Our Shared Shelf discussion
Miscellaneous
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Introduction
Hi all! I joined last week, but I haven't decided to participate until today. Mostly trying to figure out how to use the app to post!Anyway, I am Mary. I'm 32, from Los Angeles, CA. I joined for a lot of reasons.
1. I've never participated in a book club beyond my little two person book club at my work.
2. I love all the work and effort Emma Watson is doing to bring gender equality to the world. To see women use their fame for good makes me so very happy. Plus, I'm a giant Harry Potter nerd.
3. I love to read.
Looking forward to this!!
M.
hi, everyone!i'm kristin. i'm 39 and from the u.s. i love reading, especially fiction that teaches me about life in another time and/or place. i have a master's degree in hispanic literatures, so you would think i read all the time, but since i became a mom 2 years ago i have only read 3 books! i joined this group because i think emma watson is doing an incredible job making feminism more relatable to younger people and i'm hoping to learn to do that, too, and bring what i learn to my university students.
thank you to everyone working on this! i love that feminism is becoming more mainstream!
My name is Lynn. I'm a 15 year old female from Canada,Montreal.I joined this book club for several reasons, which are the following:
1-Since I'm a teenager people do not think I'm serious when I am talking about such issues, and if I try to spread awareness between my peers, they start to think that its a silly idea.
2-I would like to know more about feminism, and I love books!
3-I want to meet new people that share the same interests as me.
4-I do not have book clubs where I live, and none of my friends enjoy reading, so I thought going online would be a great idea.
5-I have witnessed a lot of gender inequality and I want to change that!
Lynn wrote: "My name is Lynn. I'm a 15 year old female from Canada,Montreal.I joined this book club for several reasons, which are the following:
1-Since I'm a teenager people do not think I'm serious when I a..."
Welcome Lynn!! I'm Liz from Cornwall in the UK. very glad to have younger voices contributing!! I hope you enjoy your time in this group!
Hi everyone! My name is Yuko. I was born and raised in Japan. I currently live in New York and working as a fashion designer.I joined this book club because I'd like to gather more knowledge and opinions on feminism and meet smart people around the world. In the near future I'd like to start a website to support feminism and suffering females in Japan.
Hi everyone ! I'm Bérénice, 17, and I'm from France
I joined because I have loved books since always and considered myself as a feminist since I understood what it meant. I would like to read feminist works and meet people that share the same wishes ! I consider feminism as an evidence, and I guess everyone has teir own definition of it
have a nice day everyone :)
I joined because I have loved books since always and considered myself as a feminist since I understood what it meant. I would like to read feminist works and meet people that share the same wishes ! I consider feminism as an evidence, and I guess everyone has teir own definition of it
have a nice day everyone :)
Hi all!I'm Belinda, 39, and live in Tauranga, New Zealand. I'm an avid reader and history geek and particularly interested in the six wives of Henry Vlll and Elizabeth l.
I'm wanting to read more feminist literature this year so this group popped up at exactly the right time. Thanks Emma for starting it - you're awesome!
Can't wait to get started!
My name is Laurie and I am originally from Hong Kong, but have spent time living in Portland, Oregon, New York and now I live in Toronto. I am 23 years old. I joined this bookclub after a friend told me about it. I am interested in expanding my reading - I tend to reach for the quick mystery/ thriller types. I look forward to learning more about feminism as I believe that I currently have a very incorrect understanding of it.
I look forward to expanding my knowledge and reexamining my perspective. I've found that I do not much have the opportunity for this since I am no longer in an academic setting, and I really look forward to it.
Hey everyone! My name is Caitlyn and I'm a 23-year-old college grad living in Texas.I heard about this book club from a few friends and wasn't sure I wanted to join until I saw what the first book was. Gloria Steinem is a personal hero of mine and I'm so glad that Emma recognized the value of discussing her journey (as well as the paths of other women and men in the continued search for equality.)
I'm excited to share my views and see what all of you have to say. This is how movements prosper. People must be willing to talk about what they've experienced and what they want the world to be. I hope this group will turn into an agent of change, one that will be a unified voice in the fight for political, economic and social equality of the sexes.
Hi - my name is Maria and I am a Sedish booklover living in Melbourne, Australia. Just finished the book, which I read in two sittings. However, I would love to read something similar that is not so US focused (as I'm European!). I understand perfectly that this is where Gloria has worked the most, but I'm looking forward to the next one....can't wait!!!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
hi,my name is Gabriela,i'm from Brazil,and i join in this club because i love Emma and i think is wonderful what she does (sorry for my English,I'm Brazilian)
Hello!My name is Cecilia I'm from Mexico City but currently I am living in Merida Yucatán.
I joined to this group because I have always consider myself a feminist since I was a little child because I was raised by a single mom who filled my world with stories about strong and independent women and she gave me the example of what it means to be a conquerer in a men's world, now I am a young physician and I have whitnessed that in my field there is a lot of job to do in matter of gender equality.
I bealive that feminism should be inclussive with men, we should teach boys to understand the importance of women in the world and we should teach young girls to be achievers and owners of their own bodies.
The idea of reading books about feminism and reading the opinion of people all over the world at the same time can help me to have a wide perspective about how people lives and transform the idea of empowering women in every corner of the world.
Hi, my name is Zoe and today is my 16th birthday. I live in Baltimore and attend Baltimore School for the Arts. I joined this book club mainly because I am a feminist and support all that Emma and other feminists (and those who support the cause but are hesitant to identify as feminists) have done to raise awareness and support for equality. I also joined because I used to be an avid reader. I love reading and do so any time I get the chance, but with so much school work I have trouble finding the time nowadays. I thought that this book club would be the perfect chance to get to know people with similar (and different) beliefs as me and read books about inspiring women and men who promoted equality for everyone. I hope that this club will force me to read, even if it means staying up past midnight a little more often in order to chat about all the interesting literature with all these interesting people.
Hey, I'm Alicia. I'm 19 and in California. I'm a student and a caregiver.
I joined because I really want to read more feminist books. I like reading them, and it'd be cool to find some that I might otherwise not, and to talk about them. And Emma Watson is amazing, and so of course I joined.
I am an Austrian author focusing on socio-critical and thought-provoking contemporary topics.My writing spectrum covers short stories, novels, YA and children's fiction.
So far my novel "Zeitzeugin" and the children's book "Als mir Seraphim das Leben zeigte" have only been published in German.
I constantly try to weave issues into my writing that concern society as it is constructed and individuals who struggle to find self-determination and self-consciousness facing various obstacles in life. This includes a strong focus on equality and women's perspectives concerning their positions in today's but also yesterday's Western society.
I always try to convey my novels' messages in a thoughtful and sensitive way. I do not solely attempt to reach out to my audience on an intellectual but also an emotional basis.
Hello!I'm Ruby, 26 years old and from Belgium, Europe.
I joined the group because I've recently become more and more interested and invested in feminist problematics, and I'd like to make a difference and learn more and more about the issue at hand and how I, as one individual, can help. I hope I get to join in on some book discussions, because some of the books will be hard to find here in Belgium...
Hello all. My name is Rob and I'm a 59 year old teacher from the Toledo Ohio area, who loves music, art, history, world cuisines (foodie), and of course reading. My interest here is to develop how I think about feminism through the readings and discussions of this world wide group. I hope to learn from your perspectives and broaden as well as deepen the way I think about feminism. I have been thrilled reading the eloquent and heartfelt expressions of this group so far, it gives me greater hope for the future.
Hello everybody! :)My name is Kaddi, I'm 24 years old and from Frankfurt, Germany where I study Political Science.
I've been interested in human and especially women's rights - especially in Egypt - for a long time and never really had the chance to discuss anything related to that outside from University. Also I have never been a part of a book club before, so this is just amazing! :)
I was a little too late for the first book unfortunately, but I'll join for the second book in February!
I'm so excited about this and to get to know you people through discussions.
Take care! :)
Hello. I am Andilea, 37, currently residing in Georgia. Having grown up in Las Vegas, Nevada, I wasn't aware of gender stereotypes and roles too much until we moved back down south. It is quite difficult being a female down here if you aren't the "normal" 2 shades of southern woman. (debutantes and rednecks....I can elaborate if needed) Being a feminist democrat pagan is near impossible... lolI have tons of proud mama feelings when I think about Emma. I am so proud of her. I watched her grow up into a beautiful smart amazing young woman. I am a huge fan, Not only of her career, but of her as a person.
Hey, suuup!?I'm late to the intro game, but here I go.
I'm Elena but I go by Helen by preference. Both names have oomph but Helen more than Elena. Anyway....
So, I'm a graphic designer, photo editing, Photoshop chick, and I love to read. Thank you for creating this space, it brought many people together, which I absolutely love! United in Equality. That is amazing.
Hi, my name is Flávia, 20 years old and I'm from Brazil. I study mechanical engineering, that is a typical male area and I suffer a lot for being a woman. Teachers have told me that is not a course for womens and I'm always listening sexist comments. So, I joined this book club looking for support and hoping that i can expand my knowledge to handle with all the prejudice that I suffer everyday.
Hi everyone! My name is Raissa, a 19 brazilian girl who studies law. (Yeah, I have a russian name)
Well, I love Emma's work as an activist and I get really inpired by her speeches and the good repercussion it gets by the world. At the university, I joined a feminist study group, where we debate about the feminism waves. We also present to some classes themes which we consider relevant (specially here, in Brazil), such as the female prisions and abortion (it's not legal in any brazilian state).
So, I think this group, besides opening my mind about the female questions around the world, it will improve my thoughts, encouraje my activist side and share my ideas with all of you guys.
I'm very happy to have this opoortunity. Sisterhood is all!
Hi all, my name is Barbara and I am 34. I am italian and moved to New York less than 2 years ago. I have been living previously in Canada during my MSc. I am happy to see many canadians are in the group already. I joined because it was long time I wanted to find a place to belong to as woman and critical thinker. I think this is a very good way to exchange opinion and learn from each other. So much can be done FOR and WITH women.
Liz wrote: "I'm Liz, 24 and from beautiful Cornwall in the UK. I'm an artist (lizcowley.com) and am a massive believer in forwarding woman's rights globally. I graduated from a London 2 ½ years ago and have si..."
Hi Liz this probably sounds odd but when i read that your an artist i got excited and went to see your website....... I EXTREMELY LOVE THE PIECE LOGAN ROCK..... wish you the best with your career :)
Hi Liz this probably sounds odd but when i read that your an artist i got excited and went to see your website....... I EXTREMELY LOVE THE PIECE LOGAN ROCK..... wish you the best with your career :)
hey, my name is alix, I'm 20. I'm from BelgiumI'm studying to be a caretaker.
I joined because I identify as a feminist and I really like reading and this is the perfect combination :)
I look forward to all the wonderfull books we'll read and discuss.
Hello,I am Pariyakorn Somchit, or 'Elle'
I am 16 years old, an international student from Thailand in the US.
I am a huge fan of Emma Watson. She inspired me to reading books, she showed me that reading books is so cool!
Nice to meet you all! :)
Hi!My name is Odette, 23 years old, living and studying in The Hague, NL. I've always loved reading though this has mainly been works of fiction. During college I've taken a course called Gender & Literature in which I was, as I far as I can recall, for the first time exposed to different perspectives of and on gender in literature (me being a political science major). Afterwards I haven't really continued reading books relating to gender and/or feminism, something which I regret. Therefore I was so happy when I found out about this group and why I joined.
I consider myself to be a feminist and believe that reaching equality, where every person is equal, deserves mutual respect and has equal opportunities to make the choices or decisions they want to make, is one of the biggest challenges of the future. I hope to learn more about different perspectives from the books we'll read and from each other, whether we agree or not. Creating awareness and understanding, also among ourselves, appears to me to be the first step.
I admire Emma for being such a vocal spokesperson on the topic of feminism and equality and how she uses many platforms and ways to promote her message and those of so many women and feminist scholars throughout history.
Hi everyone, I'm Saskia, 25 years old, and I live and study in Heidelberg, Germany. I'm finishing my last year of university and am looking forward to working as an English and History teacher.
I'm a huge bookworm and am always expanding my personal library. Even though I consider myself a feminist I don't have the confidence (yet) to speak out on behalf of gender equality. I hope that by joining this book club I'll be able to do just that.
Hello Everyone,my name is Ann-Kathrin and I am from Melbourne in Australia.
First of all I would like to take the opportunity to thank Emma Watson for putting this book club together, what a fabulous idea.
I have joined this book club because I like to read, cliche I know. I have always had an interest in the history of feminism, the opportunity to read book written by many incredibly amazing authors and the chance to connect with others.
Greetings to all, my name is Alejandra and this is my first venture to any book reading group so I'm so excited to do this. I'm a 21 year old college undergrad majoring in English literature in my 4th year, living in Houston, TX. My hopes for this new adventure is finding new books to read during this new semester and find others who share in the written word. I'm thrilled to go through everyone's post and seeing all the connections sparking up. Thank you Emma Watson for creating this tiny utopia for us book readers. The world needs more reading and I wish everyone could fall in love with literature as I have. I hope to find a place from practice discussions to wield some skills in the classroom instead of just playing a listening role. I'm off to begin the first chapter of My Life on the Road(a little late, I know, but better than never) so I'll leave ya'll to happy reading. Until next time :)
Hi,I am a 26 year old Danish woman, currently living and teaching English at a high school level in Greenland.
I am passionate about feminism, and saw this book club as a great chance to broaden my horizon on the subject.
Also, I think Emma Watson is doing a great job campaigning and working to further the cause of equality!
I am looking very much forward to debating books and feminism with you all.
Hello everyone! I'm Maggie from Minnesota, USA. It's very cold here right now, (-20 F) so it's the perfect time to be reading lots of wonderful books.
I joined this group for many reasons, I have been calling myself a feminist since I was a little girl. I never understood why society treated my twin brother so differently because he was a man. I have been standing up for women and equality most of my life and I am excited to join others in the fight for equal rights for everyone.
I also joined because I was in a book slump and reading entertains, but garbage books. I need to exercise my mind more.
Any way I am very excited to get to know all of you and share something as wonderful as a good book with all of you!
Maggie
Hello there. My name is Elin and I live in a small farming community in western Pennsylvania. Currently I work as a community education librarian after having worked as a reference librarian at a small private college. However, my backup plan, the what I'd do if I'd win the lottery plan, is to open up a chocolate shop or bakery and serve tea and coffee. I love being in the kitchen as it is my way of expressing my creativity.I joined this group as part of a reading challenge that I and two other librarians I work with are participating in. We specifically chose this group because we're all women and highly interested in the subject, but also to expand what books we read and to start conversation. Also, I'm the eldest of three girls and now the proud aunt of both a niece and a nephew and feel as though I need to continue to be an inspiration to them as the strong women in my life were to me.
I'm looking forward to chatting with you all and discussing the chosen books. As we continue to get hit with snow in my part of the world, making chai, wearing thick socks, and getting cozy under mounds of blankets has led to excellent reading conditions. I'm hoping to finish our first book soon.
Cheers!
Hi everyone!My name is Susannah. I'm 20 (almost 21...) and a junior at Texas A&M University- a very conservative place. Over the last few years, I've really learned how to cement my beliefs and defend them to those who don't necessarily agree with me. And, most importantly, I've learned about myself.
I love to read, and I am always looking for new books that challenge me and teach me. I am a feminist, and I want to explore and learn as much about equality and life as I can. Let's do this!!!
Hello, I'm Allan. I'm from Southern California and joined this group to discover books I otherwise might not have. In general, I like would like to be conscious of my surroundings and times, with feminism in particular, I just want everyone to have a fair shot at things. Becoming an uncle really pushes this desire for me.I'm the type of reader that likes to dog-ear and mark up non-fiction books. I might need to get some new highlighters for this club.
Meriwether wrote: "Katharina wrote: "Hello everybody! :)My name is Kaddi, I'm 24 years old and from Frankfurt, Germany where I study Political Science.
I've been interested in human and especially women's rights ..."
Meriwether wrote: "Katharina wrote: "Hello everybody! :)
My name is Kaddi, I'm 24 years old and from Frankfurt, Germany where I study Political Science.
I've been interested in human and especially women's rights ..."
Hello Meriwether, thank you, it's nice to meet you too! I think it's amazing you decided to teach in Istanbul. People who are brave enough to move to other countries to do something good (and teaching is definitely something good) are my secret heroes. :)
Hi!My name is Marit. I'm originally from Norway, but just moved to Zurich. I'm 27 and just about to finish my MA in German literature.
I think this group is an excellent tool to help us educate ourselves about feminism, make better choices and stand up for the people who need it.
After finishing the first book, I just can't wait to start the next! It was so inspiring. There's so much to learn!
If anybody else in Zurich wants to meet up and have a discussion of the books of this group in person, let me know :)
Noor wrote: "Liz wrote: "I'm Liz, 24 and from beautiful Cornwall in the UK. I'm an artist (lizcowley.com) and am a massive believer in forwarding woman's rights globally. I graduated from a London 2 ½ years ago..."Hi Noor!!
Thank you so much, I only started dedicating myself to my artwork a year ago and every lovely comment I get really makes my day, so thank you again! i've got links on my website ( www.lizcowley.com ) to my instagram, Facebook and twitter so feel free to connect with me through them.
Hope all's well up North! all the best Liz
I became curious about this group after noticing that a friend had joined, but decided to add my name to the list because of its feminist orientation. For the past several years, I have been engaged in researching a first wave feminist writer--an activity that has deepened my interest in the broader topic. I am a native Cincinnatian (Ohio) with wide-ranging interests. My life long love affair with books has introduced me to phenomenally gifted people whose ideas resonate in my heart.
As we read and discuss various works together, I look forward to broadening my network of devoted readers as well as my understanding of the topic at hand.
Denise
Hello all!My name is Melissa, and I'm 33 and live in central Massachusetts. I was lucky enough to grow up in a household with a strong older sister and mom, and a father who helped cook and clean, and was an equal partner to my mom in all things. Going to a progressive liberal arts college only strengthened my views.
I've always loved reading, but have wanted to push myself to read books this year across a wider range of topics (not just literary fiction) and author backgrounds (gender identity, socio-economic class, physical place of origin, etc.). And so this seemed liked the perfect place to start!
Hello everyone!My name is Whitney, and I am currently living in Montreal. I plan on moving in the summer, likely back to the States.
I have always considered myself a feminist and love that Emma has made equality her cause. I am looking forward to reading books and learning with this group.
Hi~Everyone! I'm new here! And I am a teenage girl from China,hoping to get more perspectives and information about feminism in this group. The reason that I decided to join this group was largely due to Emma's clarion call on Twitter. ❤️ In a way,I'm not only a big fan of her but also a supporter of feminism.Wish to have a great time here with all of the members!
Hi everyone!My name is Paige, and i'm from England!
I joined Our Shared Shelf for a few different reasons, i'm a big fan of Emma, i've always loved her work as an actress, and i also admire her for her work with the UN. I love reading, I have since I was able to read. I am a feminist, but i've never really read any books on feminism, and had no idea where to start, so i thought the book recommendations here would help, and so far i've been right as i've really enjoyed the book that was suggested this month, My Life On The Road by Gloria Steinem.
I look forward to discussing the book at the end of the month with you all!
Hello everyone! My name is Joana (34 y.o.), I am Portuguese but currently living in France. I have been a feminist since I remember to have an opinion :-) however, I never read much about this except in history books because reading in English was difficult and searching words on the dictionary took a lot of time. Everything changed when I bought my e-reader with a dictionary incorporated and my reading options just… exploded!! I read “Lean in” by Sheryl Sandberg and I very thankful for joining this book club because I am sure reading suggestions will be abundant here!
Thank you, Emma Watson, for creating this book club! And thank you to all other participants (men of women) for organizing this so well!
Hi everyone--I'm Kelly and I currently live in New York (state, not city). I am 47 and I am an English professor. I joined because the book club sounded like a great way to find new books and share ideas. I also admire the work that Emma Watson has done.
I am a feminist because I do not believe gender should be a reason for anyone to be paid less or receive less education or fewer opportunities--any more than race should. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where all doors are open to her.
I love that there are people here from all over. That's so cool!
Hello!I am Gabrielle, I am 23 yers old and I am from Canada.
I use to read a lot when I was a child but with college and university I kind of stopped reading anything other than textbooks. am a scientist but I enjoy learning about political and social issues.
I joined this book club so I can learn about great works and great books about equality. I think reading books about feminism, equality and history will help me grow as a person and make me evolve. I sure hope it will.
I'm Elizabeth, I'm 22 years old, and I'm from Canada.I joined this group because I love to read, I'm trying to read a wider variety of books (including more feminist literature), and I admire Emma Watson.
Reading is a part of being educated, and educating yourself is part of making yourself a better feminist and a better person.
I'm Sarah - 28 years old and from New Zealand (aka Middle Earth). I've always been a feminist and an avid reader, so when I heard about this group it seemed like the perfect fit for me! I agree with Elizabeth about the importance of education. I'm currently studying towards an Honours degree in English Lit in the hopes of on day teaching at tertiary level, because I think learning about literature is one of the best ways to develop empathy and learn to embrace diversity. I'm looking forward to expanding my brain some more through this group :)
Hello everyone,I'm Anna and I'm from the UK. I'm always looking to expand my horizons with books but have never been in a book club before so I'm excited to see what happens! Anytime I finish a book normally I miss not being able to have a discussion about it so this will be fantastic!
Our Shared Shelf
Books mentioned in this topic
The House of the Spirits (other topics)You Can Live Happily Married for a Lifetime: Modern Applications of Proven, Timeless Wisdom to Create a Lasting, Successful Relationship (other topics)
Dancing With Ghosts (other topics)
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (other topics)
Women's Work (other topics)
More...
Anyway, I am Mary. I'm 32, from Los Angeles, CA. I joined for a lot of reasons.
1. I've never participated in a book club beyond my little two person book club at my work.
2. I love all the work and effort Emma Watson is doing to bring gender equality to the world. To see women use their fame for good makes me so very happy. Plus, I'm a giant Harry Potter nerd.
3. I love to read.
Looking forward to this!!
M.