Emma Watson asked her Twitter followers this past Wednesday what she should name her new feminist book club—that's right. Feminist. Book. Club. Tag "Emma Watson" on the beginning of that phrase. And you’ve got perfection.
The young U.N. goodwill ambassador went to Facebook to tell everyone that she’d been inspired by all of the feminist essays and books that she’s read in the past year for her role as an activist in the fight for women’s equality. She wrote:
As part of my work with U.N. women, I have started reading as many books and essays about equality as I can get my hands on. There is so much amazing stuff out there! Funny, inspiring, sad, thought-provoking, empowering! I’ve been discovering so much that, at times, I’ve felt like my head was about to explode. I decided to start a feminist book club, as I want to share what I’m learning and hear your thoughts too. The plan is to select and read a book every month, then discuss the work during the month’s last week (to give everyone time to read it!). I will post some questions/quotes to get things started, but I would love for this to grow into an open discussion with and between you all. Whenever possible I hope to have the author, or another prominent voice on the subject, join the conversation. If you fancy it, please join up and participate. Everyone is welcome. I would be honored!
She came to the name “Our Shared Shelf," suggested by Twitter user @emilyfab, after several stunning suggestions including, “Hermoine’s Army,” “Watson Your Shelf,” and “fEMMAnist book club.” Watson created a Goodreads page in which anyone and everyone can join the discussion of feminism today. Already, over 52,000 people have joined the page.
Other celebrities are planning to take part in the book club too, including J.K. Rowling, Taylor Swift, and actress Sophia Bush (who shared some love for Watson on Twitter Wednesday).
The best thing about this bookclub is that feminists who need a little inspiration can join, or those who want to learn more about the feminist movement can read and learn from others around the world. It’s a great way to get people involved at the keep a safe environment about the topic.
The first book is Gloria Steinem’s newest memoir, “My Life on the Road”.
