Oprah's Book Club Pick: Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan

Posted on September 21, 2009

Oprah Winfrey has selected a book of short stories for her next book club selection. Say You're One of Them is a debut work from African Jesuit priest Uwem Akpan. The collection of stories was published in 2008. It deals with African children who have been put into unimaginably horrifying circumstances. From the 12 year old girl who must become a prostitute to the two boys who are being fattened up to be sold into slavery, the plots are difficult to read. But Akpan infuses the stories hope, humor and humanity.

Uwem Akpan says he is humbled that his book was chosen by Oprah. He also says he is currently working on another book.

Akpan says, "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. Don't forget that Jesus was a priest and a poet."

Here is an interview with Akpan from the University of Michigan. He says he always wanted to be a priest but he did not always know he had the gift to write. He also didn't know much about publishing when he started. He says if he knew what he knows now about the publishing business he would have been afraid. Take a look: