Oprah Winfrey is a God

Tyson Dawn — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 17:50:26 GMT

I've never been an Oprah fan but I gained a huge amount of respect for her when she confronted James Frey and Nan Talese on live TV and brilliantly grilled them into a complete and total confession. It was riveting to watch and I wish more media would hold their guests accountable for telling lies to their audience. If that's what Nan Talese calls bad manners than bad manners are a virtue.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Karen, Little Rock, AR — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:00:50 GMT

Oprah can be sanctimonious and smug. She long ago started believing her own publicity. Oprah, like every other human, is not always correct; her stating an opinion does NOT make it truth. It is simply an opinion. Has she make a difference? Absolutely, without question. The school in Africa, the American girls she has helped, the topics she has brought to light, all are invaluable. Helping to bring about positive change is a wonderful thing; however, it is not worthy of worship, but of admiration. That she certainly has from me.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Sandra Morton, Toronto, ON — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 18:35:54 GMT

NEWSFLASH FOR MS. NAN TALESE:
Memoirs are meant to be factual. Poetic licenses are not permitted.

I would be ANGRY too if I were Oprah. I remember watching the show when the book was announced. His mother's shocked reaction - tears of pure joy. I also watched the show when he stopped by to discuss the book. There was so much emotion...I felt disgusted when the truth came out.

Oprah puts her reputation on the line each time she decides to promote a person's work. She adheres to a standard of excellence and integrity, which are ingredients of her success. Ms. Talese could definitely learn a thing or two from Ms. Winfrey. With such quotes as “I really, really am bothered by the sanctimoniousness of Oprah Winfrey.” and “fiercely bad manners”, Ms. Talese misses the point completely. What did she expect? For him to have a second book featured on the show??? Get real. The public "stoning" of Mr. Frey (which I approved of wholeheartedly by the way)has nothing to do with Ms. Winfrey's wealth or "sainthood", but has everything to do with integrity.

Why can't Ms. Talese see this? This incident calls into question her own integrity as a publisher. Can she not see this? Instead of staying mum on this very embarrassing situation, she is making a complete fool of herself! A word of advice: Stop putting your reputation on the line to support this con artist/creative writer of "memoirs" a.k.a. James "Pinocchio" Frey!!!!

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Vannessa — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:36:53 GMT

To Nan Talese,I have to say you are absolutely living the lies that you supported by publishing a book of 'fiction' by James Frey, that were endorsed by a woman who does not believe in telling and selling lies to make money. So, who do you think the public will base their opinions on...when it comes to your opinion of Oprah Winfrey? As a child, you would be told to "keep your mouth shut and never speak to your superiors in that manner again." I guess you got away with it until you messed with the TRUTH and now you can't handle it. Next time, if there is a next time, just remind yourself to never try to get over (as in DECEIVE)... the one and only OPRAH! God Bless !

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Scorpio — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:42:58 GMT

I agree, she ( Oprah) does deserve to be admired. But there is only one GOD. And she aint it!!! Please do not try to correct my grammer. I said it, the way I meant it.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Scorpio — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:43:44 GMT

I agree, she ( Oprah) does deserve to be admired. But there is only one GOD. And she aint it!!! Please do not try to correct my grammer. I said it, the way I meant it.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Jerry Wilson — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 19:53:45 GMT

Oprah did the right thing by holding Frey accountable for telling lies to her audience. I'm disgusted that Nan Talese continues to argue that it's okay to fabricate massive sections of memoirs. It really makes me wonder about some of the other books that have been published under her name.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Elizabeth, Denver, Co — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:33:38 GMT

I too was bothered by Oprah's sanctimoniousness. I thought Oprah came off harsh and holier-than-thou when she had an opportunity to handle the situation with grace, compassion, and dignity. Good for Nan for standing up for her writers.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Burke — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:37:44 GMT

Nan Talese and James Frey got popped for lying by Oprah and now Ms. Talese is mad. Ms. Talese should stop her public whining and MOVE ON.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Ann S. Columbia, S.C. — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 20:42:48 GMT

I liked Ophrah until she had a couple on her show that had just lost everything...Their jobs, home etc. She had the nerve to say, "I really don't know what it would be like to lose a home because I have so many you know". I thought that was horrible! I haven't watched her since and never will again!

Oprah Winfrey is a God

MAB Houston, TX — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 21:36:09 GMT

I just wish at the end of the day that Oprah would help me secure the credit rating to purchase a decent vehicle. I am soooo tired of riding the city bus. And; yes, I do have a full time job - it simply does not pay me enought to carry a truck note.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

canada — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 22:08:48 GMT

The Truth always triumphs!! No matter how long it takes... I really don't see why this woman should support this thief who wanted to make money over lies.. Oprah has integrity but please there is only God, the Almighty one..God bless all who stand by the truth

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Jerry Wilson — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 22:55:52 GMT

Nan Talese is not sticking up for James Frey she's sticking up for herself. Nan was unable to answer basic questions on that show and was exposed as either a fraud or a fool (take your pick). Now she's continuing to de-masculinate Mr tough guy Frey by perpetuating the idea that he got spanked on a lady's talk show. Her continued rationalization of his fabrications is a slap in the face to all the brilliant memoir writers who achieved their success honestly.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Chris Parson — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 23:03:54 GMT

Who is Nan Talese?! I am sure she wasn't bothered by the so-called "sanctimoniousness of Oprah Winfrey" when Oprah chose her client's book for the highly influential 'Oprah's Book Club', and she knew how much sales of the book would fly through the roof and load her (Talese's) and James Frey's pockets. I am sure then she was dancing with glee. Now she has the nerve to be upset that Oprah rightfully put her and James Frey in their place for 'selling' a fraudulent memoir to Oprah and her viewers. Talese is an ungrateful bitch!

I think much of the discomfort expressed regarding Oprah putting James Frey and his editor in their place on national TV, is by people who couldn't stand the idea of a powerful black woman reprimanding a white man on TV. How much times have changed in America?!

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Ruby — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 23:23:47 GMT

Evidently, she got whatever it take to keep us listening,,,,,,,,we all make choices, so if you don't
like it, go and get your on platform. I too have learned a great deal from Oprah.......keep it coming.
As we all know the talked about Jesus.......so she must be doing something GREAT.......you go Oprah.
I will still listen and decide ---------as an individual------------say it loud...............

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Ruby — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 23:31:17 GMT

Evidently, she got whatever it takes to keep us listening,we all make choices, so if you don't
like it, go and get your on platform. I too have learned a great deal from Oprah.......keep it coming.
As we all know they talked about Jesus.......so she must be doing something GREAT.......you go Oprah.
I will still listen and decide ---------as an individual------------say it loud...............

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Joan — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 23:37:06 GMT

One of my girlfriends said it best: "Oprah isn't the boss of me."

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Zina Robinson — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:08:13 GMT

I agree that anyone who deceives the public to make a profit needs to be exposed. The author deserved to be called out and held accountable for the lies that he told in his book. However, I have felt that Oprah Winfrey is and has been on a soap-box for most of her career. She wants to create rightous standards for people without allowing anyone to question her lifestyle, eating habits, and highly publicized charity work that always finds its way into the headlines. Everything she does seems to be for publicity. Most of the people that watch her show are just looking for a chance to get a free gift from her. This always seems to come out of the blue when she hasn't been in the press for a while. I agree, Oprah needs to be brought down a peg.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Melanie, Detroit, MI — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:40:08 GMT

People worship her like a God and dwell on her every word. This is the fault of our money loving society. Even SHE has her faults... what's wrong with this billionaire woman who can't seem to convince the man that she's lived with for decades to marry her? Constantly finding faults in other people only makes your faults more visible.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Prosper dafinone, las vegas,Nevada — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:20:19 GMT

Dear Oprah Winfrey,
Ever since i came to the U.S, i have watched your show. And i have seen that you are a woman of GOD, i pray that GOD in heaven will refresh you as you have refreshed others in all your endevors amen. Remain blessed.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Jim Camp, Springfield, IL — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 02:02:02 GMT

Surely Oprah has done a lot of good.
However, she is only human, but doesn't always act
like it.
Perhaps her success has gone to her head.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Sean Ireland — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 03:05:48 GMT

In general, I cannot abide Oprah's elevated self-view. Yes, she is a stunning success -- but then again, so was Elvis, whose failure as a human being was almost as large as his entertainment legacy. In other words, don't judge someone based upon a single factor.

You have to understand an element of luck was at play when Oprah took her Jerry Springer-esque show & tweaked it. In sum, she could be off the air, as successful as a Springer-clone, or something, entirely -- if not for fate.

Bottom line, I really think that she projects herself and her opinions as a sacred religious object and have felt so for years. Instead of being inspired by here nobility, I am sickened by her chutzpah and self-indulgence the few times I have ever seen her. I think the fairest analogy for her is she appears to believe she is like Caesar Augustus, a golden child for the ages, meant to alter history itself for the betterment of mankind.

She will undoubtedly go down like Lucille Ball, consumed by the heat of her own fame & unable to grasp who she really is after so much attention has been given to her but based on such little true insight, magnified by TV's seeming importance of the moment.

Just my humble opinion, of course.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Cindy Goodall, Chicago — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 04:59:10 GMT

I enjoy watching and reading critical dialog. I believe in your case, Nan, you can not take criticism. In our society, talk show hosts and radio show hosts simply bring to our life discussion. Something that we should enjoy and not take as serious as the nightly news. Yes, Oprah is considered one of the most distinguished and influencial individuals in our society; but, she is also human and humanistic characteristics will take over in very sensitive situations as it will in all of us. So, before you try to start your own talk show, understand what chemistry it takes to be one.

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Melanie Gall, Darlington, Indiana — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:18:12 GMT

Only in America can you become a mega-star and super wealthy for no reason at all. Oprah doesn't act, sing, or dance. She's not a talented author or artist. She's not even very good-looking. All she does is talk, which anyone can do. I quit watching her show because I got tired of her constant name-dropping. She likes us to know that she's good friends with every famous person out there. Who cares?

Oprah Winfrey is a God

Kate, Greensboro, NC — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:57:35 GMT

The problem is the meaning of "memoir" has been conflated. If you want to read a book about "facts"/jounalism, then read an autobiography; I believe P. Roth did an autobiography/experiment like this. But a memoir, while not an excuse to fabricate, is really the truth of how an experience "feels." And while I never was a big J. Frey fan (I was turned off by his 2003? NY Observer interview) if this story covered the "truth" of his addiction and recovery...well, then the book stands as a flawed example of his experience. It's not a sham. By the way, Nan Talese is highly respected. She's no slouch. Good for her for standing up to hysteria.