Oprah Winfrey Names This Page-Turner Her April Book Club Pick: 'You Won't Want To Put It Down'
If ever there was a viral book that dominated readers' conversations in the mid-2000s, it was Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple. The book everybody was talking about, Where'd You Go, Bernadette spent about a year on The New York Times bestseller list, was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award, and was adapted into a 2019 movie directed by Richard Linklater that starred Cate Blanchett. Semple is back with her latest novel, her third since publishing Where'd You Go, Bernadette, and the book is already winning the endorsement of celebrity book enthusiast Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah's Book Club Picks Go Gentle
In an announcement shared Monday, April 14, 2026, Oprah named Semple's most recent book, Go Gentle, the Oprah's Book Club April 2026 pick. Oprah herself shared a video explaining her pick, writing,
"The story follows a divorced philosopher, Adora Hazzard, who spends her days working for an old-money family, raising her teenage daughter, and living amongst a "coven" of women on the Upper West Side of New York City. When a mysterious stranger enters her life and moments from her past come barreling back to light, she's faced with a series of equal parts unfortunate and hilarious events that challenge her peaceful life."
Winfrey also teases a sit-down conversation with Semple and warns readers they'll be up all night reading Go Gentle, calling it a "wild ride."
Readers React to Oprah's Latest Book Club Selection
Book club followers were enthusiastic about Oprah's most recent book club pick, with one writing, "We're so in for this pick." Another added, "Cannot wait to read this one."
Maria Semple's Career and Signature Style
A former TV writer for Arrested Development and Saturday Night Live, Maria Semple is known for her sharp comedic storytelling and her ability to blend satire with deeply emotionally layered characters, along with a side of social commentary. Semple quickly gained widespread recognition with Where'd You Go, Bernadette. Her other books include This One Is Mine (2008) and Today Will Be Different (2016).
Why Go Gentle Could Be Another Bestseller
With Go Gentle, Semple continues to explore themes of reinvention, aging, and resilience, all with the sidesplitting humor and keen observational style that made Where'd You Go, Bernadette a beloved book that remains a favorite of readers, critics, and celebrity book enthusiasts alike.
With the endorsement of Oprah, one of the most influential book enthusiasts, Maria Semple will surely have another bestseller on her hands. We can hardly wait to read Go Gentle.
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 7:33 AM.