The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

“I’ve revisited each of these books three or four times.” — Emma Watson

Emma Watson's love for the Harry Potter series is well-known, especially since she played Hermione Granger in the films. One of my most memorable childhood experiences was when I stayed up until 3 AM engrossed in The Goblet of Fire, much to my mother's dismay. The punishment of being sent to my room only led me back to my bookshelf, where I eagerly finished the book.

According to Scholastic, over 500 million copies of the Harry Potter series have been sold globally. Goblet of Fire, published on July 8, 2000, had an initial print run of 3.8 million copies in the U.S. and sold 3 million copies during its opening weekend. If you’ve read this series, it’s definitely worth revisiting soon.

Some memorable quotes from Harry Potter include:

• “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
• “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
• “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

“It discusses how extroverts in our society are celebrated, while introverts often feel marginalized.” — Emma Watson

This insightful non-fiction book has made a significant impact on me. Susan Cain explores the psychology of introverted personalities and asserts that one does not need to be extroverted to achieve success. I plan to revisit this book before the end of the year.

Noteworthy quotes from Quiet:

• “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
• “Introverts may possess strong social skills but often find themselves drained after social interactions, preferring deeper conversations over small talk.”

Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl

“I loved it immensely.” — Emma Watson

This book is a compelling read that I found hard to put down. Viktor Frankl shares his experiences in concentration camps and presents profound insights on resilience and purpose. He emphasizes that while we cannot control every situation, we can control our reactions.

If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it.

Favorite quotes from Man’s Search For Meaning:

• “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
• “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”