We took a random sampling of postings to the Oprah Book Club message board, where book purchasers discussed their reactions to "The Corrections."
I think you will find that Oprah can lead donkeys to the Literature section, and the cash register, but that's about it.
| "The Jonathan Franzen book looks like a great book. I believe I read about why the book is not a part of the book club in People Magazine, in which I can say I totally understand. Well I will check back here to see if there is a better book to read. I love to read but never have time!!! Three kid, just started my own business, but I need to make the time." |
| "I finished The Corrections but can't say that I'd recommend it. My book group did have a good discussion about it, my mother is reading it and I cringe to thing of her doing so, it is quite crude in many places. Karen" |
| "I've made many comments on the AOL board, but the only one I'll bring over here is how much trouble I'm having "liking" ANY of these characters, though they are certainly well drawn." |
| "Hi, I'm new, just joined. I love those cute little graphics that accompany some of the members (i.e. torch, dog w/wagging tail, cat, American flag, etc.). Could someone please let me know who I can get one to use for myself in this group. Thanks. Tina" |
| "If you find out how to get the graphics please let us all know thanks P" |
| "I read The Corrections, and it was ok...but not the best book I have read, or even the best of Oprah's selections. One of the reviews I read said that if you don't like these people, you don't like people....well I know I like people and I was not crazy about some of the characters in this book....especially Gary. I found him selfish and full of himself...and not fun to be around. I am glad that Oprah reacted to the author the way she did, but I am sorry that there won't be a discussion because I would love to know exactly why Oprah thought this book so "classic". Many of the individual sentences were beautifully written, but the story itself was long and not always interesting." |
| "Kagie: Couldn't agree more. I don't know what Oprah saw in this book. Read my previous message. The book was too weird. Definitely not my favorite." |
| "Is The Corrections the book that Oprah said she has never read anything like....the best thing she's read? I caught her briefly talking about "a book" and wonder if it's this one. Does anyone know? Is the book worthy? THANKS! Kelly" |
| "Yes, that is the book and I would not advise reading it. I cannot believe Oprah recommended it. I was very disappointed." |
| "I can't believe this book is the book of the month, and people are actually saying it's good! I cannot even get past the first 50 pages. Every time I try to read it I feel like I'm wasting my time. If readers out there are looking for a guarenteed good book try THE RED TENT by Anita Diamont. I think that Oprah must be getting some sort of kick-back for recommending this book, because it's not because it's a "literary masterpiece"! |
| "The Mistake" -- "I am so disappointed in this book. It is difficult to read because of the lack of dialogue between characters. Way too much discription that you get confused and lost in.I had to keep a dictionary close at hand while reading to look up words that I have never heard of! I am mad that I spent money on this huge book that I have decided that I will not bother to finish because it is boring and depressing. I am trying to get some satisfaction by posting my frustration over this novel. Oprah how could you recommend this boring novel calling it the "great American novel"? |
| "Yes, the prose is delightful and rich, but did he actually have anything to say." |
| "It would seem that some of us wish for no more than "beach books". I on the other hand hunger for more substance and reality and this book gives it to me! Dig in people-push yourselves to look beneath the superficial in your own lives." |
| "I never finished the book.....I just gave up after about 200 pages....It was long drawn out and boring as all get out......And I so agree with you about the DICTIONARY.....I went and bought a pocket size one just to keep up with the Mr Franzen......" |
| "I managed the first 130 pages but it took 8 days on a 14 day loan from the library. Between the outstanding TIME magazine review and Oprah's glowing comments I thought I was in for a treat. More like Trick!! I usually average 500 pages a week and found this too much to digest at the rate I am used to. So I gave it up and took it back to the library. Hope others enjoy it more than I did. Oh, while at the library I picked up Drowning Ruth and whipped through the first 120 pages the same day." |
| "It Sucked -- I finished it out of sheer curiosty and it was just awful. The worst is that I gave it as a gift before reading it because I was so sure of Oprah's taste. The book was boring and highly sexualy explicit." |
| "I am new to this discussion thing. I wish I had read all the negative comments about this book before I wasted my money on it. Actually this is the first Oprah Book Club book that I have read due to lack of time, but I bought it because she so highly recommended it as the next classic. I strongly agree with all the negative comments and I think this is the worst book I have ever read. Instead of donating this book to Goodwill I think I will dump it in the trash, because that is what it is. Why subject anyone else with this garbage? On to the next book and I hope it is a GOOD one!" |
| "I was glad to read your message. I am an avid reader but I found this book to be boring beyond words. Such rambling!! I struggled through more that half the book, which took forever, and I may just give it up. What a waste of time and money!" |
| "I'm having trouble staying in the book. I just finished the St. Jude section and so far it's just very tedious. However, I will persevere. AnitaS" |