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Icon Oprah Winfrey has embrace her role as one of the most positive and powerful people on earth, and there seem to be no end in sight. Oprah has battled criticism, lawsuits and competition, only to emerge victorious with only a few scratches. Her humanitarianism is remarkable and her commitment to education and conquering personal setbacks has inspired people to better themselves and community. There is not much a person can say about OPRAH WINFREY, she has conquered the world, and will be in the hearts and soul of people forever. This book is a poetic journey for the Queen of Television and radio. Although many writers comprised their works on the controversy and fabrications surrounding Oprah Winfrey, none will come close to the kindness and illustrations Raymond Sturgis book dedicates to her. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Too Brief
Whilst this book was well written and interesting it was very short, only 128 pages.It only touched briefly on the main topics of her life, I was left wanting to know more.Very expensive for such a short book, wouldn't have spent $28 had I been aware of this.

Mini bio of Oprah
Pictures were great, easy reading, but not quit what was expected for price paid. Not store's problem. Their processing was great & quick.

Inspiring Oprah
Oprah Winfrey's inspiring life is detailed in this volume from the African-American Biography Library by Enslow.This book contains information many biographies written for young people about Oprah do not. Many photos and quotes accompany.Includes Chronology, Chapter Notes, and Internet Addresses.

This is One of The Best!
I've read a lot of books about Oprah, but this one stands out. It has new material that I'd never read before despite the plethora of biographic stuff I own on this amazing woman. Many of the photographs are new to me. I'm putting Westen's book at the head of my collection. It will be a while before any others come out that can compete. I recommend it highly. Before it goes out of print -- grab it.

This is the BEST book on Oprah ever
I am a big Oprah fan. I started watching her with my mother when I was just a child. So when my teacher said I could read this book for school I did it right away. It's so good. I learned so much about Oprah and now I love her even more. Every kid and grown up should read this book if they are interested in Oprah Winfrey. There were so many great pictires I never saw before also. Read this book and you will get all the REAL information you want to know about Oprah.I want to thank the author for writing this book. It is one of the best I've ever read. ... Read more

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Essays explore the broad cultural impact of Oprah's Book Club. ... Read more

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-- Amy B. Jordan, Director of the Media and the Developing Mind Sector, Annenberg Public Policy Center, University of Pennsylvania

Customer Reviews (1)

Another look at Oprah
After a number of years during which only magazine and newspaper writers found Oprah important enough to discuss, in recent times there has been a spate of books about her, most from different views about her influence and importance to the reader. For the person who is not particularly intersted in popular culture or Oprah's influence on it, this work, while well researched and useful for students, is probably not one Oprah lovers would settle down to read in an easy chair. ... Read more

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The author analyzes the autobiographical expressions of famous entrepreneurs, from Andrew Carnegie to Ross Perot, alongside more marginal ones, such as Oprah Winfrey and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to examine how mainstream society was and is shaped by the cultures of subordinate groups. He looks at the link between self-making and nation-building and reveals the origins of a persistent myth of the "American dream" . ... Read more

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Oprah Winfrey is arguably the most well-known and most well-liked woman in the world today. Every day her television show reaches millions of viewers, and if you include her magazine, Web site, book club, television network, and movie production company, her influence is without comparison. Indeed, she has been nicknamed "The Queen of All Media."

Yet unlike many celebrities, Winfrey’s is an overwhelmingly and unerringly positive public persona. In this book, religion reporter Marcia Nelson explores the spiritual dimensions that are prevalent in all aspects of the Oprah Winfrey media empire. Though Oprah is rarely explicitly religious on her television show or magazine, Nelson points out that there are several major Christian themes that weave through these aspects of her life and work: confession, redemption, healing, mission, forgiveness, and salvation. Nelson concludes that Oprah is a "compelling spiritual teacher in a spiritually eclectic and ever-practical America." This book will appeal both to Oprah fans and people who are fascinated by the intersection of religion and popular culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Self Help principles

Oprah's Gospel does not relate to Biblical teaching. Having her strong roots in the Baptist Chruch, she has challenged herself spiritually. Her hope in relieving suffering in one's life is sweet. But the spirit of a man will sustain his informity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? Good luck Oprah, with your endeavor's. Your strenght is like ten mighty men. You are very unique Biblically speaking.

Marilyn J. Minor

A Force for Good in the World
"The greatest pain in life is to be invisible. What I've learned is that we all just want to be heard." ~ Oprah Winfrey

"The Gospel According to Oprah" is a brief exploration of Oprah's main teachings. Oprah is known for her generosity and compassion. She also explores forgiveness, teaches gratitude and promotes healing. This book helped me to understand why Oprah has such a profound influence on our society and communities around the world.

For the most part, the author had to rely heavily on analysis of Oprah's show. She also read quite a few of Oprah's magazines. She explores fun and serious topics. Like who hasn't tried a soda Oprah recommends in her magazine or read a book she has promoted on her show. Throughout this book, Oprah's wisdom becomes very apparent. She is truly a force for good in the world.

In conclusion, I remember my excitement at finding Oprah's magazine at my local library (they were selling them by the stack). She has also had a profound influence on my life, everything from getting me to walk on my treadmill to getting me started in reviewing back in 2000 (I wanted to know more about a book being discussed and thought it would be fun to review it for her audience).

If you enjoy this book, you may also want to look for Oprah Winfrey Speaks: Insights from the World's Most Influential Voice. I also recently reviewed: The Oprah Winfrey Show.

~The Rebecca Review

A very good "starter" book.
My pastor preached about "the Real Jesus" today, and even used parts of this book in his message.I didn't know he was going to take Miss Winfrey as his sermon text today.

I read the book, and thoroughly enjoyed it.I don't agree with OPRAH's confusion concerning the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ, but I do believe that the "attraction" factor concerning her empire and fame has valuable lessons to teach many Christians in this Postmodern, 21st century world in which we live.

If the church practiced some of the practical principles which OPRAH has mastered over the last 20 years, we (the church) would see dramatic changes in how we relate to each other and the world.

Grant it be so.

An informative theological exploration of the famed and prestigious television talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey
The Gospel According To Oprah by Marcia Z. Nelson is an informed and informative theological exploration of the famed and prestigious television talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey. Packed from cover to cover with details and distinctly informative specifics on Oprah's passion for the Christian Gospel, author and spiritual informant Marcia Z. Nelson deftly presents a truly inspirational book of insight and inspiration. The Gospel According To Oprah is very strongly recommended reading for anyone seeking greater sense of their spiritual self, and is a "must read" for all Oprah fans.

If you don't watch O, this will help you get why others do
Not being a TV watcher, Marcia Nelson at least helped me understand what was the allure of Oprah. I appreciated the categories and organization of this short, but informative book. For Oprah fans and those who wonder about the show, this helps sort it out, not sparing the criticism, but also giving the reader an appreciation of the Queen of Media Appeal. ... Read more

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Introduces the life and career of Oprah Winfrey, the talk-show host who overcame her difficult childhood to win respect as a journalist, actress, and role model. ... Read more

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A Condensed Story of Oprah's Life
"I'm just a voice trying to help people rediscover their best selves." ~ Oprah

Oprah is a fascinating woman and in this "Just the Facts Biography" we learn about all her major achievements and the life choices that made her the amazing woman she is today. I especially enjoyed learning about her childhood and some of the stories are amusing. One sad story is about how her mother took books away from her and didn't let her go to the library. Later Oprah becomes pregnant and has to deal with the death of her first child.

When you think about what Oprah had to overcome it is amazing that she is as successful as she has turned out to be. In this biography you also learn about her rise to power and how she took opportunities that were presented to her so she would be in the right place at the right time. This book also contains the story of how she met her best friend Gayle King and how she had pajama parties at Maya Angelou's home. A lot has happened in Oprah's personal life since 2005 so this book is in need of an update.

I can also highly recommend:

The Gospel According To Oprah

The Oprah Winfrey Show

Oprah Winfrey Speaks: Insights from the World's Most Influential Voice

~The Rebecca Review
... Read more

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The life and career of the black talk show host who has become one of the most successful women in television. ... Read more

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Stories of Oprah is a collection of essays that explores Oprah Winfrey's broad reach as an industry and media brand.Contributors analyze a number oftopics touching on the ways in which her cultural output shapes contemporary America.The volume examines how Oprah has fashioned a personaÂ--which emphasizes her rural, poverty-stricken roots over other factorsÂ--that helper her popularize her unique blend of New Age spirituality, neoliberal politics, and African American preaching.She packages New Age spirituality through the rhetoric of race, gender, and the black preacher tradition.Oprah's Book Club has reshaped literary publishing, bringing Toni Morrison, William Faulkner, and Cormac McCarthy to a broad number of readers.Her brand extends worldwide through the internet.In this volume, writers analyze her positions on teen sexuality, gender, race, and politics, and the impact of Winfrey's confessional mode on mainstream television news.

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"Remarkable People" explores the lives of some of the world's best-known people. It features individuals who have overcome major obstacles, achieved great success, or done important things to help others. Highlighting the life and times of each notable person, this biography series provides an in-depth look at the inspiration, achievements, and successes that define these great individuals. It includes informative firsthand accounts and stunning visuals that engage students in compelling and timeless tales. ... Read more

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Of all the events in Oprah Winfrey's life, none has affectedher powerfully as playing the part of Sethe, the former slave who must cometo terms with a haunting past, in Jonathan Demme's film of Toni Morrison'sPulizer Prize-winning novel - coming from Touchstone Pictures in Fall 1998.Oprah fell in love with the book when it was first published in 1988, andinstantly became determined to deliver this powerful story to film herself.But making the movie was something even more profound than she might haveimagined, and JOURNEY TO THE BELOVED is her own emotional account of thatexperience.

With Oprah's heartfelt words and the evocative images of Ken Regan, JOURNEYTO THE BELOVED is an elegant book that will interest fans of Oprah, of ToniMorrison, and of fine filmmaking. Accompanying Oprah's personal journals andthoughts about the Beloved experience is a foreword by Jonathan Demme and achorus of voices, from Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, andBeah Richards. The result is a tribute to a courageous work of art,expressed as only Oprah can express it.Amazon.com Review
For almost 10 years Oprah Winfrey has pursued her dream ofbringing Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Beloved, to thebig screen. Now that dream has been realized, and the process isdescribed in Journey to Beloved. The most extraordinary thingabout this production diary, and the essay that prefaces it, is theextent to which it reveals Oprah's private struggles. As directorJonathan Demme writes in the foreword, we all have an image of Oprahas a "Major Public Figure," and one might approach this book, and eventhe movie, with preconceptions about her.These preconceptionsevaporate immediately. She is filled with doubts about her ability toplay the central role of Sethe. Surrounded by more experiencedmoviemakers, from Demme to costar Danny Glover, she worries that shelacks the skill and the strength to carry a project that is soimportant to her. Oprah obviously feels a deep spiritual connectionwith the story she is committing to film. This connection, which isshared with the cast and crew of Beloved, comes through clearlyin every diary entry:

Tomorrow is the first day of dialogue. Am I ready? I think so. I bringthe force and grace of history and pain with me, carrying the Ancestors inmy heart, hoping, but also knowing, they, too, carry me.... I ask God forgrace, and the power of the spirits whose lives went unnoticed, demeanedand diminished by slavery. Calling on you. Calling on you. I try toprepare in terms of logic, reasoning, what would [Sethe] bethinking--chronologically--but I really believe I can call her up. Her and somany others. I'm counting on them.

Journey to Beloved is filled with wonderful, powerful,black-and-white production images by award-winning photographer KenRegan.These, and the text that they accompany, lift this book farabove anything that could be called a movie tie-in. It is the movingrecord of a journey from the birth of a dream to itsfulfillment. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

RAVE REVIEW
I expected this "coffee table" book to be little more than Eye Candy.I was mistaken!Once again Oprah Winfrey leads the reader on a journey of positive growth.This book was written by Ms Winfrey as a diaryduring her participation in BELOVED.She takes the reader into herthoughts, her doubts and ultimately, her triumph of producing her"baby". Ken Regan's photographs of the making of the movieBELOVED are clear & allow a glimpse of behind the scenes activities. Are you an Oprah fan?Do you want to delve into her thought processes? Then JOURNEY TO BELOVED is a must read; even if you have not seen the movieor read Toni Morrison'sbook, you will find your time well spent inreading & viewing JOURNEY TO BELOVED.

We love Oprah
What needs to be said? The book is great, the movie is great and this book is fabulous because now we can read what Oprah was going through, during the shoot of the movie. Oprah we love you!!

THE ULTITMATEBETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HUMAN SLAVERY
THE STORY OF OPRAH'S DREAM TO WRITE THIS BOOK,BECAME EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT FOR ME TO READ AS IT DID FOR HER TO WRITE.I AM IN AW OF BLACK PEOPLE EVERY WHERE,WHO ARE ABLE TO FEEL THESE FEELING CONCERNING THERE HERATAGE,AND BEABLE TO TELL THE WORLD IN A BOOK WITH THE LOVE IN WHICH SHE WROTE.I HAVEBEEN WAITING FOR EVER SO LONG TO SEE THIS MOVIE,AND HAVE JUST ORDERED THEBOOK.I CANT BELIEVE,MY BOOK WILL MOVE ME AS OPRAHS JOURNAL DID,BUT I CANHOPE. THANK YOU OPRAH.AUNT GIN

A tiresome, sophomoric journey
Oprah's "journal"? She knew we'd be reading it and that's exactly how it reads.Her "innermost" thoughts were, as always, for an outermost audience.I knew what she'd say before she said it.Whata ripoff!

The best of its ilk
I always forget the conventional wisdom about books and the movies theyinspire.Are the books always better than the movies (e.g.,"Dune", "Lolita") or are the movies always better thanthe books (i.e., "The Ice Storm", "Ten Commandments"). The people at Hyperion have started a whole new category: Books about themaking of a movie from a novel that are better than the movie and the novelthemselves."Journey to Beloved" is a fantastic insightful look(wonderful photos) at (I paraphase Zefferelli here) the transformation ofone work of art into another work of art.I admit I wasn't a huge fan of"Beloved" in either form, but this book was a lot of funnonetheless.I never had to ask myself what was going on--a marked changefrom my bout with the novel years ago. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Questionable Connections
'On Reading the Bible : Thoughts and Reflections of over 500 Men and Women, from St. Augustine to Oprah Winfrey' is an interesting book but I strongly object to the two featured names being equally linked in the title. On the one hand we have a brilliant scholar, theologian and humanitarian who has influenced world history on an unparalleled scale; who has been the friend and confidante to popes and kings; who has been the subject of myriad books and doctoral theses and who, unlike any other, has touched the heart, and read the mind, of God. And then on the other hand we have St. Augustine. The inequality is obvious and the juxtaposition is a crass example of conceit and hubris.
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A simple biography of Oprah Winfrey, who overcame her difficult childhood to win success as a talk-show star, actress, and role model. ... Read more