Our Shared Shelf discussion
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Introduction

I have gotten a lot of flack for always make remarks and commenting on the little things in our everyday lives and everyday practices that subtly reveal the deeply-rooted misogyny in today's world: for example, my siblings can't watch TV in peace anymore!!!
I am so excited to have a whole bunch of people to discuss with - and led by Emma Watson!!! Wow!!! - and, of course, to learn about the areas of feminism I am not aware of yet.
I am one of the co-presidents/founders of my college's feminist collective, and I have read a lot about feminism and learned to apply it (and critical thinking thanks to bell hooks) to my everyday life - therefore, I look forward to learning a TON!!
So honoured to be in a community so interested in some of the things I am - I'm so excited!!!


My name is Gladyfaith. I was born in the Philippines and raised in a desert town in Arizona.
Over the past few years my intere..."
Hello, Mary! Nice to meet you! :D
I was born in Lucena City, but spent my early years in my mother's hometown of Lucban, Quezon. Which area are your parents from?
That's rad that you have a degree in gender studies! I wish I was able to take a class when I was in uni; I feel totally out of my element when navigating it on my own. Was there any specific thing you learned in your time there that made you go "Wowza!" and wish you could share with others?


My name is Melusha. I'm from Sri Lanka. I've been interested in feminism ever since the day I realised it was a thing. I've experienced sexism in its trivial nature throughout my life (for example, been called "bossy" for taking charge in group work and been told "act like a girl" just because I got in a verbal fight with this kid who was bullying someone) and I've seen the reality of the utmost horrors of sexism (rape culture and victim blaming -- which I've seen happen way too often). After listening to We Should All Be Feminists, a speech made by Chimamanda Ngozchi Adichie (apologies if I've spelt her name wrong) I'm currently writing a research paper on feminism and domestic abuse for my law degree. I'm so excited to be surrounded by so many feminists because there are days I come across women who believe we don't need feminism (the worst quite frankly).
It's lovely that Emma chose to do this, especially since Hermione is one of my favorite feminist literary characters ! Can't wait to get started ! :)

I'm looking forward to this because although I am probably the most passionate about Feminism out of everyone I know personally, I feel that I am not educated enough about it. I can't wait to hear opinions and views from more experienced and knowledgable people from around the world.
I also really hope that this club introduces more information not only about feminism in "western civilization"but about oppressed minorities in countries where the unprivileged have a harder time speaking out about their opinions.
Overall, I am so excited to be a part of an actual community that wants the world to be knowledgeable and equal!

My name is Beiany, I'm 22 and I'm from Venezuela.
I joined this group because I'm kind of new to this subject, I want to learn as much as I can from all of you, and I think this is the best opportunity for it!
Looking forward to share opinions with all of you (:

My name is Ted. I live in New Zealand. I am an engineering student. I have a 6 month old daughter.
I want her to grow up in a world where she has just as much opportunity to succeed as anyone else.
I thought increasing my knowledge in terms of feminism and equality would be beneficial as I aim to raise my precious little girl with my beautiful wife.

My name is Kelly and I live in upstate New York. I am so excited about this adventure and looking forward to diving into good reads (ha) and great discussions with all of you. I am mom to 3 kids (13-18) who are each feminists. I'm also the director of a program for teens called thinkpeace workshop. At our summer camp for girls last year, feminism was a hot topic. I became very concerned about the how teen girls seemed to believe that being a feminist meant that they had treat boys with disrespect, as if being feminist gave them power and superiority. I want boys AND girls (men AND women) to get it: it's simply about equality. Not superiority.
Can't wait to talk with you all, learn from you, and create a greater understanding among us as we forge a more equitable future!
Happy reading!

I am super excited about this book club. I love reading and learning. I started a book club with some friends and I always trying to find new things and ways to learn. Knowledge is important to me. I really admire Emma and am interested in hearing the perspectives of so many people from so many places. I haven't been able to travel much yet, so I feel very uninformed about the rest of the world.

I wanted to join this book club because Emma Watson has always been an inspiration for me. I grew up obsessing over her with my next door neighbor. She is such an amazing role model and has had some part of shaping the young women I am today. From a young age I believed that women and men should be treated the same. I started questioning the concept that our society has grown normal to, which is "Men are stronger and overall better than women," since I was a young girl. I didn't really know what Feminism meant until a few years ago, it was not a word that was ever brought up in a conversation I have ever had with someone. Now, knowing how important this one word, this one movement, means to me and so many other girls (and boys), I cant go by a day without talking about it. I want to learn more about the women that are at the head of this movement, the women who can tell us their struggles and the struggles they have seen people face. I want to learn about the wage gap, and inequality in the work place, along with the origins of feminism. I want to learn about women who have come before me and fought in this movement, I want to honor them and cherish their work in my life. I want to be able to collect information and when someone aks me why I consider myself a feminist, I will have the all the information that will help them understand ready. I want to join this club, to celebrate women, and to encourage reading!
I want this message to get to young girls in different countries, who dont have the same oppurtunities to education as many of us here have. I want to be apart of this club because I know it will become a movement, and that movement will be one that I will be proud to be in.
~Kathryn XOXO

My name is Paula and I'm from Cartagena, Colombia. I'm 25 years old and there is nothing that I love more than reading. Anything. Everything.
Up until recently, I wouldn't have known how much of a feminist I already was, just on the influence of my family and the worlds and stories the books have given me over the years. One of the people that got me thinking on the subject was Emma Watson.
Colombia is a country that is definitely changing towards a more equal one, but we are FAR from understanding how deeply rooted the "machismo" is amongst this society. I'm really interested in what people from around the world has to say about this deeply complex subject.
I love the word "feminism". I love Hermione. I love Emma Watson.

I'm Sajia Afrin,21 years old.. from Bangladesh...
I love books, I love Emma Watson, I'm a faminist.. It wil be honour to join with this group.. Thanks a lot to Emma...


Katie
Hi everyone, nice to meet you! I am Maíra (but everyone can call me Mai), I'm 25 and from Brazil. I am currently graduating in Linguistics and I'm also an English teacher.
When I first read about the book club on Emma's twitter I couldn't be more thrilled - I have followed her career ever since Harry Potter, I've grown with her and when she gave her first UN Speech I cried out of proud and joy - I believe she's the biggest role model of my generation. So I joined the club not only because of her, but also because I am eager to read more about feminism and have discussions with people who share the same beliefs as I do. I believe we can all benefit a lot from both the reads and the discussions.
I honestly couldn't be more excited about this club!
When I first read about the book club on Emma's twitter I couldn't be more thrilled - I have followed her career ever since Harry Potter, I've grown with her and when she gave her first UN Speech I cried out of proud and joy - I believe she's the biggest role model of my generation. So I joined the club not only because of her, but also because I am eager to read more about feminism and have discussions with people who share the same beliefs as I do. I believe we can all benefit a lot from both the reads and the discussions.
I honestly couldn't be more excited about this club!

by joining this book club I hope I could learn more about it. Can't wait to start!

Emma Watson was the one who really got me sunk in to feminism. Before, I didn't really understand the whole concept and its cause. Now, as a proud (intersectional) feminist, I've become more and more educated and aware of the situations/conflicts that every women face. I joined this book club to further my knowledge and share my opinions and ideals. Though we may find ourselves in disagreement, I hope we will remain civil and learn from one another.

I joined this club because Emma Watson is a hero to me. She's scarcely a year older than I am and her portrayal of my all time favorite character did wonders for my young self. She had a huge impact on me as I grew up. As she's gotten older, she's only further proven herself to have been the perfect Hermione (and there really isn't much higher praise coming from me). I am also an avid feminist and I have been since high school. I was taught the basics by a group of absolutely wonderful female teachers and I was part of the "crazy feminist girls" group of my school. Those factors combined with my voracious appetite for reading made this book club basically my dream come true.
I really hope to expand my horizons further and engage in great conversation. College did a great job of teaching me that I know absolutely nothing at all and I hope this book club will help me remedy that in some way, shape or form. I also hope to contribute to a powerful feminist space that helps to bring more and more people into the fold. Not to mention I love being in spaces like this, even when they're virtual!



I joined this book club not just because I love reading or because Emma Watson is the greatest person alive, but because I'm a feminist and I'm spreading the word "Equality" to make everyone realize that gender inequality has to end. I'm trying to be involved as much as I can. I want to become a UN Women's ambassador one day! My biggest goal:) I won't stop till that's achieved.

I joined this group for my love of books , my interest in feminism and to meet new people!
...And of course, a fan of Emma :)

I joined this book club because I want to be more active with my feminism, and I'm known as the rebel in all my classes. I basically give a feminist talk every time a sexist comment is made, and I love doing it. I want to know more, so that I can school the boys in my class, and so more girls in my class know how amazing feminism is.

My name is Shana (Shah-Nah), I'm 42 and from New York, USA.
I have joined this group to learn more about feminism and read great books by amazing authors on the topic. I have always been a feminist but have not been very vocal about it until Emma delivered her amazing UN speech to launch HeForShe . I admire and respect Emma as person first and foremost. She inspires me so much. After hearing her speech, I instantly felt the need to help to support gender equality and other women and societal causes. Through meetup.com I found USNC-UNwomen (US National Committee for UNWomen). I have been a member of USNC-UNWomen Metro-NY Chapter Young Professionals committee for 1 year. I have participated/attended in many events that help with fundraising and to advocate for UNWomen initiatives (ie HeForShe, 16 days of activism). I've learned a lot but reading will definitely help broaden my knowledge.
I am not the biggest bookworm, but I'm determined to change that. I know this book club will help me reach my goal. Excited to start reading.

Age: 25
From: Mexico City
Hi everyone! I am really excited about this book club, I have always been interested in gender issues and I identify myself as a feminist (I was never really afraid to until I started getting negative feedback about the term). I simply believe that women and men should be equal in all aspects of their lives.
I joined this book club:
1. because I love to read
2. because Emma Watson (duh)
3. because I would like to discuss gender issues without feeling like I am under attack when I express an opinion. I hope this can be a troll-free safe space for us to discuss awesome books and relevant topics.

For as long as I can remember I have always been interested in government and aspire to represent my country in the global community here in the nearby future. Recently I turned 18 since I have hoped to evolve my level of reading from young adult fiction to something a bit more adult like, something with purpose which I suppose is why I chose to joined coupled with the fact that current world issues fascinates me and being so educated in the given manner will without a doubt aid me in my journey to the career of my choice.

Welcome to everyone! I'm excited to be in such great company.

I am extremely happy to be part of such a great initiative to bring people with similar interests together. My name is Patricia, I was born and raised in El Salvador and currently live in Delaware, US. I joined this club because I trully enjoy reading, because I absolutely admire Emma Watson, and because I want to know how other women around the world see feminism. I want to hear what others think and believe in. There is so much about feminism that I don't know, there are so many of us around the world that are victims of inequality due to being a woman, so I want to know what I need to do to help change this, since we are all equally human. Women that stay together conquer the world together, let's do this!!!

My name is Sarvani and I am from San Fransisco,CA. I am 26. I love reading books and am a feminist. I believe in equal rights and treatment for all. It is exciting to read great books and exchange views with all of you.
Emma- thank you :) for everything.

When I was in college I took a Women Writer of World Literature class and absolutely loved it. The world was different for me afterward and the class helped me pave my path as a feminist.
I joined this group so I could be exposed to not only new authors and books but so I could connect with other feminists. Also, Emma has been a fantastic role model for me for many years, especially during these last few years.
As you may be able to tell from my username, I LOVE books and reading so I couldn't pass up a chance to join.
I look forward to discussing these books with you guys!
x

My name is Shanna (rhymes with banana) I am from Washington state, USA.
This book club stood out to me a lot because Emma of course and I actually have been looking for a book club to join! This such an unique opportunity to connect with people of such diverse backgrounds and walks of life through one important issue.
Just as Emma said in her speech at the UN, feminism has for some reason, had a negative connotation. So, I have never taken on that stance, until her speech. I love the idea of empowering women in general and men for that matter. To be a part of that in any way I can I think is a beautiful gift and learning experience!
Can't wait to start!

I'm Kellie and it is so wonderful to meet you all. I'm 37 and from Queensland Australia. I joined this book club to meet new people and to grow as a person and as woman through sharing and learning. I love to read, but I also love to write.
I think Emma Watson is a wonderful role model not only for young girls but for all women of all ages.
Shana I hope you achieve your goals, and a happy birthday to Erin for Tuesday
Hi! My name is Anna, and I am from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. I have been a fan of Emma for a good portion of my life. The issue of gender equality is something that is very personal to me. I am very proud to now be a part of a group that also values gender equality.
I have always loved books and can't stop reading. I really enjoy to learn and would like to expand my knowledge and gain insights from members worldwide, and I think this will help me do just that. I hope to be able to learn from others and that we will all be able to understand one another a little better.
Happy reading, and I am excited to discuss!
I have always loved books and can't stop reading. I really enjoy to learn and would like to expand my knowledge and gain insights from members worldwide, and I think this will help me do just that. I hope to be able to learn from others and that we will all be able to understand one another a little better.
Happy reading, and I am excited to discuss!

My name is Maria, I'm from Colombia and I'm 20 years old.
I've admired Emma Watson because of her intelligence and her way of seeing things, and I have been interested in feminism and equality since she (and some other people) started to point out the importance of this topic, not only for women, not only for men, but for society as a whole. I'm also trying to improve my reading in english so I'm glad I have the chance to join this group!
Greetings from Colombia!♡

My name is Tyler Goodhue. I am from Wesley Chapel, Florida. I am a 21 year old male. Yes, I did say male. I have always found feminism to be an interesting topic because it is always leads to a passionate conversation. I also enjoy reading. (Not to mention that Emma Watson has been my dream girl since I was 11.)
I really joined this group to see other points of views in the feminist world. Being a white male, I feel I truly do not have a full understanding of what being a feminist means. I know there are different kinds of feminists; ranging from the ones who refuse to wear heels because they are a man made creation, to someone who quietly sits at home wishing something will be done. I believe we are all feminists in some sort of way, but some do not wish to come forth and say something, while others are content to what has already been done.
Reading these suggested books produced by the alpha female (Emma Watson) will help be fully understand a feminist point of view. It will also help me grow into a better man, brother, son, co-worker, and boss. I look forward to growing into a better human being by reading these books and opening my mind to a different world I may not fully be familiar with.

My name is Megan, I am 22 from Vancouver, Canada.
I love reading, especially non-required books, and look forward to reading and discussing new novels with you!

Not only have I been dying to be a part of a book club for a long time, but I absolutely, deeply admire Emma Watson for her dedication to the furthering of the feminist movement and her general awesome self.
To be a part of not only a club dedicated to my favourite past time but also a club dedicated to such an important social movement and issue is just honestly amazing. Just like Shanna said above me, it's a beautiful gift, and I can't wait to get started!

I'm Terra. I'm 38 and I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I joined because 1- I love to read 2- I love to learn & 3- I get the feeling that this will be a thought provoking experience. ☺

I'm Michelle and I'm from Virginia (USA). I'm 26 and in my last semester of graduate school earning my Masters in Elementary Education.
I love to read but tend to favor books in the fantasy and science fiction genres. One of my goals for this year was to branch out and read books I normally wouldn't consider.
I grew up reading and loving the Harry Potter series so when I found out about this book club I instantly joined. I am really looking forward to reading the upcoming books and discussing them with everyone!


Emma Watson's pretty cool, I've enjoyed her visibility in feminism, and I really just want an excuse to read more books so here I am. Came into my feminist consciousness when I was 17 and I have never looked back. Looking forward to interesting discussions. :) Also, as a woman of color, I'm interested in inclusion within feminism so hopefully we get that here. :D


My name is Kelsi and I live in Kansas City, Missouri. I'm a Nebraska girl born and raised but I love it here in the city. I'm 22 and will be graduating with my bachelors in sociology & family studies in May, with hopes to continue my education in grad school- focusing on couples & family therapy. We will see where life takes me!
I joined this club because I want to make it a point to read literature beyond my requires textbooks. I have taken a few feminist theory-based classes and have loved every single one. I think Emma Watson is a shining example of what kindness, intelligence and wit look like and admire her greatly.
So great to meet you all and looking forward to being a part of this! Xoxo.

I'm Asmita, from India and i work in an IT firm.
I love reading, but till now i have had a limited choice in reading i want to expand the spectrum of my reading genres.

I'm Priscilla, a bookworm-slash-writer from Singapore. I'm also a feminist with a capital F. Happy to meet you all!
*virtual waves

I'm Raina, 24, and I live in Chicago; the United States. Though I am a graphic designer, I know in some other reality of split-decisions made, I would have majored in women's studies (Crystal, I had the same moment you described when I was in Uni!). For that reason, I've been wanting to read more amazing, feminist books – Thanks Emma, not just for your work, but for motivating me to actually pursue more of these reads!
I really am excited to see so many people here! Gloria Steinem is an amazing woman: Curious to see what everyone thinks of her book!

To me feminism is really important, I really want to learn more about it and I want to educate myself as much as possible on the subject so I can be able to educate other people as well. I also want to be able to live in a world where feminism is something viewed as positive. I want to read more diverse books and I think this book club will definitely help me with that, I'm really looking forward to it!
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...
My name is Heather, and I'm currently 31 years old. I live in Southern California, but hope to move to a place with more snow some day.
I joined this group because I have been a lifelong feminist since before I even knew there was such a thing. Growing up I always thought it was ridiculous that I couldn't be a part of "boys' clubs" and never understood why boys weren't allowed to cry. I have fought relentlessly with feelings of outrage whenever my smarts have been overlooked simply because I am a girl.
I also love to read, and definitely have not been doing enough of it this last year. So, being held accountable to finish books will hopefully get me reading more.
Hello Crystal, it sounds to me like sophomore may have changed your life for the better. Welcome!