In a recent turn of events, Eric Puchner, a distinguished fiction writer, found himself at the center of a life-changing moment. His upcoming novel, “Dream State,” delves into the complexities of unforeseen twists in life. Just weeks before the book was set to hit shelves, Puchner received unexpected tidings from none other than Oprah Winfrey herself. The media mogul personally reached out to inform him that she had handpicked “Dream State” for her renowned book club.
Recalling the surreal encounter during a recent interview, Puchner shared, “I was taken aback when a call from an unknown number turned out to be Oprah Winfrey. Her announcement left me momentarily stunned, as I had been anticipating a call from my publicist. Initially skeptical, her unmistakable voice slowly convinced me of the reality of the situation.”
At 54 years old, Puchner serves as an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University. Despite his literary accolades, he admits to lingering in the shadows of obscurity, yearning for a broader readership to sustain his writing endeavors. “Dream State” marks Puchner’s fourth publication, following acclaimed works such as “Music Through the Floor,” “Last Day on Earth,” and the PEN/Faulkner Award finalist, “Model Home.”
The narrative of “Dream State,” unveiled this Tuesday, intricately weaves a tale of love and longing among two college acquaintances and their shared romantic interest. Spanning across Montana and California, the 432-page novel unfolds over five decades, exploring the characters’ evolving relationships, aspirations, and regrets as they navigate the complexities of life.
In a glowing endorsement, Winfrey praised the book, declaring, “This compelling narrative penned by a masterful storyteller is an engrossing read that spans generations. ‘Dream State’ intricately dissects the intricacies of love, marriage, and friendship, showcasing how life’s path can diverge from our expectations.”
Residing in Baltimore, Puchner drew inspiration for “Dream State” from personal experiences, including a memorable yet disastrous wedding he attended and a tranquil Montana retreat frequented by his family. The novel also addresses the environmental challenges plaguing Montana, with Puchner shedding light on the devastation caused by climate change, from droughts to rising temperatures.
Established in 1996, Winfrey’s book club, now in collaboration with Starbucks, continues to champion literary works of merit. The candid conversation between Winfrey and Puchner unfolded at a Starbucks located within the iconic Empire State Building, with the video podcast available for viewing on Winfrey’s official YouTube platform.
