How Oprah's First Book Club Author Lost Her Fortune

When Oprah's Book Club first launched in 1996, it was an instant phenomenon. Along for the ride was first-time author Jacquelyn Mitchard, whose book The Deep End of the Ocean was Oprah's very first book club selection.

Surpassing even Oprah's expectations, the book sold more than 5 million copies. USA Today named it one of the most influential books of the past 25 years, and it was made into a feature film starring Michelle Pfeiffer.

The success propelled Jacquelyn into into that national spotlight, transforming her into a multimillionaire. But then, the bottom dropped out...and her fortune was gone.

How did she lose everything? Here, she shares her side of the story.