Uwem Akpan's Say You're One Of Them, Oprah's New Book Selection
by ERICA LIEPMANN, Causecast Associate Editor
Let’s be real, Oprah’s Book Club picks pretty much send a titlewave of book-buyers to the store, often catapulting the books she recommends to national bestsellers. Her newest selection is due to be announced Friday – the hype has been building as Oprah fans everywhere await her announcement.
The inside scoop from The Washington Post is that Oprah’s most recent pick is Nigerian author Uwem Akpan’s Say You’re One Of Them, a collection of short stories that takes the reader on a journey to Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Benin and Nigeria. Over here at Causecast, we’re thrilled to see Oprah branching out to include more international authors in her Book Club. Through Akpan’s powerful stories, readers will be able to better conceptualize the multitude of important issues facing Africans.
Earlier this month, I was pretty stoked to hear Oprah would be featuring Nicholas Kristof and his wife/writing partner Sheryl WuDunn on her show, to discuss their new book Half the Sky about how empowering women will alleviate many of the world’s most pressing problems. Oprah’s always used her time in the spotlight to raise awareness about important issues, but as of late, it seems she’s broadening her focus to tackle even more global issues. She’s an influential woman, who takes her position seriously. We can only hope her viewers and readers take it seriously too and use the tools she presents to get inspired, educated and to become activists for change.
From the Washington Post:
Uwem Akpan’s 2008 short story collection, “Say You’re One Of Them,” will be the latest pick for Oprah’s Book Club, according to information leaked unintentionally this morning from Ingram International, a book distribution company.
Oprah Winfrey, who is slated to announce the pick Friday during her talk show, hasn’t announced a book club selection since David Wroblewski’s “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” last September.
Photo by WillowTree2005, flickr.
- Posted by Causecast
Related causes: Arts
Related Articles
-
World Water Day Initiative Aims To Provide Clean Drinking Water In Haiti
The earthquake in Haiti made it harder for civilians to get clean drinking water. Find out how yo...
- 03.21.10
- |
- 12:37pm
-
Betacup Offers $10,000 Prize For Sustainable Coffee Cup Design Contest
Over 58 billion disposable coffee cups are tossed into landfills each year. Put your design skill...
- 03.19.10
- |
- 03:46pm
-
Roshaneh Zafar, Winner Of 2010 Global Leadership Award, Empowers Women In Pakistan With Microfinance
For almost 15 year, Roshaneh Zafar has helped Pakistani women find economic empowerment. Find out...
- 03.19.10
- |
- 02:30pm
-
Beyond Sport Awards: How Sports Inspire Social Change
The Beyond Sport Awards honor individuals and organizations that use sports to improve communitie...
- 03.18.10
- |
- 06:02pm
-
Lt. Dan Choi Arrested At 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Protest In Washington, D.C.
Following a 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' protest in the nation's capital, discharged lieutenant and ga...
- 03.18.10
- |
- 11:53am
