NEW YORK — Eric Puchner, an accomplished novelist, has released his latest book titled “Dream State,” which explores the unpredictable and surprising turns life can take. Just weeks prior to its debut, Puchner received unexpected news from Oprah Winfrey, who announced that she had selected “Dream State” for her renowned book club.
“I received a call from an unfamiliar number,” the author recounted in a recent interview. “When the voice introduced herself as Oprah Winfrey, I was taken aback and felt like I might drop the phone. I thought I was about to speak with my publicist, and it didn’t initially register. But once she started speaking in her unmistakable style, it became clear it was indeed her.”
At 54 years old, Puchner teaches at Johns Hopkins University and is hopeful that this endorsement from Winfrey will be a turning point after years of “striving in anonymity,” as he aimed to gain enough readers to sustain his writing career. This marks Puchner’s fourth published work, following his earlier collections such as “Music Through the Floor” and “Last Day on Earth,” alongside the novel “Model Home,” which was nominated for the PEN/Faulkner Award in 2011.
“Dream State,” a 432-page narrative released just recently, weaves a tale of a love triangle involving two former college buddies and the woman both have longed to marry. Set against the backdrop of Montana and California, the story spans fifty years, exploring the characters’ journeys from youth to old age as they navigate complex feelings for one another and confront how differently their lives could have unfolded.
“This is the kind of book you won’t want to put down written by a brilliant storyteller,” Winfrey praised in her statement. “Over the span of fifty years, ‘Dream State’ provides an exquisite exploration of the significant relationships in our lives — encompassing love, marriage, and friendship — while illustrating how life can diverge from our expectations.”
Residing in Baltimore, Puchner shared that his book drew inspiration from a chaotic wedding he once attended, which he reimagined for this storyline, as well as from a family getaway home in Montana where he and his wife vacation with their two children each summer. The narrative also reflects on the adverse effects of climate change that Puchner has observed over the years in Montana, particularly involving drought and rising temperatures.
“I felt a strong desire to write about this beloved place and the challenges it’s facing,” he explained.
Winfrey launched her book club in 1996 and currently collaborates with Starbucks to promote it. The conversation between Puchner and Winfrey took place in a Starbucks located in the Empire State Building, and a recorded video podcast of their discussion is available on her YouTube channel.
