About this episode
Oprah discusses Maria Semple's book 'Go Gentle' and explores themes of stoicism and parenting.
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Oprah’s Book Club and we are celebrating with her 122nd selection: Go Gentle by International bestselling novelist Maria Semple. Her other books include Today Will Be Different, Where’d You Go, Bernadette and This One is Mine. Go Gentle follows the whimsical life of Adora Hazzard, a Stoic Philosopher and solo middle-aged mother who is raising her teenage daughter Viv on New York’s Upper West side. Adora believes that fulfillment and happiness come from loving life as it is and letting go of what is beyond one’s control. Her well-ordered life is upended when she meets a mysterious, handsome stranger at the ballet. Romance, black market art deals and international intrigue ensue. Maria Semple’s signature wit, humor and the unexpected plot twists are the reason this gripping page turner is Oprah’s Book Club selection for April 2026. Oprah is joined by listeners from across the country who have read the book who have questions for Maria Semple. BUY THE BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/797319/go-gentle-by-maria-semple/ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome Maria Semple, author of ‘Go Gentle’ 00:02:45 - What is stoicism? 00:05:30 - Creating…
People in this episode
Host: Oprah
Guest: Maria Semple
Topics covered
- Oprah's Book Club
- literature
- stoicism
- parenting
- romance
- comedy
- writing
Keywords
- Maria Semple
- Go Gentle
- Oprah's Book Club
- stoicism
- parenting
- romance
- writing
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Go Gentle, Today Will Be Different, Where’d You Go, Bernadette, This One is Mine
Places: New York, Upper West side
More episodes of The Oprah Podcast
- The Dark Side of AI Chatbots: Warning Signs, Risks, and Reality · June 9, 2026 · 1h 7m
- Mega-Bestselling Author Kathryn Stockett on Finding Her Voice Again After ‘The Help’ · June 2, 2026 · 45 min
- Oprah and renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel on What We Really Want in a Relationship · May 26, 2026 · 1h 1m
- The Co-Founders of Claude AI Tell Oprah About the Impact Artificial Intelligence Has on Your Life · May 19, 2026 · 1h 10m
- Oprah and the Artemis II Crew: To the Moon and Back · May 12, 2026 · 1h 11m
- Douglas Stuart: “John of John” | Oprah’s Book Club · May 5, 2026 · 52 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Oprah Podcast podcast page.