Oprah Winfrey is no stranger to the literary world. She has credited much of her success to being able to read when she was very young. In fact, it was reading a script that got her a radio job in the first place, led to her being on television, and eventually let her build the empire she has today. Besides reading others’ work, Oprah is an author herself, with a couple of books to her name including What I Know For Sure, Making The Connection, and The Path Made Clear.

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A joke often does round that Oprah is ‘the reason women read.’ And it’s true. Through her book club selections, the media mogul has introduced her audience to an array of life-changing memoirs and thought-provoking self-help books. Likewise, a number of authors have become bestsellers simply because Oprah did what she does best: unleash ‘the Oprah effect.’ Here are some of them:

10 Elizabeth Gilbert: 'Eat, Pray, Love'

Elizabeth Gilbert, who considers herself a ruthless novelist, appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show following the release of her memoir, Eat Pray, Love. The 2006 masterpiece details her travel journey in search of self-identity post-divorce. The book has to date sold over 12 million copies and been translated worldwide. It’s safe to say the book’s $200,000 advance was well-deserved. Gilbert’s days as a waitress are long gone, as an Oprah endorsement did catapult her to the next level.

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9 Rhonda Byrne: 'The Secret'

Prior to writing The Secret, Australian television writer Rhonda Byrne was an executive producer with a number of television shows under her belt. The passing away of her father in 2004 left her in depression. It was the trigger needed for her to understand The Law of Attraction. A year into its release, The Secret was doing extremely well. It was propelled to mainstream recognition when Rhonda appeared on Oprah’s show.

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8 Eckhart Tolle: 'A New Earth'

Up until he was 29, Eckhart Tolle was depressed. In the years following that, he experienced an ‘inner transformation’ he couldn’t wait to share with the world. His first book, The Power of Now, was written in 1997. It did well. Extremely well for a first-time author, and was in The New York Times list of bestsellers. A New Earth had already sold five million copies before it was featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Its sales have spiked since.

7 Gary Zukav: 'The Seat Of The Soul'

Gary Zukav’s book is definitely one of Oprah’s favorites. She’s in the past confessed to rendering it dog-eared and having it by her nightstand. Oprah said that she’s probably highlighted the whole book because Zukav’s message is so powerful. He appeared on Oprah’s show over thirty times and has four New York Times Bestsellers released back to back. Jay-Z has in the past mentioned the book as a must-read.

6 Robert Kiyosaki: 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad'

While Rich Dad, Poor Dad was not an Oprah book club selection, it gained massive popularity after Robert Kiyosaki, the author, was featured on Oprah’s show. The personal finance manual, curated by Kiyosaki and Sharon Letcher, is an evergreen book, whose popularity increases with every coming generation. It advocates for creating more entrepreneurs, as opposed to employees.

5 Dr. Brian Weiss: 'Many Lives, Many Masters'

Psychiatrist  Dr. Brian Weiss is known for his prowess when it comes to reincarnation research. He holds a degree in medicine from the Yale University. His book Many Lives, Many Masters was first published in 1988. The story of Catherine, his former patient who, under a hypnotized state, began to discuss her past life experiences, has been at the helm of his practice. He confirmed her claims through public records and devoted himself to the study of the subject.

4 Dr. Michael Beckwith: 'Spiritual Liberation'

Oprah has a love for everything spiritual. She once said that Super Soul Sunday, a show where she speaks to thought leaders, especially in the spiritual realm, is what she is meant to be doing with her life. Her association with Dr. Michael Beckwith is therefore a match made in heaven. Dr. Beckwith, the founder of Agape Spiritual Centre, advocates for meditation and affirmative prayer.

3 Deepak Chopra: 'Ageless Body, Timeless Mind'

Deepak Chopra is a key figure when it comes to the New Age movement. He has consistently been an advocate for alternative medicine. Deepak’s father was a practicing cardiologist. He himself is a product of the world of medicine, he studied endocrinology at a higher education level. He credits transcendental meditation to have helped him quit a smoking addiction. In 1993, his philosophy grew wings when he got featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

2 Dr. Wayne Dyer: 'Your Erroneous Zones'

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Wayne Dyer was a bestselling author. With over 100 million copies of Your Erroneous Zones sold, he certified himself as a respected thought leader and motivational speaker. He wrote both fiction and non-fiction books, and children’s books. He appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as a strong advocate for manifestation and the spiritual perception of misfortunes.

1 Jacquelyn Mitchard: 'The Deep End Of The Ocean'

In the world of authorship, it so happens that little to no authors get successful on the first try. Normally, an author breaks even after a few attempts. Jacquelyn, on the other hand, can’t say so because, when Oprah read her book, she loved it so much, it marked the beginning of her book club. Oprah called her, and rest, as they say, is history.

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