Customer Reviews

Oprah Winfrey: Talk Show Legend (African-American Biographies (Enslow))

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Oprah Winfrey is a subject with whom the author appears to feel well acquainted. The tone of the book almost suggests that they could be good friends, although that is not stated. The author includes seven pages of sources arranged as chapter notes. This section is at the end of the book, and does not interfere with the story. These sources include videos, television interviews, magazine articles, personal interviews and Internet sites. Photographs are also included to validate the accuracy of some of the information about setting and character, such as Oprah's father's barbershop and home, the church and highschool she attended, her Chicago studio, and numerous photographs of Oprah in her various roles. The author has developed a central theme about Oprah's character: Oprah wants to use her influence to make a difference in the lives of people. She documents the many instances in which Oprah has done that by funding scholarships to promote education, recommending good reading to further literacy, and getting people involved in the lives of underprivileged children. According to Wooten, things did not just happen to Oprah. Oprah has taken control of her life in countless ways. She finished her degree, accepted every opportunity to further her career, bought her own studio, and got involved in many community projects to further the interests of others. The use of language was appropriate to the historical period and literary style of the book. There was more than adequate information showing what Oprah's contemporaries thought about her. Phil Donahue's remarks about Oprah are recorded along with those of other professional people as well as the thoughts of some of Oprah's employees. This work escapes an adulatory tone by showing Oprah's mistakes and shortcomings; however, in spite of that, Wooten makes Oprah sound like a pretty terrific person.