Emma Watson works fast. Just days after throwing out the idea of starting a feminist book club, the actress and activist has gotten her group off the ground. Watson announced in a tweet Friday that the club — newly christened Our Shared Shelf — has launched on Goodreads.
Given the buzz Watson's initial announcement quickly inspired, with everyday readers and celebrities alike cheering, it's no surprise that Our Shared Shelf has already taken off. The number of members has surpassed 62,400 (at the time of publishing), and the group's discussion board is also growing fast. So far, users have created over 160 topics, and subjects range from why people are against feminism to general enthusiasm about the club itself.
Even the likes of star U.S. soccer player Abby Wambach is getting involved; she showed off a copy of the first month's book, My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem, on Twitter.
Readers are encouraged to join the group on Goodreads (an account is required), read the chosen book, and then participate in the discussion forum during the last week of the month. Watson plans to post questions and quotes to get the conversation going, but to be honest, members have already been so active that the show might go on even without her.
Our Shared Shelf looks poised to be ideal for sharing feminist learning, just as Watson aimed for it to be. On the group's Goodreads page, she gave some background on the purpose of the club, writing:
As part of my work with UN 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.
If you want to get involved in the feminist fun, you'd best get your hands on a copy of Steinem's book ASAP. Happy reading!
Image: GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images
