Robyn Okrant

A woman decides to spend a year following all the advice Oprah gives on her show, in her magazine, and on her website. The purpose of the experiment is to dive into the world of media messages aimed at improving women's lives. Will this advice actually help her to "live her best life" or will it just add more stress, judgments, and unrealistic goals?

I found this book to be a chilling examination of the danger of pop culture. I do not understand why people have such a fascination with show more celebrity. The author seems to have a lot of respect and admiration for Oprah, even as she finds her advice expensive, contradictory, and downright harmful. Sure Oprah gives a lot of money to charity, but she fills the lives of millions with discontent. At the very best, Oprah is a vapid chatterer, distracting empty-headed women from the sucking vacuum that is their lives while hocking merchandise for her many sponsors. Which whatever, I'm not judging that. There are plenty of media personalities doing this and making a fine living off of it. Just like the rest of America, I consume tons of trash entertainment television. Whatever gets you through. What annoys me is when people take Oprah seriously. To do so is to miss the point. She is an entertainer. Nothing more. Take her advice seriously at your peril. show less

Such a fabulous idea; do everything Oprah says for one year and see if after that time you are living your "Best Life". Robyn Okrant is funny and insightful in her quest to understand our culture's love affair with Oprah. What makes this book so good is that the author approaches the subject of Oprah without judgement. She isn't an Oprah fanatic, nor an Oprah-hater. The tone of the book is conversational and fun, Okrant's self-depreciating sense of humor and her eye for irony make her aa show more excellent writer, one the reader can instantly relate to. If you like AJ Jacobs you'll love Okrant. She is the kind of person you'd like to share knitting patterns with over a latte. show less

I like books about people doing things, & thought that would override the fact I am neither a TV watcher nor a particular Oprah fan. Was surprised at how much living according to the Word (of Oprah) involves buying stuff, and more surprised at an author who records her dismay and concern over what she is not only spending, but spending on stuff she doesn't even like or want.

I read a lot of these experimental-year memoirs, and this one stood out. I liked it a lot. Okrant was refreshingly honest and upfront and very real. The book is funny at times, but sincere. Okrant makes a real, very whole-hearted effort to follow every bit of Oprah's advice for a full calendar year, and dutifully records both time and money invested on each project. There are no earth-shattering conclusions (you're better off not shutting off your own decision-making facilities for a year), show more but it's an enjoyable, light read that raises interesting questions. show less