Books

Oprah talks about the five books that most influenced her:

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”
"When I was about 12 years old I read 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.' It’s my favorite book about growing up."

“Night”
"I had one of the most profound experiences of my life reading 'Night' and after I read it I was not the same person. I dream that the powerful message of this little book would be engraved on every human heart and will never be forgotten again, that people who read this book will feel as I do, that it should be required reading for all of humanity."

"To Kill a Mockingbird"
"I think 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is our national novel. I remember being about 15 years old sitting on the front porch stairs and reading it. Two words describe how I felt back then – pure bliss. I picked it up at the library with four other books and I remember starting it and just devouring it, not being able to get enough of it. I wanted to be Scout."

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
"I was a little girl when I read 'I know Why the Caged Bird Sings' and it was the first time I felt that my life as a young black girl had some validation—that what had happened to me had happened to somebody else."

"Cry, the Beloved Country"
"'Cry, the Beloved Country' is a powerful and heartbreaking story that will open your minds and your hearts to the beauty of South Africa and the struggle and the spirit of its people. Its message is timeless. It's a work of searing beauty."

 

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