Oprah picks classics; what about small, indie and midlist authors?

Looks like Oprah has dug in the classics archives for her next two Oprah's Book Club picks: “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens. She reportedly hasn't read either one.

I admit, I can't remember all of these two, either, but playing devil's advocate, why not pick the appropriate "A Christmas Carol" (most having seen the movie, probably never read it in print) or "Oliver Twist?"

While Oprah can choose whomever she likes, it's a shame that author Jonathan Franzen, not only lied but got a second chance on her show. Not that second chances are bad, but at the same time, perhaps some lesser known authors could have better benefited from the push?

It's a shame that only names from big publishers, "literary"-style books, and much older classics have been chosen. While everyone should read the classics, will they, even with the "Oprah" touch?

With eBooks and the Kindle selling like gang-busters, wouldn't it be "novel" if Oprah or any of her staff perused some of the many worthwhile eBooks and short story collections by lesser known small press, indie and mid-list authors?

Wouldn't a Kindle or any eBook reader with a selection of books be a neat gift and focus? A suggestion perhaps?

** What do you think?