Emma Watson announces she's starting a feminist book club - Los Angeles Times
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Emma Watson announces she’s starting a feminist book club

Actress and activist Emma Watson is launching a feminist book club.

Actress and activist Emma Watson is launching a feminist book club.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Actress and activist Emma Watson has always had a soft spot for all things literary. She rose to fame portraying Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” films, and she’s acted in film adaptations of Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and Dave Eggers’ “The Circle,” which is scheduled for release this year.

And now she’s turning her attention to the printed word. The 25-year-old star announced Wednesday on Twitter that she’s starting a feminist book club.

“I want to start a feminist book club but so far have only brainstormed ‘Feminist Book Club’ and ‘Emma Watson Book Club,’” Watson wrote on her Twitter feed. “I am almost certain there is a more inspiring name out there.... Does anyone have any thoughts?!”

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Fans were quick to offer suggestions, including “Iron Rose Book Club,” “You Read Like a Girl,” “Read for She,” “The E-Dub Club” and “Emma Watson’s Ultimate X Super Storm Explosion of Doom Book Club.”

It didn’t take long for Watson to settle on a name. She picked a name suggested by a Twitter user named Emily: “Our Shared Shelf.”

“Thank you to everyone who came up with ideas and suggestions,” Watson wrote. “That was VERY cool of you all. More info coming soon...”

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She also hinted at a possible member of the book club. After a fan suggested she invite “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling to join, Watson replied, “[D]efinitely going to do that.” Watson also said she’d extend an invitation to noted singer and squad leader Taylor Swift.

Watson hasn’t officially announced the first book for the club, but she seems to have a title in mind. After soccer legend Abby Wambach asked what she should start reading, Watson replied, “@GloriaSteinem just released a new memoir? Thought it seemed like a good place 2 begin?”

Steinem’s new book, “My Life on the Road,” was released in October. Watson also told a Twitter user that author bell hooks will be on the list at some point.

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It’s not surprising that Watson would launch a feminist book club — the actress has been involved in the women’s rights movement for years. Watson, a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations, hosted an event at the U.N. to kick off the solidarity movement HeForShe, which urges men to fight for equal rights for women.

Watson’s speech at the HeForShe launch went viral after it was posted on YouTube. The video has over 1 million views.

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