Oprah Winfrey revealed The Tell by Amy Griffin as her latest book club selection on Tuesday during an appearance on CBS Mornings.
Griffin’s memoir delves into how keeping secrets can foster shame, while revealing those secrets can offer empowerment. The book recounts Griffin’s experience with childhood sexual abuse by a teacher, trauma she had suppressed for years.
“This book is going to help so many others, especially those who have experienced any form of sexual abuse or shame, by empowering them to reveal their own truths,” Winfrey said.
Griffin described the process of writing the memoir as long but ultimately “freeing.” She explained that she had built “walls and castles and moats” to protect herself, only to find true liberation in sharing her story.
“When you realize that vulnerability is really the power that you have… it changed so much in my life, in my relationships, in every form,” Griffin shared.
Winfrey, who has spoken publicly about being raped at age 9 and molested until she was 14, deeply resonated with Griffin’s journey, pointing out how many women try to maintain an image of perfection while concealing their trauma.
“When you live in this perfect environment, you don’t want to admit to yourself that something is wrong,” Winfrey said.
Griffin shared how her children helped her recognize the need to confront her past, recalling a moment when her daughter said, “Mom, you are here, but you’re not really here.”
Although Griffin took legal action against her abuser, she emphasized that true resolution came from her own healing journey.
“This is not his story,” Griffin said.
