Oprah picks Franzen's 'Freedom' for book club

Posted September 15, 2010 11:00 pm

NEW YORK -- Oprah Winfrey has forgiven Jonathan Franzen.

Nine years after picking Franzen's "The Corrections" for her book club and then canceling his appearance on her show after he expressed ambivalence over her endorsement, Winfrey has chosen his new novel, "Freedom," according to three booksellers.

The booksellers asked not to be identified, noting that the talk show host is not scheduled to announce her pick until Friday.

Winfrey's decision tells a story she loves well, redemption, and cites a book that itself redeems a troubled Minnesota-based family. Released in late August, "Freedom" was virtually canonized by critics before publication and has been topping best-seller lists even without Oprah's approval.

Angela DePaul, a spokeswoman for Winfrey's production company Harpo, would not confirm or deny the selection.

"Oprah announces her book club selections on her show and shares her reasons for choosing the books at that time," DePaul said.

Nine years after picking Franzen's "The Corrections" for her book club and then disinviting him after he expressed ambivalence over her endorsement, Oprah Winfrey has chosen his new novel, "Freedom," according to three booksellers. Associated Press

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