Many of Oprah Winfrey’s recent book club choices have been from longtime favorite authors, but this month’s pick is a debut author with a “riveting” story.
Winfrey chose “Hungered” by Amanda Rizkalla (out now from Henry Holt and Co.), a novel that follows a young girl living in a car with her mother and younger brother.
“A riveting new novel from first-time author Amanda Rizkalla compassionately tackles the difficult subject of families who live outside the margins, living unhoused, and makes us see not only their struggles, but their hopes, dreams, and the perseverance it takes to face another day,” Winfrey said in a statement.
Oprah’s Book Club pick for October: ‘Hungered’ by Amanda Rizkalla
“Hungered” is Winfrey’s 125th pick, the first since Winfrey kicked off her 30th book club anniversary celebrations.
“Hungered”
is a coming-of-age from the perspective of economic insecurity and displacement. The young narrator is Sofia, a 12-year-old whose days are characterized by passing freeways and strip malls while her mom looks for a safe place to park for the night. She awaits the days her mom promised – her own bedroom, going back to school, seeing her friends.
The author is a Steinbeck Fellow and Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing Fellow, having received her MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Hungered” is her first novel.
“I am honored beyond words that my debut novel Hungered has been selected for Oprah’s Book Club. I never, ever imagined something like this could happen for my book – and then Oprah called! When she told me the news, I was so stunned I could hardly believe it was real, and there are still moments where it all feels like one big daydream,” Rizkalla said in a statement. “I am so grateful for the astounding care with which she uplifts authors, and for all that she does and has done to cultivate a nationwide love of reading. It is simply an honor to be the 125th selection and to join the 30-year collection of books she has championed.”
Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, covering buzzy releases, chatting with authors and diving into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oprah's book club pick is a 'riveting' coming-of-age from a new voice. What is it?
