Books were my pass to personal freedom. I learned to read at age three, and soon discovered there was a whole world to conquer that went beyond our farm in Mississippi.

It has become harder and harder to find books on a monthly basis that I feel absolutely compelled to share, ... I will continue featuring books on the 'Oprah Winfrey Show' when I feel they merit my heartfelt recommendation.

It's been a secret dream of mine to be part of Broadway, ... I hope to be able to do for this production some of what I've been able to do for books - that is, to open the door to the possibilities for a world of people who have never been or even thought of going to a Broadway show.

I've decided I will open the door to all books as potential Oprah's Book Club selections, ... I feel this will give the book club a whole new range of opportunities to explore the world through words.

Opportunity may knock only once but temptation leans on the door bell

[While not directly criticizing the relief effort, she said:] This makes me so mad. This should not have happened. ... I think we all -- this country owes these people an apology.