Eric Puchner’s novel traverses half a century, coalescing into a family history that feels monumental. Maybe it’s not the most sophisticated critical laurel, but Eric Puchner’s new novel, “ Dream State ,” made me miss my subway stop. That rarely happens.

Baltimore author Eric Puchner has already begun to experience firsthand the life-changing force of “The Oprah Effect.” The publication of Puchner’s second novel, “Dream State” coincided with broadcast legend Oprah Winfrey’s announcement that she had selected his 448-page family saga as her next Book Club selection — and with Wednesday’s disclosure by the author’s talent agency that the novel