Our Inspiration - Oprah's Book Club
Back in 1996, we were inspired by Oprah Winfrey when she introduced a new part of her television show called Oprah's Book Club. It focused on many different kinds of books, including new releases, classics and obscure novels that she had grown to love. We formed a small book club that began reading and discussing the books she recommended, like many of the women who tuned into the Oprah Winfrey Show each week. As Oprah chose works of fiction and invited the author and select viewers to join her in open discussion, we followed along within our own book club.
The Phenomenon of Oprah's Book Club
The incredible result of this groundswelling of women reading Oprah's Book Club selection, was that book instantly becoming a bestseller. Called "The Oprah Effect", being chosen as a selection could mean over a million additional book sales for the title. When she announced the classic John Steinbeck novel, East of Eden, as her first new selection when she relaunched the Book Club in June 2003, it immediately soared to the top of the book bestseller lists and became the 47th selection to hit the top of the bestseller lists.
With the goal of creating the biggest Book Club ever, Oprah launched the Oprah Book Club online at Oprah.com with the June 2003 East of Eden selection. As a member of Oprah's online Book Club, members have access to in-depth study guides, author interviews, expert Q&As and more. It's also easy to find readers in your local area or create book clubs with readers from around the world.
The publishers of each Book Club selection are asked to donate thousands of copies, which are then distributed through Oprah's partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) to school, public and community college libraries across the country. While discounted by some industry critics, Oprah's Book Club is regularly recognized for rejuvenating the publishing industry. WIth an intial intent to celebrate the simple pleasures and benefits of reading, Oprah Winfrey has made a tremendous impact on today's society. Newsweek recognized her as the most important person in the world of books and media in 1997 and she was awarded the National Book Foundation's 50th Anniversary Gold Medal in 1999. The Association of American Publishers presented her with it's highest honor, the AAP Honors, in 2003.
Resources
Business Week - Why Oprah Opens Readers' Wallets
Oprah's Book Club to Add Contemporary Writers
