Ep 1. Ta-Nehisi Coates: The Water Dancer

Oprah's Book Club season 1 episode 1 follows the host, Oprah Winfrey, as she sits down with author Ta-Nehisi Coates to discuss his latest work, "The Water Dancer". The book, which takes place on a Virginia plantation in the mid-nineteenth century, tells the story of Hiram Walker, a young man born into slavery who possesses a mysterious power that allows him to transport himself and others through time and space.

As Oprah and Coates delve into the themes and characters of the novel, they also touch on the broader issues of race, identity, and power that have shaped American history and continue to resonate today. Coates, a renowned essayist and journalist, brings his incisive insight and lyrical prose to the conversation, while Oprah offers her own personal experiences and reflections on the book's impact.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to glimpses of Coates' writing process, including his research and writing routines and the inspirations and challenges that went into creating "The Water Dancer". The two also converse about their own experiences with reading and how literature can be a powerful tool for empathy and understanding.

As the conversation draws to a close, Oprah and Coates reflect on the significance of "The Water Dancer" in today's political and social climate, and the importance of continuing to center marginalized voices in storytelling.

Overall, Oprah's Book Club season 1 episode 1 offers a thought-provoking and engaging discussion of one of the year's most buzzed-about books, as well as a window into the minds of two of America's most influential cultural figures.