Prompt Response-Week 7. I don't want Oprah to Tell me What to Read

Prompt Response-Week 7.  I don't want Oprah to Tell me What to Read

This is the assignment:

"For our prompt this week, I want you to think about fake memoirs, author mills,and celebrity inspired book clubs. Basically write a readers' response to one of the articles you are reading for this week - or talk about a time when a book or author that made headlines affected you personally or your work."

I used to watch the Oprah Winfrey show from time-to-time, and for the most part, trusted her judgement. So, when she began to promote her Book Club, I liked it. I signed up on her website and followed her suggestions. What I found out is, I didn't really like her suggestions! I remember becoming very involved in the

Eckhart Tolle books initially, but especially A New Earth because Oprah said so.

I thought I liked it at the time, but realized later I didn't but was only reading it because I trusted her judgment-which basically comes down to whatever Oprah likes.

Not so long ago, I was also reading an article that may seem unrelated but not so much really, now that I am thinking this thing through a little more: The article was more political in nature and spoke of the dangers of having a few super billionaires in the US. The reason they are dangerous, is because if you put Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Oprah Winfrey together their influence is huge, too huge---- because of their enormous wealth. They seem to be very good and honest people with good intentions, but that is not the issue: they pointed out that WHATEVER agenda these billionaires have, become our agenda. (The election of Barack Obama for example, promoted by Buffet and Winfrey.) After I read that, I decided I am not going to allow Oprah to dictate to me-even though I like her and admire her- what I read or think.

In reflecting back, I didn't really enjoy the book but thought I was supposed to!!  It's dangerous when billionaires determine what the public should be reading, or doing or promoting. I don't need their suggestions. I would much rather use a Librarian's suggestion or a social media outlet, controlled by my peers.