Despite generating favorable initial reviews, it is unlikely that David Wroblewski’s first novel would ever have become a cultural phenomenon if not for its inclusion in Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club. With its commitment to promoting works of serious literary intent, its massive social media presence, and the celebrity clout of Oprah WInfrey herself, Oprah’s Book Club became a defining cultural context for novels that might otherwise have never found their way to a wide readership.

Initial sales of the novel were slow—the author was unknown, and the book, at nearly 600 pages, was intimidating. After Oprah Winfrey selected the novel as one of her book club reads, several leading forums, most notably The New York Times and USA Today, listed the book among its best books of the year. The novel was also shortlisted for the prestigious Art Seidenbaum Award, presented annually by the critics of the Los Angeles Times to an outstanding first novel. Part family tragedy, part coming of age story, part mystery thriller, and part paean to the intelligence and courage of canines, the novel became an international best seller. It was, in turn, optioned by Winfrey’s own film production company for development into a limited television series.