Jeremy's Book Club

Oprah is ripping me off.

I'm watching Oprah announce her next book club selection: you guessed it, the best book of all time, "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy.

Only one person listened to me when I offered up my unsolicited literary opinion. Now that Oprah's gotten behind me, I really think my suggestion will take wing. Thanks Oprah.

A lot of McCarthy fans (and yes, there is a Web site; and yes, I am a member) are a little displeased with her selection, fearing that it will take away something from the massive accomplishment that this book is. I am pleased. Not only will McCarthy get paid for the exposure, but he has also agreed to give his first-ever television interview. This is the guy who has agreed -- to my knowledge -- to only two interviews ever: one a couple years ago with Vanity Fair and one just preceding the publication of "All the Pretty Horses" with the New York Times.

Some have said Oprah's housewife book brigade will miss the point of the book. This kind of literary elitism is atrocious. I would, however, be surprised if half as many people who buy the book will actually finish it, as it's probably the most bleak and unflinching book many will ever read (until you read the rest of McCarthy).

For those who do finish, the experience is highly rewarding. I re-read the book over spring break and was shocked at how much of the incredible imagery I missed during the first go-round. This is definitely a book I will re-read throughout my life. After the first reading, I went on a bit of a Cormac bender. In the past six months since I bought "The Road" on a whim, I read all of McCarthy's other books and even a play. McCarthy started his career in the Southern gothic tradition and then moved largely to the West. The West, in my opinion, is where he thrives. If you read "The Road" read it slowly (and with the lights on).

McCarthy to Me
1. The Road
2. Blood Meridian: Or Evening Redness in the West
3. The Crossing
4. Outer Dark
5. All the Pretty Horses
6. Cities of the Plain
7. Child of God
8. Suttree
9. No Country for Old Men
10. The Orchard Keeper