NEW YORK – For her next book club pick, Oprah Winfrey is highlighting an author she has praised even before she had a book club.

On Tuesday, Winfrey revealed her latest book club selection: Wally Lamb’s newest work, “The River Is Waiting,” which tells the tale of a father grappling with loss and remorse. This marks the third occasion Winfrey has highlighted a Lamb novel, continuing a connection that dates back to 1996, the year she initiated her book club.

Lamb reflected on his interactions with Winfrey by noting, “I’ve spoken with Ms. Winfrey four times by phone,” fondly recalling her initial call in 1992, when she lauded his first book, “She’s Come Undone.” Five years later, she called again to inform him that “She’s Come Undone” was her newest book club choice. In 1998, she chose Lamb’s second book, “I Know This Much Is True.”

“I was as surprised as ever last month when I answered the phone to hear Ms. Winfrey’s voice once more, 27 years since our last conversation,” he remarked. “She informed me that my newest novel, ‘The River Is Waiting,’ would be the 115th selection for her esteemed Book Club. I don’t quite understand why I’ve been so lucky and privileged, but I aim to show my gratitude through how I interact with others.”

Winfrey’s conversation with Lamb can be heard on the latest episode of “Oprah’s Book Club: Presented by Starbucks,” a podcast available through Winfrey’s YouTube channel and other outlets.

“I know many of you might remember that Wally and I go way back because I picked his very first book in 1997 for my book club, and then I chose his second book the next year,” Winfrey said in a statement. “And now with ‘The River Is Waiting’ – we’ve selected three novels by the same author and that should tell you ALL you need to know about what I think of this truly masterful and beloved writer.”