Writing, Self-Publishing, Book Marketing

There are thousands of book clubs spread across the globe – in schools, neighborhoods and among friends. They all have their highpoints and are inspiring, I’m sure, but there’s one club that is the king of them all. Anyone can join, but one of the most powerful and influential women in America picks the next read.

That’s right, Oprah’s Book Club.

When Oprah moves her hand across books aligned on a shelf, letting her fingers glide over the speed bumps of each crisp, glossy spine, and then, finally stops on the book that will be “the one,” does a light shine down from the heavens? Do angels sing?

Maybe. I’ve unfortunately never witnessed this event.

But, one thing’s for sure. The author of that book probably won’t stop smiling for the next month or two, knowing that their book is about to shoot straight to the top of the bestseller’s list.Oprah has a magical way of finding literary diamonds in the rough, and holding them high for all to see and appreciate. But how would you feel if she chose your little-known favorite book? The one that you hold so dear, actually missing the characters when you haven’t read the book in a while?

This actually just happened to my sister, whose beloved book, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, just became one of the coveted Oprah books. She admits that she is a little sad that everyone will soon know her cherished book. Some, undoubtedly, will take the story for granted, not giving the proper care to the read. Most will adore the book as my sister does, yet that doesn’t seem to alleviate her grieving.

I suppose that I would feel the same way. I’d shout from the roof tops, “It’s my book and I love it dearly! I discovered it first, before Oprah! And to me, it’s not just the next book on the list!” I think we’re all possessive about the things we love.

But, it’s a blessing when a book is selected by Oprah, so why shouldn’t we celebrate? Of course we’re proud, but there is still the ominous shadow of thousands of hands reaching for your book, thumbing at the pages. Sure, you try to be happy for your book – your “friend” – but you can’t help but despise the thought of sharing your special friend with the masses, as it is sent soaring from the ultra-hip underground into the pop-culture limelight.

But of course, you’ll always remember what your book was like before it was famous.

Angie