Emma Watson's Favorite Books Are The Empathetic Reading List We Needed
If there's one thing Emma Watson has taught us over the years, it's that she's not just an incredible actor, she's a total empath too. She's proven time and time again that she's truly invested in other people's stories, and making the world better for those around her. Watson has been a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador since 2014, as well as at the forefront of the UN Women's HeForShe campaign to promote gender equality. And that selflessness and desire to connect with others has certainly shown itself in her favorite books.
The "Little Women" star is an avid reader and she's made that perfectly known over the years. "[Books are] so powerful and they have the ability to change your life and your outlook," she told Mashable in 2017, even explaining she wanted to be a part of the live-action version of "Beauty and the Beast" because it promoted reading. "This story really speaks to that, the sacred nature of books and their ability to transport you and empower you," she said.
Watson is such a big fan of books she even founded her own book club. Like Reese Witherspoon founded Reese's Book Club, Watson created Our Shared Shelf, which is described on Instagram as an "Intersectional Feminist Bi-monthly Book Club." Though the club is currently dormant, it's had years of suggestions we can't wait to get started with — so we decided to share some of her best picks with you too.
Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay
In "Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body," Roxane Gay gets extremely personal about her struggles and some of the most difficult times in her life. She opens up about a violent moment that changed the trajectory of her life, and how she's grown up dealing with issues related to food. It's unfiltered, raw, and one of Watson's favorite reads.
It's no surprise that Watson felt such empathy for Gay after reading her touching story, and she was intent on sharing it with other book lovers. "What struck me the most about the book is Roxane's searing honesty," Watson wrote of the book on Our Shared Shelf's page on Goodreads. "While parts of the book are difficult to read, it highlights the very real damage done by sexual violence and puts you in the mind and body of someone that has to move through the world in a different way," she continued. "A small insight or perspective I feel grateful for now having and understanding a little bit better."
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Emma Watson has made no secret of the fact she's very in touch with what makes her her, and what makes other people them. So it makes sense she enjoyed "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. Watson has revealed that the book really made her take a look at the way she, and the people around her, behave. In her work, Cain discusses the psychology of introverted and more extroverted personalities and the relationship between the two, as well as why people don't necessarily need to be extroverts to see success.
"It discusses how extroverts in our society are bigged up so much, and if you're anything other than an extrovert you're made to think there's something wrong with you. That's like the story of my life," Watson told Rookie of the book in 2013. "Coming to realize that about myself was very empowering, because I had felt like, 'Oh my god, there must be something wrong with me, because I don't want to go out and do what all my friends want to do.'" And learning there was absolutely nothing wrong with her by relating to Cain's writing is exactly why we love this review.
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Emma Watson had such a strong reaction to Patti Smith's memoir that she couldn't say enough positive things about the book during a 2011 Vogue interview. The actor and one of our favorite sustainable fashion icons told the outlet at the time, "[I realized] three chords merged with the power of the word." And, clearly, Watson seriously related to Smith and her story in a big, touching way. "I want to live like Patti. I want to write like Patti. The book was so honest and brave. I loved the way she sees the world. I really felt that life was more beautiful after I read it, and I felt more hopeful," she shared.
For those unfamiliar with Smith, she's a singer/songwriter and a poet. In the book, she opens up about her life and her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe, looking back on all the obstacles that stood in front of their love. Despite not having much money, Smith opened up in a profound way about their relationship and how she became the woman she is today. Another solid recommendation from Watson, for sure.
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas D. Kristof
As a proud and outspoken feminist, "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide" by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn was the perfect fit for Emma Watson. Writing on Goodreads, Watson shared how deeply she identified with the book, which tackled issues surrounding women's rights. "The book spotlights how these women were able to stand up and transform their lives and, through their inspiring examples, we learn that the key to enabling change and economic growth is in unleashing women's potential," she wrote in her recommendation. The "Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix" star also shared how she felt inspired by the way the author inspired her to realize she has the power to change the lives of the women around her.
The book takes readers to Africa and Asia, lifting the lid on the struggles of many women living there. It then shares how women all over the world have the power to help one another through touching, heartwarming stories of kindness and empathy.
Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot
Another touching memoir recommended by Emma Watson, Terese Marie Mailhot's "Heart Berries" is a non-linear recollection of her life as she discusses the things that made her who she is today. That includes getting very honest about even the toughest moments of her life, from moments of trauma to finding a place of acceptance.
On Instagram, Watson described the memoir as "An unapologetically honest and immensely inspiring book." She went into more detail about why she related to it so much on Goodreads while recommending it to her Our Shared Self community. "I felt transformed by having read Mailhot's book as if she channeled some of her brilliance to me through osmosis. As though magically just through having read her writing, I myself became more intelligent and a better writer without having to do ANYTHING!! That's how good she is!" the actor explained. Spoken like a true empath. "Her work is inspiring, in the way the best things are — you instantly want to go and DO and create yourself as a result of having come into contact with it," she added. With a glowing review like that from such a book expert, how could we not pick this one up?