Oprah Paves "The Road" To Stardom
This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.
One of the best books I've read in the last year is "The Road" by Cormack McCarthy. I am a McCarthy fanatic. I've read almost everything he's written, and some of them twice.
He writes about men in stark places. The stories can be violent, but they are also filled with passion. And the characters search for truth, or freedom, or answers to the questions that plague them.
"The Road" takes place in the post-apocalypse — how the world was ruined is not explained, but there are very few people left. The earth is covered in ash, the sky is always dark, the weather has changed, and the survivors are on the move to someplace better.
"The Road" is the story of a man and his young son. The father has much to teach because he knows his own time is limited. There is danger everywhere and no one, it seems, can be trusted. I couldn't put it down. And I'll never forget it.
McCarthy is tough, a bit of an acquired taste. He does not do publicity, but he's about to become famous. Oprah has picked "The Road" for her latest book club selection. If you read one, you'll want to read more.
Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.
By Harry Smith