Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
African author Uwem Akpan says humbled by Oprah pick
| Entertainment
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
Entertainment
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Film
Music
People
Television
Arts
Industry
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
African author Uwem Akpan says humbled by Oprah pick
Mon Sep 21, 2009 12:56am EDT
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nigerian author Uwem Akpan, who is a Jesuit priest, said he was "humbled" that his debut collection of short stories was chosen by influential U.S. talk show host Oprah Winfrey for her book club.
Oprah picked "Say You're One Of Them" as her 63rd book club selection, the first time she has chosen a book of short stories, saying these stories "left me stunned and profoundly moved."
The collection, published in 2008, includes five separate stories from the perspective of an African child that were described as capturing the resilience of children growing up in the face of unimaginable devastation.
Uwem Akpan, who runs a parish in Lagos, told Entertainment Weekly that he was "very, very humbled" to be chosen by Oprah.
He said he was not currently working on another book as his parish had been so busy but the church supports his writing with no conflict of interest between writing and being a priest.
"I have permission to write, but I do not need an imprimatur from the church -- that is more for people who are writing about theology and philosophy. They see that I am writing fiction and assume it is made up," he said.
"Don't forget that Jesus was a priest and a poet."
Oprah's book club is the biggest in the world with almost two million online members and books chosen for Oprah's book club invariably skyrocket to the top of the U.S. bestseller lists.
Akpan studied philosophy and English at Creighton and Gonzaga universities then studied theology for three years at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
He was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 2003 and received his master's degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan in 2006.
His story collection was first published last year by Little Brown & Co, which is part of the Hachette Book Group that is owned by French publishing company Largardere.
(Writing by Belinda Goldsmith, Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
African author Uwem Akpan says humbled by Oprah pick
Also On Reuters
Pittsburgh showcases green economy at G20 summit
U.S. airlines to fare better than global carriers
Video
Video: Muslims around the world usher in Eid
More Entertainment News
"Mad Men" and "30 Rock" win top Emmys, again
Emmy Awards get boost from Neil Patrick Harris
New Jenna Elfman sitcom vaguely amusing
Natalie Portman shines in "Impossible" film
Julianna Margulies compelling in "Good Wife"
More Entertainment News...
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
UPDATE 1-New York Governor Paterson says he's still running
Kremlin says Israel promised not to strike Iran
Obama wants G20 to rethink global economy
Mayweather victory leaves sour taste for some
"Option" mortgages to explode, officials warn
Wall Street risks red October as rebound looks frothy
U.S. regulator to unveil open Internet plan
New York Governor Paterson says he's still running
UPDATE 4-Three suspects arrested in U.S. terrorism probe
RPT-GLOBAL MARKETS-Asia stocks ease, China feels IPO pressure
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Muslims usher in Eid
Trabant green revival in Frankfurt
Key U.S. senator switches parties
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
pictures
Slideshow
Best of Toronto Film Fest
Celebrities make an appearance for screenings and galas during the 10-day Toronto International Film Festival. Slideshow
Few deals, some Oscar bets at Toronto film festival
Slideshow
Celebrities for a cause
From Angelina Jolie's work with refugees to Brad Pitt's efforts to restore New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, here's a look at the humanitarian missions of celebrities. Slideshow
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Labs |
Journalism Handbook |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Monday, 21 September 2009 Iran's leader says US nuke accusations wrong
Firm settles over I.Coast toxic waste claims
Foreign troops in Afghanistan to honour Peace Day
Israeli troops kill 2 Palestinians on Gaza border
Kremlin says Israel promised not to strike Iran
Fleeing heat, bombs, Iraqis go north for holiday
Black Hawk crash kills US service member in Iraq
Gaza militant killed by Israeli fire
Foreign media poisoning Iran's atmosphere
Afghan president marks Eid with call for peace
Sweden gears up for 2010 vote with expansive budget
| International
|
Jeter, Gay overshadow Liu in Shanghai
US closing some programs in Bolivia
Swine flu fears for poorer nations in W.Pacific
Woman uses $20 bill printed in 1934 in UPS Store
Medical marijuana law creates confusion in Wash.
Naked man, 91, holds drunken intruder at gunpoint
Pakistan's security gains contrast Afghan turmoil
Doctor: Myanmar's Suu Kyi has low blood pressure
Thai king develops fever, put on saline drip
Unfaithful woman seeks 2nd chance by wearing sign
54 asylum seekers rescued from boat off Australia
Masked police chief sparks brief school lockdown
Man accused of sword attack after finding soda can
Beijing students protest teacher's detention
Pacquiao begins preparing for Cotto fight
GOP senator: Obama's big media blitz too much
3 US troops die in Afghanistan, 1 in combat
House GOP leader: health care needs refocused
Police: Young Indian lovers kill 7 family members
Meatballs rolls to No. 1 at box office
| Entertainment
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Meatballs" rolls to No. 1 at box office
`Chance of Meatballs' tops weekend box-office
'Mad Men,' '30 Rock' aim to repeat as Emmy winners
TV series shows broken New Jersey city fighting back
France's trial of the decade pits ex-PM vs Sarkozy
FCC chairman to outline rules for 'net neutrality'
World Bank urges G20 action on global challenges
Dozens still missing in sinking of migrant boat off Morocco
Scientists make paralysed rats run again
Trafigura settles over Ivory Coast toxic waste claims
United Korea economy could pass Japan: Goldman Sachs
| International
|
Israel kills 2 Gaza militants
| International
|
China blames Xinjiang violence for slowed development
| International
|
China easing Macau visa rules, casinos eye record October
| International
|
Huge crowd fills Havana square for peace concert
| International
|
India's IT firms step up security with paramilitary
| International
|
SKorea sends team to NKorea for family reunions
Report: 35 million-plus worldwide have dementia
Calif. wildfire contained after burning 8 homes
Pakistan's security gains contrast Afghan turmoil
Obama favors investigation into ACORN scandal
India's IT firms step up security with paramilitary
| Technology
|
Teenage pair catch cash, not fish
Obama denies Russia dictated missile decision
Quadriplegic dies having won right to starve
Insane killer caught after 3 days on loose in Wash
Australian who won 'right to die' case has died
Plane with 4 aboard crashes in Fla. Everglades
Three arrested in US attack probe: officials
Fla.-bound space shuttle Discovery stops in La.
St. Louis coffee spill costs campus $200,000
Housekeeping chief arrested in NYC hotel killing
WRAPUP 1-NZ migration gains hit 5-yr high, backs recovery
China Metallurgical gains 35 pct in Shanghai debut
South Korean Sept exports seen best in 11 mths
'Mad Men' wins best drama Emmy
Red carpet ablaze with heat and color at Emmys
CORRECTED
NZ credit card billings rise in August
Jon Stewart's `Daily Show' takes top variety award
S.Korea sees Sept annual export fall at 11-mth low
Huge crowd fills Havana square for peace concert
Carbon emissions fall with global downturn: report
7 best reality Emmys in a row for 'Amazing Race'
Taiwan dollar up on foreign fund inflows, exporters
Korea Hot Stocks
Top designers come home to fanfare in London
Analysis: NYC mayor king of obscure endorsements
Japan markets closed for public holidays
Mad Men and 30 Rock win top Emmys, again
| Entertainment
|
Moviegoers gorge on 'Meatball' comedy
Elysee, Moulin Rouge draw crowds for open door tours
Emmy Awards get boost from Neil Patrick Harris
| Entertainment
|
New Jenna Elfman sitcom vaguely amusing
| Entertainment
|
Natalie Portman shines in Impossible film
| Entertainment
|
Julianna Margulies compelling in Good Wife
| Entertainment
|
Huge crowd fills Havana square for peace concert
| Entertainment
|
Red carpet ablaze with heat and color at Emmys
| Entertainment
|
African author Uwem Akpan says humbled by Oprah pick
| Entertainment
|
Leonard Cohen due to return to stage after collapsing
| Entertainment
|
Iraqi Shiite leader appeals for unity before vote
U.S. commander: more troops or Afghan war lost
| International
|
Ex-Samsung chairman pays $91 million fine
Russia general says missile plan not shelved
| International
|
Swine flu virus has not mutated: WHO chief
US commander warns of Afghanistan 'failure'
Israel, Palestinians dig in before Obama summit
| International
|
Pakistan restricts movement of Mumbai mastermind
| International
|
Israel says still has military option on Iran
| International
|
Kremlin forced Yeltsin to live in golden cage: Ex-PM
| International
|
South Africa's rich, poor gap must be closed: Zuma
| International
|
Eight Philippine troops killed after rebel lair taken
| International
|
French president pens princess romance: Is it true?
| International
|
Ignored by big parties, young Germans eye fringes
| International
|
China says military arsenal comparable with West
Afghan police say more troops not the answer
Report: NKorea shuts down biggest wholesale market
Pakistan probes detained Swedes on al-Qaida ties
Dell to buy Perot Systems for $3.9 billion
| Technology
|
Starbucks, Dell to aid online effort to save rainforest
| Technology
|
Hong Kong swine flu precautions: chief executive
EU details evidence to back Intel antitrust fine
| Technology
|
Clashes with Muslim rebels kill 32 in Philippines
Pakistan restricts movement of "Mumbai mastermind"
Beijing halts knife sales, attack fears: retailers
FCC proposes new open Internet rules
| Technology
|
US terror plot suspects due in court
Philippines: Aquino son gets running mate
Ship that helped rescue captain returns to Va.
Google says Apple rejected voice app for iPhone
| Technology
|
Obama starts big week with innovation speech in NY
Russia general says missile plan not shelved
Gates Foundation helps bring banking to the poor
Obama talks economy, visits 'Letterman' on Monday
The Nation's weather
IRS extends amnesty program for tax cheats
NYC mob heir 'Junior' Gotti on trial for 4th time
Demand for crop dusting soars with new pesticides
China Metallurgical up 28 pct in Shanghai debut
Regulatory issues imperil Bharti-MTN deal: reports
S.Korea short-term funding rates rise further
Seoul shares slip; foreign buying lends support =2
CORRECTED-S.Korea won hits 11-mth high on stock deals
S.Korea spotted buying dlrs to curb won's rise-traders
NZ doubles oversubscriptions for govt bond tenders
Chanel advanced women's rights, says actress Tautou
| Entertainment
|
'Mad Men' and '30 Rock' scoop top Emmy awards
France mulls health warning for fashion photos
| Entertainment
|
After win, Chenoweth checked out for migraine
Dutch floods captured on film 56 years on
Julianna Margulies compelling in "Good Wife"
Natalie Portman shines in "Impossible" film
New Jenna Elfman sitcom vaguely amusing
Emmy Awards get boost from Neil Patrick Harris
"Mad Men" and "30 Rock" win top Emmys, again
Leonard Cohen due to return to stage after collapsing
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights