Quote:
Originally Posted by lilac_jive
Her tastes could be much more varied, but she might not recommend them as to not alienate viewers.
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Or she may be recommending books that she or her producers think will show her in a good light (a serious reader of serious fiction), and therefore will sell to her viewers because they want to be just like her.
I think, given the anti-Oprah and the anti-anti-Oprah feelings flying around here, I ought to state that I would have that view regardless, almost(*), of whoever was recommending the book. I tend(**) to view that sort of endorsement through an incredibly cynical filter.
If Oprah does have the sway over her fans that people in this thread and others have suggested then I can actually see why people would avoid a book she had recommended. Whether we like it or not, people make judgements based on how they perceive others to be, and being seen to read an Oprah-recommended book could lead others to assume you only bought it because she endorsed it.
(*)My one blind spot in that respect would have to be Stephen Fry(***)
(**)The yeti and I actually did buy something because he endorsed it on his blog... I know, it's sad.
(***)Except the iPhone. I don't care how many he has and how much he loves them, I don't like them at all (and yes, I've used one. And also yes, I use a Mac)