Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Oprah: A Biography

Oprah: A Biography

Book #1 for the year was Oprah:  A Biography by Kitty Kelley.  As you may have figured out by now, I like to read biographies, because I'm ...nosey. 

Going into this book, I had no real expectations.  I liked Oprah okay.  I didn't love her, but I didn't hate her either.  Well, that has changed.  Although, hate is a strong word.  It's more like a strong dislike.

Now, I realize you might not believe everything Kitty Kelley writes, but I will say that there are several quotes from her family, her ex-staff members, her friends, and people who have interviewed her in the past.  The book uses several of her quotes from interviews she's done through time and there are several from different sources throughout the book.  All of that to say, there are about 30 pages of credits given to her sources of information.  So, I feel like Kitty Kelley is telling the truth through the documentation.

So, skipping to the point, I don't like Oprah at all after reading this book.  There are things she's lied about and tried to cover up, but then there are also the ways she's treated the people around her - her family, her so-called friends, her employees, etc.  I know that we all have skeletons in the closet and we all don't treat people like we should, but I think we own that.  Oprah does not.  She tries to come off as the all golden and philanthropic goddess.  But, she's far from that.  Sure, she's done some good deeds - for publicity and ratings.  I just feel like she's a fake.  A total fake.  I had a hunch before the book, but now I'm sold.
post signature

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Ooooh, I already put this one on hold at the library after you posted about it last week. Now I can't wait to get it and read it.
Although, I occasionally watch her show and caught the episode where she is launching OWN. On camera, her staff seemed to really love her and many of them were there for 15 years or more. Can't wait to read the book.

Tyly said...

I am very interested in reading this now....

d.a.r. said...

Okay, I know we have already discussed this, but I am definitely not reading it now. Yuck.

Anonymous said...

I haven't liked Oprah in awhile ESPECIALLY after she had her "You are only invited if you are BLACK" ball. Ridiculous. Um, I find that racist. It wasn't even a black pride event, it was just a super duper Oprah expenditure. Blah.

teacherwoman said...

INteresting.

I too love to read biographies and memiors!

Anonymous said...

Interesting! I might be requesting this one at the library as I vow to read more books. My "issue" with Oprah is people are obsessed with her, she has a cult following. Like whatever she says, some people will do. That scares me.