Book Review: 4 Things I Know For Sure About Oprah Winfrey Now
- Nov 18, 2018
- 3 min read
Happy National Blog Hosting Month! This week I decided to read "What I Know For Sure" by Oprah Winfrey because I feel like even though she is wealth she still seems humble. And from reading her book, I feel as though I truly got to see what makes her so rare and unlike anyone else. So in honor of Thanksgiving, I will discuss 3 reasons why this is a book about gratefulness. And be sure to read last week's blog on National I Love To Write Day.
Oprah On The Rise
Her journalism career began in 1971 at Tennessee State University and when started working at Nashville's Television and Radio. While Oprah was co-hosting on a show she was denied a raise, because she wasn't the head of the household. Implying that she doesn't deserve a raise because she doesn't have a family like her male cohost, even though they do the same exact job.
I was surprised to find out that the Oprah show wasn't her very first show but was called People Are Talking. And after 8 years she was recruited to work on A.M. Chicago which had a rough start but became the number one show in Chicago. And in 1986 a year after her big role in The Color Purple the nation was introduced to The Oprah Winfrey Show.
History Of What I Know For Sure & Maya Angelou's Inspiration
I was surprised to discover that the book originated from the O magazine as a revelation and inspirational column to her readers. And it was also inspired by the Film by Gene Siskel "What Do You Know For Sure" she decided to develop a book from the many columns written over the years.
I was very surprised to see how close Oprah's friendship was with the great Maya Angelou they both have such beautiful personalities just knowing that it was genuine makes me feel at peace. Oprah has so many important friends and that's why I love this book so much because I kind of feel like I'm her friend now too. And in this imaginary friendship, I just know that I can be Oprah's best friend whenever Gayle is busy.
Watching Your Weight
Weight loss has been a journey for Oprah where her weight has boomeranged up & down over the years which is probably why she decided to purchase stock in Weight Watchers.When Oprah spoke about her struggles with it I could feel her vulnerability in every word.
And it immediately made me think of my own weight issues I face. As well as the people in my life, who always feel the need to tell me how unhealthy I am or a new weight loss trend. Because when you are overweight the main thing on your mind is your size, and trying to get smaller without any results. Or when you are watching what you eat and choose a healthy option you're judged and when you choose something unhealthy you get judged for it. Which is why I am so thankful that I won't have to experience this feeling this Thanksgiving since I have to work. Especially since this holiday is literally about being nice to your family and appreciating what you have.
A Different Kind of Motherhood
Although Oprah may not be a parent, I loved how she spoke about feeling like a mother to the girls at her school Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. She even opened up about how she decided to have an abortion after she suffered from years of sexual abuse. I also the fact she was able to share this part of her story makes her so relatable.
Would I Buy Or Read Again?
Do I see myself buying or rereading "What I Know For Sure" no because I feel as though I learned a lot about her. But I thought I was going to get tips on how she broke the glass ceiling in the journalism field as a strong black woman and how she continues to do so. I still think that this book is worth reading for anyone who is quick to judge Oprah because she is rich thinking that she hasn't gone through any hardships in life.
Catch up on last week's blog on National I Love To Write Day.
If you have any book suggestions add them below in the comments, and look out for new book reviews every Sunday. And remember “As we ‘Rise to Be’, we are becoming who we want to be” -Christina B. Rising🤗
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