Every fledgling popular author's dream is to make it to Oprah Winfrey's book club roster. An endorsement by her is the sure fire guarantee that a book will land on the best sellers list. One author, Jonathan Franzen had the audacity to question Oprah's literary sophistication and he probably lives to rue the day he offended the queen of America's book clubs. During the recent controversy about James Frey's partly "fictional" memoir, A Million Little Pieces, we also saw that Oprah stands by her man after she has praised his book. No wonder authors receiving her blessings adore her.
Now we have learnt that Osama Bin Laden has entered the literary scene (he has a library in his cave?). In his recent message to America, he recommended that US citizens read William Blum's 2000 work, "Rogue State: A Guide to the World's Only Superpower,".
"And if Bush decides to carry on with his lies and oppression, then it would be useful for you to read the book 'Rogue State,' which states in its introduction: 'If I were president, I would stop the attacks on the United States: First, I would give an apology to all the widows and orphans and those who were tortured. Then I would announce that American interference in the nations of the world has ended once and for all: " said Bin Laden.
As for Blum,
"Twenty-four hours after Osama bin Laden told the world that the American people should read the work of a little-known Washington historian, William Blum was still adjusting.
Blum, who at 72 is accustomed to laboring in relative left-wing obscurity, checked his emotions and pronounced himself shocked and, well, pleased.
"This is almost as good as being an Oprah book," he said yesterday between telephone calls from the world media and bites of a bagel. "I'm glad." Overnight, his 2000 work, "Rogue State: A Guide to the World's Only Superpower," had become an Osama book.
From Blum's end of the conversations, you could tell the reporters were expecting him to express some kind of discomfort, remorse, maybe even shame. Blum refused to acknowledge feelings he did not have.
"I was not turned off by such an endorsement," he informed a New York radio station. "I'm not repulsed, and I'm not going to pretend I am." He patiently reiterated the thesis of his foreign-policy critique -- that American interventions abroad create enemies.
By last night, "Rogue State" shot up from 205,763 to 26 on Amazon.com's index of the most-ordered books." (When I checked last, it was #19 and Amazon was out of copies).
I am getting the feeling that Mr. Franzen may not be regretting his remarks as much these days after Frey got exposed for his lies. That Oprah "stood by her man" probably confirms Franzen's doubts about her literary sophistication (or lack thereof). Anyways, I will probably go pick up Blum's book, mostly out of curiosity. I mean, if Osama is reading it, maybe gain some more insight on the guy? Best.
Posted by: Angel | January 22, 2006 at 01:39 PM