Winfrey picks new Kolker book
Oprah Winfrey’s new book club pick is Robert Kolker’s “Hidden Valley Road,” an in-depth account of a 1950s family in which six of 12 children were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Winfrey says she will continue picking books during the coronavirus outbreak.
In announcing her choice Tuesday, Winfrey called “Hidden Valley Road” “a riveting true story of an American family that reads like a medical detective journey. It reveals the shame, denial, shock, confusion and misunderstanding of mental illness at a time when no one was really sure what schizophrenia was or how to treat it.”
“Hidden Valley Road” tells the story of the Galvins, an attractive, high-achieving Colorado family that was devastated by the illness. Kolker learned about them four years ago through a mutual friend and received extensive cooperation, speaking with nine of the siblings and their mother, and also drawing upon family letters, diaries and medical records.
Kolker’s new book, released this week, is Winfrey’s fourth selection since starting a partnership with Apple last fall. Because of the coronavirus, she will interview Kolker and Galvin family members remotely for a program expected to air in May
Winfrey said she had chosen “Hidden Valley Road” before the virus became widespread.
Dr. Drew’s mea culpa: Celebrity doctor Drew Pinsky has apologized for a series of statements unspooled in a recent video where he downplayed the coronavirus and suggested it was a “press-induced panic.”
“I wish I had gotten it right, but I got it wrong,” said Pinsky in a video posted over the weekend. Pinsky is known as “Dr. Drew.”
Pinsky’s apology was prompted by an online video that put together clips from a series of appearances he made over a two-month period.
He repeatedly suggested the coronavirus would be not as bad as the flu.
Rowling may have had COVID: “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling could have used a healing spell.
The British writer has revealed a two-week battle, now over, with a probable case of coronavirus, she said.
“For last 2 weeks I’ve had all symptoms of C19 (tho haven’t been tested),” she tweeted Monday. “I’m fully recovered.”
Rowling also posted video of breathing exercises recommended by her husband, who is a doctor, that she said “helped me a lot.”
Also, she has launched a site aimed at magically zapping boredom for kids in quarantine, called Harry Potter at Home.
April 8 birthdays: Singer Peggy Lennon is 79. Guitarist Steve Howe is 73. Singer Julian Lennon is 57. Actress Robin Wright is 54. Actress Emma Caulfield is 47. Singer-guitarist Ezra Koenig is 36. Actor Taran Noah Smith is 36. Guitarist Jamie Sierota is 27. Actress Sadie Calvano is 23.