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Oprah's Book Club - Episode Guide

Season 1

Ta-Nehisi Coates: The Water Dancer

Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Nov 1, 2019 (58 min)

Ta-Nehisi Coates: The Water Dancer

Oprah and Ta-Nehisi discuss the 10-year process of writing his #1 best-selling debut novel and the cultural conversation it has provoked. Plus, Ta-Nehisi visits Monticello, which inspired his book's setting.

Elizabeth Strout: Olive, Again

Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Jan 17, 2020 (43 min)

Elizabeth Strout: Olive, Again

Elizabeth tells Oprah how her celebrated protagonist reappeared and why she finds the everydayness of life to be extraordinary.

Jeanine Cummins: American Dirt, Part 1

Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Mar 6, 2020 (66 min)

Jeanine Cummins: American Dirt, Part 1

Jeanine and Oprah are joined by authors Reyna Grande, Julissa Arce, and Esther Cepeda for a raw, revealing conversation about the novel.

Jeanine Cummins: American Dirt, Part 2

Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Mar 6, 2020 (40 min)

Jeanine Cummins: American Dirt, Part 2

Latinx people who saw themselves reflected in the book share insights into real-life migrant experiences.

Robert Kolker: Hidden Valley Road

Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Jun 12, 2020 (52 min)

Robert Kolker: Hidden Valley Road

Oprah has in-depth discussions with author Kolker and surviving members of the Galvin family about living this extraordinary true story.

James McBride: Deacon King Kong

Episode: 1x06 | Airdate: Jul 31, 2020 (19 min)

James McBride: Deacon King Kong

Oprah and McBride discuss how his novel speaks to the current moment, his focus on the Black experience, and the inspiration for his characters.

Isabel Wilkerson: Caste

Episode: 1x07 | Airdate: Oct 2, 2020 (36 min)

Isabel Wilkerson: Caste

Calling the book "a must-read for all of humanity," Oprah asks Wilkerson what compelled her to write it and why we need a new language for race.

Marilynne Robinson: Gilead

Episode: 1x08 | Airdate: Apr 23, 2021 (12 min)

Marilynne Robinson: Gilead

Oprah talks to Robinson about her Pulitzer Prize-winning second novel, finding the character of John Ames, and how faith shapes her writing.

Marilynne Robinson: Home

Episode: 1x09 | Airdate: Apr 30, 2021 (8 min)

Marilynne Robinson: Home

Robinson explains what inspired her to revisit the story of Gilead from different points of view and why she chose to address the subject of race.

Marilynne Robinson: Lila

Episode: 1x10 | Airdate: May 7, 2021 (11 min)

Marilynne Robinson: Lila

Oprah and Robinson discuss finding new layers in established characters, what America looks like at its best, and how loneliness can be a privilege.

Marilynne Robinson: Jack

Episode: 1x11 | Airdate: May 14, 2021 (15 min)

Marilynne Robinson: Jack

Discussing the fourth Gilead novel, Robinson opens up about interracial romance, her writing process, and the possibility of more stories.

Nathan Harris: The Sweetness of Water

Episode: 1x12 | Airdate: Jul 23, 2021 (29 min)

Nathan Harris: The Sweetness of Water

Oprah sits down with Harris to discuss his debut novel's inspiration, his writing process, and how a biracial upbringing shaped his point of view.

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