Oprah announces new book club pick 'Wellness: A novel' on CBS This Morning

Summary:

• Oprah Winfrey announced her newest book club selection, 'Wellness: A novel' by Nathan Hill on CBS This Morning.
• The book follows the relationship of Elizabeth and Jack over the course of their 20-year relationship from their meetings as lonely students in Chicago back in 1993 to their struggling marriage.
• This is Hill's second novel and the story is centered around love and relationships.
• The book is set in Wicker Park, which is an area in Chicago that Oprah is familiar with.
• Oprah expressed her appreciation for Hill's ability to draw readers into the story in such a modern, contemporary, vibrant way.
• The author drew inspiration for the book from a short story he wrote decades ago and revisited when it spoke to him differently.
• The story raises questions about love and relationships and how we perceive them.
• The book also explores how our worlds can be built by the stories that we believe in.
• Oprah hopes readers will take away the message to believe what they believe, but with curiosity and humility.

Oprah Winfrey announced her newest book club selection, 'Wellness: A novel' by Nathan Hill, in an interview on CBS This Morning. The book follows the relationship of Elizabeth and Jack over the course of their 20-year relationship from their meetings as lonely students in Chicago back in 1993 to their struggling marriage. This is Hill's second novel and the story is centered around love and relationships.

Oprah Reveals Her Newest Book Club Selection: "Wellness: A Novel" by Nathan Hill

Oprah Winfrey, the renowned talk show host and book club aficionado, has recently announced her latest book club selection. In an exclusive interview with CBS This Morning, we had the opportunity to speak with Oprah and the author of the chosen book, Nathan Hill. Brace yourselves for the big reveal!

A Love Story Unraveled: "Wellness" by Nathan Hill

In "Wellness," readers are immersed in the intricate relationship between Elizabeth and Jack, spanning over two decades. The story begins in 1993 when the two lonely students first encounter each other in Chicago and follows their journey through a struggling marriage in 2014. This is Hill's second novel, following the success of his bestselling book "The Knicks" in 2016.

A Surprise Meeting: How Oprah Chose "Wellness"

Oprah explained how Lee Newman, a member of the Oprah Daily team who regularly sends her books, introduced her to "Wellness." She was immediately drawn to the book, particularly because of its setting in Wicker Park, a neighborhood in Chicago that she knows well. As Oprah delved into the story, she became captivated by Hill's ability to use language to immerse readers in a modern, contemporary, and vibrant narrative.

A Narrative That Evolved: From Short Story to Novel

Nathan Hill revealed that the inspiration for "Wellness" originated from a short story he wrote nearly two decades ago. The initial idea depicted two lonely individuals falling in love while glimpsing each other through apartment windows in New York City. However, when Hill revisited the story years later, he realized that the couple's romance was idealistic and naive. This realization sparked his curiosity about what would happen to them if they pursued a long-term relationship, got married, and became parents.

A Line That Encompasses The Novel's Essence

Oprah and Nathan discussed the memorable line that marked the beginning of Jack and Elizabeth's journey: "Come with." Jack's simple yet genuine invitation struck a chord with readers, as it conveyed a sense of purity and sincerity. It also became a symbolic invitation for readers to embark on this substantial literary experience—a request for them to join the characters on their journey.

Exploring the Depths of Love and Relationships

The concept of love and the complexities of relationships deeply resonate within "Wellness." Oprah mentioned how she was fascinated by the way the characters, including secondary couples, navigated their own paths in search of happiness. This exploration of love and the pursuit of personal fulfillment is a universal theme that will undoubtedly resonate with readers.

The Power of Algorithms: Exploring the Role of Social Media

One intriguing aspect of "Wellness" is its exploration of the influence of social media algorithms on individuals' lives. Hill delves into the stories that shape our identities and how our beliefs can be manipulated or shaped by the narratives presented to us. He drew inspiration from the alarming phenomenon of losing people to conspiracy theories and misinformation on platforms like Facebook. Through extensive research, including analyzing Facebook patent applications, Hill reveals the impact these algorithms can have on shaping our perceptions.

Oprah's Lessons on Happiness and Literary Escapism

Oprah shared her personal insights on finding happiness and solace through the power of reading. According to her, immersing oneself in a good book provides an opportunity to explore different ways of being and empathize with diverse experiences. Spending time with the characters Jack and Elizabeth in "Wellness" allowed her to connect with them on a profound level and provided her with relaxation and comfort.

A Message of Self-Reflection and Humility

Nathan Hill emphasized the importance of self-reflection and the idea that our personal narratives are not always accurately aligned with reality. He encourages readers to approach their beliefs with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to amend their stories when necessary. This theme forms the heart of the book, reminding us to question our perceptions and embrace a more open-minded outlook.

Anticipating Success for "Wellness"

With Oprah's endorsement and enthusiastic support, the future looks promising for Nathan Hill's "Wellness." Oprah's prediction of the novel becoming a second-best seller adds to the anticipation surrounding the book's release. As readers eagerly await its availability, they can visit cbsmornings.com for exclusive content, including a Reader's Guide and a free excerpt from the novel.

Join Oprah's Book Club

If you want to delve deeper into Oprah's book club discussions and engage further with "Wellness" by Nathan Hill, head over to the CBS This Morning Instagram page. There you can find information on how to connect with fellow book enthusiasts and explore the themes and messages within the novel.

As Oprah's latest book club pick enters the literary world, readers can expect to be captivated by the profound themes, engaging storytelling, and intricate examination of human relationships that "Wellness: A Novel" offers.

Wellness is on sale now and offers readers a chance for self-reflection and introspection.