The Oprah Podcast

Oprah Picks Your Next Cozy Read | The Oprah Podcast

Feb 18, 2025

In this engaging conversation, author Eric Puchner, known for his thought-provoking exploration of marriage and friendship, shares insights from his novel 'Dream State.' The discussion delves into the complexities of human relationships, using humor and poignant anecdotes. They discuss the impact of real-life experiences on storytelling, the emotional turmoil of grief, and the challenges of parenthood. Puchner also reflects on the significance of connection and authenticity, encouraging readers to find beauty in daily joys and the narratives of their lives.

45:29

Episode guests

Eric Puchner

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Eric Puchner's novel 'Dream State' intricately explores the complexities of love, commitment, and the emotional turbulence within relationships over fifty years.

Drawing from personal experiences, Puchner authentically portrays grief and regret, prompting readers to reflect on their own connections and life choices.

Deep dives

Exploring the Emotional Depths of 'Dream State'

The novel 'Dream State' follows Cece, who arrives early in a picturesque Montana town to plan her wedding. The story intricately weaves together the lives of Cece, her fiancé Charlie, and his best friend Garrett, who serves as the officiant. As the wedding day unfolds, Cece makes a shocking choice that reverberates through the lives of all characters, propelling the narrative into a complex love triangle that spans fifty years. This exploration of commitment, love, and human connections showcases the emotional turbulence faced by the characters as they navigate their intertwined fates.

Intro

3min

The Art of Storytelling in 'Dream State'

16min

The Rhythm of Friendship and the Weight of Grief

3min

Reflections on Marriage and Writing

11min

Navigating Parenthood and the Impact of Dementia

3min

Living with Regret

4min

Exploring Dreams and Daily Joys in Literature

4min

BUY THE BOOK!

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/744560/dream-state-by-eric-puchner

Buy at Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/dream-state/id6504841280

Listen to the Audiobook on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4x3YoAvjZDfv7zEFg4CB8N?si=547a878fa812404f

In this episode of Oprah’s Book Club: Presented by Starbucks, Oprah and author Eric Puchner discuss his newest book "Dream State" - a novel New York Times bestselling author Elin Hildebrand calls “an absolute masterpiece.” Set in Montana, Oprah’s 111th book club pick is a page turner and emotional rollercoaster that spans 50 years in the lives of college friends starting in the early 1990s. As we witness this tight circle experience friendship, a love triangle, marriage, raising kids aging and death, the novel evokes powerful questions about what really matters in life.

For this conversation, Eric and Oprah are joined by a live audience enjoying Matcha Lattes in a Starbucks cafe in the iconic Empire State Building.

Eric talks about character development, his writing process and his thought-provoking depiction of friendship, marriage and parenting while taking questions from the audience of avid readers.

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