Winfrey books old friend Poitier

Oprah Winfrey turned to an old acquaintance for her first new book club choice since the James Frey scandal a year ago, announcing Friday that she had selected Sidney Poitier’s “The Measure of a Man.”

Published in 2000, Poitier’s book combines memories of such plays and films as “A Raisin in the Sun” and “The Defiant Ones,” with observations about the Academy Award-winning actor’s childhood, his religious faith, his thoughts on racism and the influence of such world leaders as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

Poitier did not appear on the telecast, but Winfrey said she will host “a once-in-a-lifetime dinner party” with Poitier that will include members of her book club.

Right before Winfrey announced her selection, “The Measure of a Man” ranked 288,958 on Amazon.com; it soared to the top five within hours.