Is Oprah’s Latest Book Club Pick worth Listening to on Audiobook?
Oprah teased fans a few weeks ago via Twitter that she had chosen a new Book Club Selection. Her hints were vague and had the web abuzz with speculation. The book, Say You’re One of Them By Uwem Akpan, is a collection of short stories. Before you rush to buy the audiobook, hold on for a few days – I’ll tell you why.
Oprah’s Book Club:
Oprah Winfrey has chosen some interesting reads over the years for her book club. Through her, I discovered the heavenly prose of Wally Lamb. She has chosen classics and given new authors a chance in the spotlight. Oh, and she has selected some books that are so depressing that I wanted to stay in bed for three days after reading them.
This time, Oprah named Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan (narrated by Robin Miles and Dion Graham). The collection of five short stories is told from the viewpoint of children living in extreme poverty and amidst horrible violence in South Africa. The collection is said to be uplifting… but with Oprah’s track record, I’m not sure about that claim.
Oprah Winfrey
Say You’re One of Them:
Father Uwem, as he likes to be called, is an ordained Jesuit priest with an MFA in creative writing from the University of Michigan. He grew up in a small village in Nigeria where his mother used to tell him folktales and encouraged her sons to read. His interest in reading grew into an interest in writing. Father Uwem has a parish in Lagos, where is currently quite busy.
Hold Off on Purchasing:
The version of the audiobook currently available for digital download only features three of the five stories contained in the book. The updated edition will be available in 1-2 weeks from Audible.com, so check periodically for availability of the full edition.
My View:
I’m waiting for some reader reviews before I pick this up this selection – not because I doubt that it is a high quality, moving and emotional work – because I have to be in the right frame of mind to read this sort of story. Until I hear more, I’ll stick to the book I wish Oprah had chosen, Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir from Kathy Griffin. But more on that later…
By Dorothy Distefano
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