Oprah.

In case anyone out there hasn't heard, Oprah's summer reading pick is Faulkner.  Not just one book, either.  Three: As I Lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury, and Light in August

Typically, there's been a huge response--Vintage has already shipped 500,000 boxed sets, with another 100,000 on order.

Also typically, there's been plenty of backlash.  (Not necessarily on the internet, although I'm sure it's here.  I've heard a lot of people bitching about it in real life).

Okay, I understand the snob thing.  I admit to having a knee-jerk-want-to-buy-a-different-edition-of-the-book-if-there's-an-Oprah-sticker-on-it reaction.  I know it doesn't matter, I read for myself, but I can't help it:  I like to be known for picking out my own books.

But, come on.  Why criticize someone that's going to get a bazillion people to voluntarily read Faulkner all summer?  And why criticize someone that's going to single-handedly sell a ton of books?  The book industry needs all the help it can get.  Jesus.  Reading is a good thing.