Oprah’s Book Club

Oprah’s Book Club is one of the most influential book discussion platforms in the world, founded by Oprah Winfrey in 1996. Each book is personally selected by Oprah, with the goal of fostering community, sparking conversation, and highlighting both emerging and established authors[1][4]. The club has a storied history of turning books into bestsellers and bringing attention to important stories and voices.

How It Works

Oprah selects a new book (usually monthly or several times a year).

The selection is announced on various platforms, including TV, online, and social media.

Readers across the world join in, read the book, and participate in discussions, both online and in local book clubs[1][4].

Oprah often hosts interviews and discussions with the authors, available as videos or podcasts[5].

Recent and Notable Picks

The most recent selection (as of May 2025) is The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong. This is Vuong’s second novel, following his acclaimed debut On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. The story centers on 19-year-old Hai, who, after a life-changing encounter on a bridge in Connecticut, becomes the caretaker for an elderly widow with dementia. The novel explores themes of loneliness, unlikely bonds, and the fabric of American life[1][2][3][5].

Oprah described Vuong’s writing as “some of the most beautiful” she’s ever read, calling the book “one of the best books” she’s encountered[3][5]. The selection is part of a new collaboration with Starbucks, and discussions with the author are available on Oprah’s YouTube channel and podcast platforms[5].

Other recent and classic picks include:

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris

Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue[1]

Impact

Oprah’s Book Club has a massive impact on book sales and literary culture. Many selections become instant bestsellers, and the club is credited with making reading a more communal and accessible activity[4][5]. The club has also weathered controversies and sparked important conversations in the literary world[4].

Where to Find More

The complete list of all 114 Oprah’s Book Club picks is available on Oprah Daily[1].

Author interviews, reading guides, and discussions are featured on Oprah’s official platforms and YouTube[5].

The club continues to be a major force in the literary world, regularly spotlighting diverse voices and powerful stories[1][4][5].

[1] https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/g23067476/oprah-book-club-list/
[2] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/05/13/oprah-book-club-may-2025-pick-ocean-vuong/83598148007/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF6zPBUoGg8
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oprah’s_Book_Club
[5] https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a64729100/oprah-book-club-pick-emperor-of-gladness-ocean-vuong/
[6] https://www.instagram.com/oprahsbookclub/
[7] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/oprahs-book-club/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CghReJZYQ2k
[9] https://x.com/oprahsbookclub
[10] https://thedockbookshop.com/oprahs-book-club-announ