Winning a National Book Award (like Baltimore native Jaimy Gordon did this week) may give an author a sales boost, but that's nothing like being picked as one of Oprah's Favorite Things.
So Marianne Williamson, the author of "A Course in Weight Loss," is a big winner today. Oprah released her 2010 list, a guide for holiday shopping, and Williamson's book was featured right up front.
The author says the book reflects her "understanding of the intersection between spirituality and weight loss. This book is a retraining of your consciousness in the area of weight, turning your journey to weight loss into a spiritual quest. As you restore your spirit, your body itself is reminded of its natural intelligence. By getting back to the truth of who you are, you will get to a place where all your problems with weight have disappeared."
You might need the book after buying some of Oprah's other favorite things, which include Beecher's "World's Best" Mac 'N' Cheese and Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix. Heck, I'll skip the book and head straight for the food.