Oprah Winfrey has long been an advocate for the power of reading, and her book club is an easy way for readers to find their next favorite book. As 2021 approaches, the Oprah Book Club has some new and exciting books for readers to explore. Here are some of the best Oprah Book Club picks for 2021 and why you should add them to your reading list.
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Water Dancer is one of Oprah's top picks for 2021. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, this is a stunning novel that follows a young man named Hiram as he embarks on a journey to find his family. While on his quest, he discovers that he has an ability to transport himself through water, and it eventually leads him to a greater understanding of the power of slavery and its effects on African American culture. It's a powerful and inspiring story that everyone should read.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half is another novel picked by Oprah this year. Written by Brit Bennett, this is a captivating story of twin sisters who take different paths in life. They each make choices that will have a lasting effect on their lives and on their family. It's a thought-provoking story that explores themes of identity, race, and what it means to be a family. It's an emotionally charged novel that will leave readers with much to ponder.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is a timely and important book by Isabel Wilkerson. It dives into the history of race and class in the United States and examines how these systems have shaped our society in profound ways. Wilkerson does an excellent job of connecting the past to the present and exploring the ways in which racism has permeated every aspect of our lives. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the world around them.
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem by Amanda Gorman
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem by Amanda Gorman is an inspiring collection of poems that were recited at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. Gorman's words are a reminder of the power of hope and the importance of coming together in times of crisis. Her words are powerful and inspiring, and they are sure to stay with readers long after they finish the book.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
A Promised Land by Barack Obama is the first volume of the former president's memoir. In it, Obama looks back on his time in office and shares his thoughts on the key moments of his presidency. It's an insightful and inspiring look into the life of one of the most influential political figures of our time.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride
Deacon King Kong by James McBride is an entertaining and thoughtful novel about a church deacon named Sportcoat in 1969 Brooklyn. After he shoots someone in a local bar, the community comes together to try and make sense of why he did it. It's a funny and heartwarming story that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the power of community.
The Cold Millions by Jess Walter
The Cold Millions by Jess Walter is a historical novel set in the early 1900s. It follows two brothers, Gig and Rye, as they join the fight for workers' rights and stand up against the power of the wealthy and powerful. It's an inspiring story of courage and resilience and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of labor rights.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi is a powerful novel about a Ghanaian-American family living in Alabama. The main character, Gifty, is a PhD student struggling to understand the science behind her brother's death and her mother's depression. It's a heartfelt story about the power of family and the strength we can find in difficult times.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is a captivating story of twin sisters who take different paths in life. They each make choices that will have a lasting effect on their lives and on their family. It's a thought-provoking story that explores themes of identity, race, and what it means to be a family. It's an emotionally charged novel that will leave readers with much to ponder.
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is a timely and important book by Isabel Wilkerson. It dives into the history of race and class in the United States and examines how these systems have shaped our society in profound ways. Wilkerson does an excellent job of connecting the past to the present and exploring the ways in which racism has permeated every aspect of our lives. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the world around them.
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem by Amanda Gorman
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem by Amanda Gorman is an inspiring collection of poems that were recited at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. Gorman's words are a reminder of the power of hope and the importance of coming together in times of crisis. Her words are powerful and inspiring, and they are sure to stay with readers long after they finish the book.
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
A Promised Land by Barack Obama is the first volume of the former president's memoir. In it, Obama looks back on his time in office and shares his thoughts on the key moments of his presidency. It's an insightful and inspiring look into the life of one of the most influential political figures of our time.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride
Deacon King Kong by James McBride is an entertaining and thoughtful novel about a church deacon named Sportcoat in 1969 Brooklyn. After he shoots someone in a local bar, the community comes together to try and make sense of why he did it. It's a funny and heartwarming story that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the power of community.
The Cold Millions by Jess Walter
The Cold Millions by Jess Walter is a historical novel set in the early 1900s. It follows two brothers, Gig and Rye, as they join the fight for workers' rights and stand up against the power of the wealthy and powerful. It's an inspiring story of courage and resilience and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of labor rights.
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi is a powerful novel about a Ghanaian-American family living in Alabama. The main character, Gifty, is a PhD student struggling to understand the science behind her brother's death and her mother's depression. It's a heartfelt story about the power of family and the strength we can find in difficult times.
These are just a few of the amazing books that were chosen by Oprah this year. All of these books are sure to leave readers with something to think about and are definitely worth reading. So if you're looking for an inspiring read, be sure to check out the 2021 Oprah Book Club picks.
