Emma Watson is more than just a celebrated actress—she’s a passionate advocate for women’s rights, education, and social change. Through her global reading community, Our Shared Shelf, she has introduced readers to books that challenge perspectives, spark important conversations, and empower individuals to rethink the world around them.
From dystopian fiction to raw memoirs and urgent discussions on race, Emma’s book recommendations go beyond entertainment—they ignite change. If you’re looking for powerful reads that provoke thought, foster empathy, and inspire action, this list is the perfect place to start.
1. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Category: Dystopian Fiction, Feminist Literature, Political Commentary
What It’s About
Few dystopian novels have left as lasting an impression as The Handmaid’s Tale. Margaret Atwood’s chilling classic takes place in Gilead, a totalitarian society where women’s rights have been stripped away. Handmaids, including the protagonist Offred, are forced into reproductive servitude in a regime that uses religion to justify its brutal oppression.
Atwood’s novel, originally published in 1985, remains hauntingly relevant today, reflecting concerns about authoritarianism, bodily autonomy, and gender equality. Its unsettling vision of a world where women lose control over their lives makes it a must-read for those invested in feminist discourse and political awareness.
Why You Should Read It
This book is more than just a dystopian thriller—it’s a warning, a call to action, and a deeply human story about survival and resistance. Atwood’s storytelling forces readers to confront difficult questions about power, control, and the fragility of rights that can easily be taken away.
If you love novels that provoke thought and spark debate, The Handmaid’s Tale will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It has inspired countless feminist discussions, a hit TV series, and even political protests where women have dressed as Handmaids to highlight the dangers of losing reproductive freedoms.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson selected The Handmaid’s Tale as a must-read for Our Shared Shelf, saying,
“It is a book that has never stopped fascinating readers because it articulates so vividly what it feels like for a woman to lose power over her own body.”
She has spoken about how the novel serves as a crucial reminder of what’s at stake when freedoms are eroded, urging her readers to stay informed and engaged in feminist movements worldwide.
Get Book: The Handmaid’s Tale!2. Hunger by Roxane Gay
Category: Memoir, Body Image, Feminism, Trauma
What It’s About
Roxane Gay’s Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body is a deeply personal, unflinchingly honest exploration of body image, trauma, and self-acceptance. In this raw memoir, Gay shares her experiences of living in a world that is unkind to larger bodies while simultaneously navigating the emotional wounds of sexual violence, shame, and societal expectations.
Her writing is intimate, unapologetic, and deeply moving, giving voice to the complex relationship many people—especially women—have with their bodies. She challenges cultural narratives around beauty, weight, and worth, making this book a powerful and necessary read for anyone interested in body politics and personal resilience.
Why You Should Read It
Hunger is not just a memoir—it’s a revolution in how we think about body image, consent, and healing. Gay doesn’t sugarcoat her struggles; she lays everything bare, offering a voice to those who have felt unseen, unheard, or unworthy in a society that too often equates thinness with value.
This book is an emotional yet empowering read, urging us to redefine strength and self-worth on our own terms. If you appreciate books that challenge societal norms and offer deeply personal insight, Hunger is an absolute must-read.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson was deeply moved by Hunger, praising Roxane Gay saying, “What struck me the most about the book is Roxane’s searing honesty.”
“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
Watson has also highlighted Gay’s work in discussions about self-love, feminism, and the unrealistic beauty standards imposed by the media, making Hunger a vital part of her recommended reading list.
Get Book: Hunger by Roxane Gay!3. Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Category: Race, Social Justice, Activism
What It’s About
British journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge’s Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race began as a blog post expressing frustration over the ways race is often dismissed in mainstream conversations—and quickly became a bestselling book that redefined discussions on systemic racism, privilege, and history.
Eddo-Lodge examines Britain’s often-overlooked history of racism, breaking down the impact of white privilege, police violence, and the institutional structures that maintain racial inequality. She also explores how well-meaning white people can unintentionally uphold racism through avoidance, defensiveness, or lack of awareness, making this book a must-read for those seeking to become better allies.
Why You Should Read It
This book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, privilege, and power. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to move beyond surface-level discussions and actively engage in anti-racism work.
With clear, compelling writing, Eddo-Lodge provides the historical and cultural context needed to understand how racism persists today—not just in the UK, but globally. If you want a book that educates, empowers, and calls you to action, this is it.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson selected Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race for Our Shared Shelf and called it “one of the most important books” she has read.
She emphasized that understanding systemic racism requires listening, learning, and being willing to sit with discomfort—and encouraged her followers to engage deeply with the book rather than simply read it.
She has also used her platform to amplify Eddo-Lodge’s voice, urging readers to not only educate themselves but also have meaningful conversations about race in their own communities.
Get Book: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race!4. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Category: Graphic Memoir, History, Identity, Revolution
What It’s About
Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s powerful, autobiographical graphic novel that recounts her childhood and coming-of-age in revolutionary Iran. Through striking black-and-white illustrations, Satrapi narrates her experiences growing up during the Islamic Revolution, witnessing political upheaval, and struggling with the expectations placed on women in a changing society.
Told with both raw honesty and dark humor, the novel explores family, exile, rebellion, and the tension between personal freedom and oppressive regimes. As Satrapi matures, she finds herself caught between two worlds—her love for her country and the stark realities of living under a restrictive regime.
Persepolis is more than a memoir; it’s a historical and political account of Iran’s complex past, shedding light on the human cost of war, revolution, and authoritarian rule.
Why You Should Read It
This is not just a book—it’s an experience. Satrapi’s storytelling is bold, visually striking, and deeply emotional, making historical and political events feel personal and immediate.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand Iran beyond the headlines, Persepolis offers an intimate, firsthand perspective of life during political turmoil. It’s essential reading for those interested in history, women’s rights, and the impact of war on everyday lives.
The fact that it’s a graphic novel also makes it a unique, immersive way to absorb history—even for those who don’t typically read memoirs or political nonfiction.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson has spoken about how Persepolis expanded her understanding of identity, oppression, and the resilience of women in restrictive societies.
During an interview with the author Marjane Satrapi, Watson praised Satrapi’s ability to balance the personal with the political, making the story both deeply moving and intellectually enlightening.
Emma has recommended this book to readers who want to broaden their perspectives on global feminism and understand the lived experiences of women beyond Western narratives.
Get Book: Persepolis!5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Category: Classic Literature, Family, Coming-of-Age, Feminism
What It’s About
Few novels capture the joys, struggles, and sisterly bonds of girlhood quite like Little Women. Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic follows the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, ambition, hardship, and independence in 19th-century America.
At the heart of the novel is Jo March, a fiercely independent and intelligent young woman who defies societal norms, dreams of becoming a writer, and refuses to settle for a life dictated by traditional expectations. Alcott’s novel explores themes of family, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s passions, making it a timeless coming-of-age story that continues to inspire readers today.
Why You Should Read It
This novel is a celebration of strong, multi-dimensional women—each of the March sisters has distinct ambitions, personalities, and struggles that make them deeply relatable.
For readers who love heartfelt, character-driven stories, Little Women offers a rich, nostalgic exploration of love, loss, ambition, and self-discovery. Jo March, in particular, remains a literary icon for anyone who has ever dared to challenge societal norms and pursue their dreams on their own terms.
Alcott’s writing, filled with warmth and wisdom, makes this a perfect comfort read—yet it also contains quiet feminist undertones, making it far ahead of its time.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson has a deep, personal connection to Little Women—not just as a reader, but as an actress. She played Meg March in Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed 2019 film adaptation, and through this experience, she gained a profound appreciation for Alcott’s feminist themes.
Emma has spoken about how Little Women is a vital book for young women, highlighting how each sister’s journey reflects different aspects of womanhood and ambition.
In an interview with Vogue, Watson defended her character Meg who is not regarded as feminist enough saying,
“With Meg’s character, her way of being a feminist is making the choice – because that’s really, for me anyway, what feminism is about. Her choice is that she wants to be a full-time mother and wife. To Jo, being married is really some sort of prison sentence. But Meg says: ‘You know, I love him and I’m really happy and this is what I want. And just because my dreams are different from yours, it doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.’”
She encourages readers to engage with it not just as a historical novel, but as an ongoing conversation about gender roles and self-determination.
Get Book: Anxious Little Women!6. Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou
Category: Memoir, Family, Motherhood, Resilience
What It’s About
Maya Angelou’s Mom & Me & Mom is a deeply personal memoir that explores her complex, evolving relationship with her mother, Vivian Baxter. Unlike Angelou’s previous autobiographies, which focus on her own experiences, this book delves into how her mother shaped her, for better and worse.
After being abandoned by her mother as a child, Angelou spent years resenting her absence. However, as she grew older, she came to understand, reconnect, and eventually forgive, developing a powerful, deeply loving relationship with her mother.
Through poetic yet unsentimental prose, Angelou reflects on pain, healing, and the profound impact of motherhood. She portrays Vivian as fierce, complicated, and ultimately instrumental in shaping the woman Angelou became.
Why You Should Read It
Few writers capture the raw beauty of human relationships the way Maya Angelou does. This book is a deeply moving tribute to the power of love, reconciliation, and personal growth.
If you’ve ever had a complicated relationship with a parent—or if you’re simply drawn to stories of strength, forgiveness, and transformation—this book will deeply resonate with you.
Angelou’s storytelling is both intimate and universal, making Mom & Me & Mom a must-read for anyone seeking wisdom on love, resilience, and the mother-daughter bond.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson has spoken about how Angelou’s reflections on womanhood, identity, and familial bonds deeply impacted her own perspective on relationships and self-worth.
In her book club announcement, Watson shared, “This book is one I have read before and is one of my favorites.”
“Vivian Baxter cuts a fiercely unapologetic figure, imperfect but admirable, and we discover not just how she had a hand in Angelou’s evolution as a black woman but also in her feminist perspective, her independence and self-awareness, all of which contributed to her unique way of looking at the world and the way she expressed herself on the page.”
She continued, “ As a result, this is perhaps the greatest window into what shaped Angelou as a writer and poet and a fitting end to a lifetime of amazing works”
Emma has encouraged her readers to engage with Angelou’s work beyond her poetry, highlighting this book as a deeply personal and transformative read that offers lessons on forgiveness, self-discovery, and healing from past wounds.
Get Book: Mom & Me & Mom!7. The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler
Category: Feminist Literature, Theater, Gender and Sexuality
What It’s About
Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues is a groundbreaking collection of monologues inspired by real women’s experiences with sexuality, identity, trauma, pleasure, and empowerment. Originally performed as a one-woman play, the book has become a feminist manifesto, shedding light on the silenced narratives of women’s bodies.
Through a mix of raw, humorous, heartbreaking, and deeply personal accounts, Ensler addresses taboo topics—from menstruation to sexual violence to self-love—urging readers to reclaim the language surrounding female experiences.
Since its debut, The Vagina Monologues has inspired the global V-Day movement, which fights to end violence against women and girls.
Why You Should Read It
This book is more than a performance—it’s a revolutionary conversation starter. Ensler’s monologues provide a space for women’s voices to be heard in their full complexity, making it a must-read for anyone who wants to dismantle stigma and celebrate feminine power.
If you’re interested in feminism, theater, activism, or just understanding the diverse realities of womanhood, The Vagina Monologues will leave you enlightened, empowered, and ready to spark change.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson has praised The Vagina Monologues for its boldness and fearless approach to storytelling, calling it a book that every woman should read at least once.
She has spoken about how it helped her embrace body positivity and the power of owning one’s narrative, encouraging readers to engage with Ensler’s work as part of a larger dialogue about gender and autonomy.
8. Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot
Category: Memoir, Indigenous Literature, Trauma, Healing
What It’s About
Heart Berries is a lyrical, searingly intimate memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot, a First Nations writer from Canada. Through a fragmented, poetic style, she recounts her experiences with childhood trauma, mental illness, love, motherhood, and identity, offering a deeply personal exploration of survival and self-reclamation.
Raised on the Seabird Island Indian Reservation, Mailhot writes about generational pain, the struggles of Indigenous women, and the difficulties of navigating love and mental health while carrying deep emotional scars. Her storytelling is fierce, vulnerable, and breathtakingly raw, making Heart Berries a literary triumph in modern memoir.
Why You Should Read It
Unlike traditional memoirs, Heart Berries is written in a stream-of-consciousness style, immersing readers in Mailhot’s deeply introspective and unfiltered thoughts. It’s a book that forces you to feel, reflect, and confront the realities of trauma and resilience.
If you appreciate poetic, emotionally charged writing that challenges conventional storytelling, this memoir is an unforgettable experience. It’s also a crucial read for those looking to amplify Indigenous voices and better understand the complexities of identity, mental health, and healing.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson has championed Heart Berries as a powerful and necessary memoir, praising Mailhot’s courageous storytelling and poetic brilliance.
In her book club announcement, Watson wrote, “I love her suspicion of words. I have always been terrified and in awe of the power of words – but Mailhot does not let them silence her in Heart Berries. She finds the purest way to say what she needs to say.”
9. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Category: Mythology, Psychology, Feminism, Spirituality
What It’s About
Clarissa Pinkola Estés, a Jungian psychoanalyst and storyteller, weaves together myth, folklore, and psychology to explore the wild, instinctual nature of women. In Women Who Run with the Wolves, she examines the suppressed, powerful force within every woman—the Wild Woman archetype—and how societal conditioning has tamed this primal energy.
Through retellings of ancient myths and fairy tales from various cultures, Estés reveals how these stories contain hidden wisdom about resilience, creativity, intuition, and feminine strength. The book serves as a guide to reconnecting with one’s authentic self, breaking free from societal expectations, and embracing the untamed spirit within.
Why You Should Read It
This isn’t just a book—it’s a spiritual awakening. Estés’ storytelling invites readers to reclaim their intuition, trust their inner wisdom, and reconnect with their primal power.
If you’re someone who feels disconnected from your true self, Women Who Run with the Wolves serves as a powerful reminder that strength, creativity, and freedom have always been within you. It’s a must-read for those drawn to psychology, mythology, and self-discovery.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson has described Women Who Run with the Wolves as one of the most transformative books she has ever read.
In her review of the book, she wrote “Estés points to storytelling, our ancient narratives, as a way for women to reconnect to the Wild Woman all women have within themselves but have lost’
Watson has also highlighted the book’s role in helping women break free from self-doubt and societal conditioning and encourages readers to approach the book slowly and thoughtfully.
Get Book: Women Who Run with the Wolves!10. All About Love by bell hooks
Category: Love, Relationships, Feminist Philosophy, Self-Help
What It’s About
In All About Love, legendary scholar and feminist bell hooks redefines the way we think about love—not just romantic love, but self-love, familial love, friendship, and love as a political force. She argues that our society lacks a deep, meaningful understanding of love, often confusing it with control, possession, and dependency.
Through philosophy, personal reflection, and social critique, hooks dismantles toxic narratives around love and offers a new vision for how we can cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships—with ourselves, our communities, and the world.
Why You Should Read It
This book is a game-changer for anyone who has ever questioned what love really is and why it often feels so elusive. hooks challenges readers to unlearn harmful cultural ideas about love and embrace it as a radical, healing force.
If you want a book that shifts your mindset, deepens your relationships, and helps you approach love with intention and honesty, All About Love is a must-read.
Emma Watson’s Take
Emma Watson has repeatedly praised bell hooks as one of her greatest intellectual influences. She has called All About Love “a book that changed the way I see the world”, emphasizing its importance in both personal growth and social activism.
Get Book: All About Love!Final Thoughts: Why Emma Watson’s Book List Matters
Emma Watson’s reading choices aren’t just books—they’re blueprints for empowerment, self-discovery, and social change. Her selections challenge us to question systems of power, embrace our identities, and engage with the world in a more meaningful way.
From feminist manifestos to deeply personal memoirs, each book on this list offers wisdom, strength, and a call to action. If you’re looking for literature that will inspire, educate, and transform, these books are the perfect place to start.
Which of these books speaks to you the most? Have you read any of Emma Watson’s recommendations?
