

  I had to look up Oprah's book list, because I haven't followed her selections after I was burned by reading some of the lousiest stinkers I've ever run across. I'd name them but I might offend, and, after all, taste is an individual thing. My taste and Oprah's don't overlap much. Some I read long before Oprah put her imprimatur on them, and others I got rooked into reading because, as happened to you, Raspberrymocha, some book discussion group I was in chose an Oprah pick...as if they didn't have ten thousand other books to choose from. I just don't understand this "need" many (most?) readers have to read what everybody else does. Guess I was an independent reader for too long.

  posted 6 months ago. ( reply )

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    Raspberrymocha55 

    I'm a mystery/thriller/action/adventure kind of reader. Once in a while I have a NY Times bestseller that peeks my interest. And I have come across many many books that I want to read since I've joined Shelfari. However, I am always amazed at those who need to read the "in books" just because they are what "everybody" is reading. I agree with you, I read what I want, when I want and if I want. If I don't like a book, it may sit for a while gathering dust on the shelves, but I never leave a started book unread forever, even if I can't stand it. At least if I read it, I can semi-intelligently speak my piece/peace about it.

    posted 6 months ago. ( reply )

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  anniem749 (edited)

  My personal theory is that she has never raised a child and 'gotten out' of herself problems...I've read some real gems (Tuesdays with Morrie, 5 poeple you meet in heaven, ANY Amy Tan) and some real stinkers (anything Tony Morrison has written, One hundred years of solitude, and any Isabel Allende!) from Oprah's list (God love her because I certainly do for all the things she's done for women, children and the down and out) but I do see a certain sense of tragedy in it. Make the book club try a Janet Evanovich--only challenge there being, bet you can't read "just one"! She is guaranteed to give you 2-3 laughs OUT LOUD per page! My non-reading P.E. teaching husband has even read about 11 of hers....muhahaha (laughing maniacally she walks from the room)

  posted 3 months ago. ( reply )

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