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When major celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon recommend a book in their book club, followers know it could mean much more than just reading with them for the next month. Whether or not they’re involved in getting the rights for the books, it’s a way for Winfrey and Witherspoon to give their stamp of approval (and an A-list boost) on a story before it reaches Hollywood’s hands.
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With Winfrey’s latest selection, for instance, Dream State by Eric Puchner, Winfrey’s announcement coincided with production studio A24 acquiring the rights for a TV adaptation, per The Hollywood Reporter. A coincidence? We think not!
If you’re curious about the story, we’ll let Winfrey do the introduction.
“It’s set in the days before a summer wedding at a lake house in Montana and it’s about the relationship between Cece and Charlie, the bride and groom-to-be,” Winfrey said in her video announcement on Instagram. “That relationship gets tested when the best friend of Charlie’s, Garrett, officiates the wedding. What happens next just changes the trajectory not only of their lives but the lives of the next generation.”
The book then follows the lives of Cece, Charlie, Garrett and their closest friends over the next 50 years. “It’s an exquisite examination of the most important relationships we have in our lives,” she continued. “I promise you, it’s the kind of book you won’t want to put down.”
‘Dream State’ by Eric Puchner
In the caption, Winfrey reiterated her love for the novel. “We promise you: it’s the kind of book you won’t want to put down written by an award-winning author who is truly a master storyteller,” she continued.
In another post, Winfrey shared the moment she called Puchner to deliver him the news. “Oh my God, I’m so thrilled and happy,” Puchner said on the line. “I can’t believe it. I’m so honored.”
“I’ve been at this, chugging along for a long time so to be in my early 50s and to have this happen,” he said, at a loss for words. “I’m flabbergasted, as you can tell.”
As for the TV adaptation, the rights for the book were acquired in a competitive situation by A24 and Gloria Sanchez Productions. Director Flora Birnbaum, from Russian Doll and Impeachment: American Crime Story, and her husband Sam Sackeroff will adapt the novel.
Dream State is available now on Amazon at over 10% off. Get your copy today before it reaches the screens!
Before you go, click here to see all the highest-rated Oprah Winfrey book club picks.
