OPRAH’S LIVE WEBCAST. SAY YOU’RE ONE OF THEM: BY UWEM AKPAN. NOVEMBER 9TH @ 9PM ON OPRAH.COM & CNN.COM

As writers, did anyone from SHEWRITES log onto this live webcast? I truly enjoyed it, despite the frequent freezing up of the webcast; and having to use F5 to refresh. I was amazed at the amount of people all around the world who were participating, and keeping up with the streaming was almost as entertaining as the show! I have not read the book myself, so can only comment on the discussion of the book. I do plan to purchase a copy as soon as I can however.

Here are a few things about the program that stood out to me.

(1) Although the book discussed is fiction, based on some real, gruesome realities, the author displayed a great sense of humor. No matter how terrible a situation, there is always something good that can be derived from it.

(2) The way the author expresses himself is amazing. He was such a down to earth intellectual. When he, as a priest said he got ‘pissed off’ by the rejections he received of his work, not only was it thrilling to hear a priest say pissed off (they are humans after all) but as a writer, this proves that the reactions to being rejected has no barriers.

(3) I was thrilled that this book, which has achieved world wide acclaim; enough so that OPRAH put it on her book of the month list!!!!!; is a collection of short stories! I write mostly short stories. When Oprah commented that Americans defied the odds that they would not take interest in a book written by a foreign writer, in a foreign country, about issues not focused on Americans, it was my confirmation that one day my work as a Bahamian writer could result in me sitting next to Oprah and sharing with the world. And let’s face it, that will be a dream come true.

(4) When the author stated almost at the end of the webcast; in answer to a 15 year old boy’s question (I’m not quoting here) that his message was not for people to go out and help the people suffering in Africa, but rather to look right around their neighbourhood and help those around them. I was floored by that because too many times people seem to forget that there are millions of starving children each year in America, and frightening statistics all around the world. And, not only is starvation a problem, but the inhumane way people all around the world treat each other. So, what can a person do to help? Start by doing some good in your own community, and by doing this, you are helping the world. Of course, if you want to go and help those suffering in Africa, or any other place on the globe, please do so. Just don’t think of the bigger picture as a ‘ poor people in Africa’ problem.

(5) I was enlightened by the role the Western World plays in the assets from Africa being frozen in banks there. I definitely will look into learning more about that.

(6) I think the best was saved for last. The part of the webcast where a genocide survivor, Corneille Nyungura joined in by skype and related how the last story in the book- My parents bedroom, impacted him. That was the most moving conversation I have ever witnessed online.

The webcast was worth more than gold. I was so honored to be a part of it. I would appreciate any feedback on the show, and opinions from those who have actually read the book