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Ta-Nehisi Coates: The Water Dancer

Episode number: 1

Overview: Oprah and Ta-Nehisi discuss the 10-year process of writing his #1 best-selling debut novel and the cultural conversation it has provoked. Plus, Ta-Nehisi visits Monticello, which inspired his book’s setting.

Elizabeth Strout: Olive, Again

Episode number: 2

Overview: Elizabeth tells Oprah how her celebrated protagonist reappeared and why she finds the everydayness of life to be extraordinary.

Jeanine Cummins: American Dirt, Part 1

Episode number: 3

Overview: Jeanine and Oprah are joined by authors Reyna Grande, Julissa Arce, and Esther Cepeda for a raw, revealing conversation about the novel.

Jeanine Cummins: American Dirt, Part 2

Episode number: 4

Overview: Latinx people who saw themselves reflected in the book share insights into real-life migrant experiences.

Robert Kolker: Hidden Valley Road

Episode number: 5

Overview: Oprah has in-depth discussions with author Kolker and surviving members of the Galvin family about living this extraordinary true story.

James McBride: Deacon King Kong

Episode number: 6

Overview: Oprah and McBride discuss how his novel speaks to the current moment, his focus on the Black experience, and the inspiration for his characters.

Isabel Wilkerson: Caste

Episode number: 7

Overview: Calling the book ”a must-read for all of humanity,” Oprah asks Wilkerson what compelled her to write it and why we need a new language for race.

Marilynne Robinson: Gilead

Episode number: 8

Overview: Oprah talks to Robinson about her Pulitzer Prize-winning second novel, finding the character of John Ames, and how faith shapes her writing.

Marilynne Robinson: Home

Episode number: 9

Overview: Robinson explains what inspired her to revisit the story of Gilead from different points of view and why she chose to address the subject of race.

Marilynne Robinson: Lila

Episode number: 10

Overview: Oprah and Robinson discuss finding new layers in established characters, what America looks like at its best, and how loneliness can be a privilege.

Marilynne Robinson: Jack

Episode number: 11

Overview: Discussing the fourth Gilead novel, Robinson opens up about its interracial romance, her writing process, and the possibility of more stories.

Nathan Harris: The Sweetness of Water

Episode number: 12

Overview: Oprah sits down with Harris to discuss his debut novel's inspiration, his writing process, and how a biracial upbringing shaped his point of view.

Honorée Fanonne Jeffers: The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois

Episode number: 13

Overview: The acclaimed poet opens up to Oprah about the inspiration for her epic debut novel and what she hopes to impart about the Black experience.

Richard Powers: Bewilderment

Episode number: 14

Overview: Oprah and Powers talk about his first novel since a Pulitzer Prize win, finding empathy through our differences, and his hopes for our planet.