Monday, April 03, 2006

Night, Frey and Oprah

Night by Elie Wiesel

I would say that most people had heard of this memoir before Oprah included it in her book club. Its short, and to the point. I first read it in the 9th grade and re-read it the other day since Kermit has a copy. It is very well worth reading. The emotions and loss of mind control that Elie goes through are unimaginable for me. I wonder if he ever re-gained his faith in God?

I wanted to read James Frey's "A Million Little Pieces" before reading "Night", but I only wanted to read it because of the controversy that it is not a memoir but in fact more of a novel. I wonder if Oprah feels better knowing that Night is true; have her book club readers felt better? I would be disappointed too, after finding out a book I thought was true wasn't. I tend to sympathize more reading memoirs than fiction. I think this is why I prefer them. I just don't know how I feel about Oprah's book choice and the message it sends about memoirs and authenticity, NOT THE BOOK "NIGHT" ITSELF, but choosing a book near the other end of the spectrum from "A Million Little Pieces." What do you think?

2 comments:

Lindsey Lou said...

I don't know, for myself, I am as easily emotionally affected by fiction than memoirs. I must be jaded, because I don't expect memoirs to be 100% accurate. Nobody's that exciting.

Kym said...

NOBODY!! I think you are exciting!!! I do enjoy fiction but I like reading about famous people. Maybe I should try to read some of YOUR ROMANCE NOVELS!!