Oprah Welcomes Pulitzer Winner Richard Russo to Her Book Club with a Throwback Pick
Oprah Winfrey has done it again. She’s added another incredible author to her famed book club, but this time with a twist. Instead of spotlighting a hot-off-the-press title, Oprah dug into the past and chose Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Russo’s 2007 novel, Bridge of Sighs.
Yep, this isn’t a brand-new release — it’s a deep cut from nearly two decades ago that’s about to find a whole new audience, thanks to Oprah’s magic touch. And honestly? It’s the kind of classic summer read that’s perfect for cozying up with, full of romance, lifelong friendships, epic family drama, and those bittersweet moments that stick with you long after the last page is turned.
Why Richard Russo? Why Bridge of Sighs?
Richard Russo isn’t just any author — he’s a heavyweight in American literature, best known for his vivid storytelling set in small, Northeastern towns. If you’re familiar with Nobody’s Fool (which got the Paul Newman treatment in the film world) or Empire Falls — a Pulitzer-winning novel turned Emmy-winning HBO series — you know his style is grounded in complex characters, raw emotion, and those intimate glimpses of small-town life that feel universal.
Bridge of Sighs is no exception. Set in a rural New York community, the book dives deep into the fabric of a place where everyone knows your name, your history, and sometimes your secrets. It’s the kind of novel that perfectly balances humor, heartache, and the inevitable changes that come with time and family.
Oprah herself praised the novel’s layers: “Bridge of Sighs is a classic summer read, packed with romance, unrequited love, life-long friendships, and, of course — epic family drama.” If you’ve ever loved a story about complicated family ties or the kind of friendships that last a lifetime, this is going to hit home.
The Magic of Oprah’s Book Club: More Than Just New Releases
While Oprah often uses her platform to catapult new authors into the spotlight, she’s no stranger to revisiting literary gems from the past. Over the years, she’s shined a light on older works like Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, reminding readers that some stories never lose their power — they only get richer with time.
Choosing Bridge of Sighs feels like a celebration of that same idea. It’s not just about the newest bestseller — it’s about giving readers a chance to discover or rediscover stories that might have flown under the radar or deserved a second look.
And Russo himself is humbled by the pick. In his own words, “It is, of course, a profound honor to be chosen for Oprah’s Book Club. But to be chosen for a novel written two decades earlier? A book that will introduce a whole new generation of readers to my work? How special is that?”
That’s the beauty of a book club with Oprah’s reach — books get a new lease on life, sometimes years after they were first published.
A Starbucks Chat That’s Worth Tuning Into
In a pretty cool and low-key move, Oprah recently sat down for a chat with Richard Russo at a Starbucks in Seattle — yes, the very same Starbucks that’s now the official partner of Oprah’s Book Club. This conversation, casual yet insightful, is available for fans to watch on Oprah’s YouTube channel and other popular podcast platforms.
It’s a neat glimpse into Russo’s mind and creative process, plus a chance to hear directly from the author about what Bridge of Sighs means to him and why it’s still relevant today. This kind of content adds a fresh dimension to the book club experience, making it feel more personal and interactive for readers everywhere.
What to Expect from Bridge of Sighs
If you’re thinking, “Okay, this sounds good, but what’s the story?” here’s a little sneak peek. The novel revolves around Louis Charles Lynch, a school superintendent in a small town in upstate New York, trying to hold his community together amid shifting economic tides and personal upheavals.
The narrative masterfully weaves together his relationships, including with his mother, his former girlfriend, and his children — all while exploring themes of regret, reconciliation, and the messy, beautiful mess that is family life.
Readers often describe Russo’s writing as warm, witty, and unflinchingly honest — no sugarcoating here. And that’s part of what makes this book such a perfect summer read: it’s easy to get lost in, but it leaves you thinking long after you’ve closed it.
What Makes This Pick So Exciting?
-
Rediscovery of a Literary Treasure: It’s not every day a book from 2007 gets a fresh spotlight from one of the world’s most influential cultural tastemakers. This pick gives readers a chance to discover a novel that’s both timeless and timely.
-
Pulitzer Prize Prestige: Russo’s track record with literary awards means you’re diving into work that’s been critically recognized and celebrated.
-
Star-Powered Adaptations: Fans of the HBO series Empire Falls or the film Nobody’s Fool might be intrigued to explore more of Russo’s work — and Bridge of Sighs offers that same heartfelt storytelling.
-
Oprah’s Personal Touch: From the intimate Starbucks chat to her enthusiastic endorsement, Oprah’s involvement adds an extra layer of excitement and trust in this pick.
How to Jump In
If you’re an Oprah Book Club regular or a first-timer curious about Richard Russo, now’s the perfect moment to grab a copy of Bridge of Sighs. With summer in full swing, it’s the kind of book that fits right into beach bags, hammock naps, or quiet evenings on the porch.
You can also catch the conversation between Oprah and Russo online — it’s a great primer before you dive into the novel. Plus, the Starbucks partnership means you might even find some fun book club promotions at your local store.
Final Thoughts
Oprah’s latest book club selection is a reminder that great stories don’t have expiration dates. Sometimes the best reads are the ones waiting patiently on the shelf for the right moment — and when Oprah picks them, that moment is now.
So if you’re looking for a compelling, character-driven story about family, friendship, and the complexities of small-town life, Bridge of Sighs might just become your new favorite. And if you haven’t yet experienced Richard Russo’s rich storytelling, this is an invitation you won’t want to miss.
Login