Talk show for literacy
The conventional wisdom of high-toned literacy dismisses TV
talk shows as worthless or worse, especially the daytime variety.
But Oprah Winfrey has chalked up one accomplishment that's hard
to put down.
She is getting thousands and thousands of people all across
the country to read good books and talk about them with each other.
Last fall, Oprah initiated a book club on TV. If somebody told
her it was a dumb idea, that person was sadly mistaken. The audience
response has been overwhelming. Libraries and book stores stock
up on her selections. Of course, this helps publishers and authors
and retailers, but more than anything else it helps the people
who are thus encouraged to engage their minds with the printed
word.
Given that the printed word is one of the primary blessings
of the civilized world, Oprah is performing a public service by
promoting something much greater than herself. That deserves some
kind of medal.
Send a Letter to the Editor about This
Article | Start or Join A Discussion about This Article
Send the URL (Address) of This Article to A Friend:
Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
|
