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Oprah: A Biography
Oprah A Biography
Author: Kitty Kelley
Based on three years of research and reporting as well as 850 interviews with sources, many of whom have never before spoken for publication, Oprah is the first comprehensive biography of one of the most influential, powerful, and admired public figures of our time, by the most widely read biographer of our era. Anyone who is a fan of O...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780307394866
ISBN-10: 0307394867
Publication Date: 4/13/2010
Pages: 544
Rating:
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 28

3.4 stars, based on 28 ratings
Publisher: Random House
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Oprah: A Biography on + 177 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I've never been what you'd call an Oprah "fan." I mean, I watched her show a few dozen times back in the 80's, but I didn't have much of a preconceived notion about her. I picked up this book because I deperately needed something to read and my options were limited. While I won't say I found the book compelling, I did find myself developing a profound respect for Oprah through the writing of Ms. Kelley. (I found the "unauthorized" nature of the biography to lend it a sense of validity.) Oprah understands that she herself is a brand--one that she's spent a lot of money and energy developing--and must be protected as such. I pity her for all the idiots she's had to contend with throughout her career. Someone who identifies themself as a fan might see it differently, but I came away from the book wishing I could shake Oprah's hand.
partysachs avatar reviewed Oprah: A Biography on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I like Kitty Kelley's books...she is so thorough to put together information that is not published elsewhere. A great in-depth bio.
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23dollars avatar reviewed Oprah: A Biography on + 432 more book reviews
I read the original hardcover release and enjoyed it for the most part. Despite feeling it was a weakly veiled attempt to throw eggs of bias at Oprah, it did have some good objective information woven in.

This mass market revised edition really doesn't offer much more. Oprah's cousin Jo Baldwin, former head of Harpo, apparently decided to grant an interview subsequent to the original publication, so the author has woven in her comments throughout the book in bold face (along with a scant few other subsequent facts, and comments from Oprah herself). So you basically have to go through the entire 500 pages again for the new info.

Is the new information worth the price of this edition? I'd have to say no.


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