Winfrey said on Monday's episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" she has never read Dickens before. She said "it's the best of times, readers" and called the books timeless classics.
The two novels are being issued in a single bound Penguin paperback edition, around 800 pages, with a list price of $20. The electronic version, also from Penguin, sells for $7.99. They also can be downloaded free through the newly launched Google bookstore.
According to Harpo Productions, Oprah's Book Club has nearly 2 million online members. Her previous selection was Jonathan Franzen's bestselling novel "Freedom."
Author Jonathan Franzen appears on 'Oprah' show
Oprah Winfrey and author Jonathan Franzen have put their rocky past behind them.
Franzen appeared on Monday's episode of the "The Oprah Winfrey Show," embracing Winfrey after she chose his bestselling novel "Freedom" for her popular book club in September. The appearance came nine years after Franzen called some of Winfrey's book club picks "schmaltzy" when she chose his previous book "The Corrections." At the time, Franzen apologized quickly and repeatedly.
On Monday's show the two embraced. Winfrey told Franzen "it's an honor to have you here." Franzen responded that "it's an honor to be here." The two talked about his writing process and the author's visit with President Barack Obama. When she chose "Freedom" for Oprah's Book Club, Winfrey called it a "masterpiece."
