Book by Jonathan Franzen

OK... I don't get to read books too often these days (3 kids and a FT job), but just wondering... What's wrong with books endorsed by Oprah? I thought that was a good thing? Thanks!

I'm about half way through Freedom. I normally don't read the Oprah book club selections but I caught the end of her show when she said it was the best novel she'd ever read and thought I'd give it a try (knowing she's a big reader, I figured this meant a lot). So far, it's a good story, but I wouldn't rate it my favorite of all time. At this point in the book, I can't figure out what more there is to say. Just a bunch of dysfunctional people as the main characters, so not as uplifting as I usually like my stories. I'd rate it maybe a three out of five stars so far. It's definitely not a Sue Grafton type book where I can't put it down.
ETA: People are knocking Oprah because they don't like her. I don't follow her show closely enough to do the book club but don't have any issues with her personally. Think she's done some great things with her money.

I'm the process of reading "The Corrections" which was his first book and also an Oprah pick (I, BTW, like Oprah). I tried to read it when it first came out but didn't like it. I still don't like it, but this time I'm determined to finish it. Dark, screwed-up people doing morally stupid, sad, stupid things. Kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

I was planning to read Freedom until Oprah endorsed it.

Dont know what book you are referring to, but i like goodreads.com. You can read real normal peoples book reviews and find the avg ratings for books. It is free, too.

Hi,

I'm a big reader. I don't see anything wrong with Oprah at all. I've liked some of her picks, and haven't liked others. I haven't read Freedom yet, and don't know if I will because I read The Corrections which was Franzen's first book, and I could hardly force myself to finish it. I really disliked it- didn't care about any of the characters or what happened to them, and the writing was ponderous. The Corrections also got rave reviews and everyone made a huge deal out of it, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out why, so I'm skeptical about this new book.

I tried reading his book The Corrections. I can't get through it. It's a difficult read. I wouldn't recommend Freedom either. Especially if Oprah put it on her book club picks.

Freedom. Yes. If you are prepared to examine, perhaps too closely for comfort, yourself, your husband and kids, your neighbours, your best friends, your "frenemies", and society at large, then it makes for an engrossing read. You'll find yourself wincing, giggling, cringing, and laughing out loud at these people -- who are, of course, each and every one of us. If you can handle that, go for it! But prepare to be probed... uncomfortably at times... like "latex-gloves-at-the-airport-and-your're-the-mule-type" probed. Franzen has an eerie, dead-on insight into what makes middle-class humans tick.

Updated

Me again. Just read a few other responses. Eeewwwww. Oprah. Didn't know that -- I've never watched her, as the ick factor is much too high. But I won't let her endorsement spoil my read.

Good question. I was wondering that myself.