10 Empowering Feminist Reads From Emma Watson’s Book Club That'll Inspire You

empowering feminist reads from emma watson's book clubempowering feminist reads from emma watson's book club

Emma Watsonmay have stolen our hearts with her brilliant portrayal as Hermione in the Harry Potter series or as Sam in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, but she’s also known for pursuing an English literature degree and championing sustainability in fashion. In between her acting and ethical pursuits, she decided to start a book club called Our Shared Shelf in 2016.

She first broke the news of her latest venture when she asked her Twitter followers to help her name the club. She writes, “Hi Team, I want to start a feminist book club but so far have only brainstormed ‘Feminist Book Club’ and ‘Emma Watson Book Club.'” In a follow-up tweet she added, “I am almost certain there is a more inspiring name out there…. Does anyone have any thoughts?!” Not surprisingly, a lot of people had a lot of thoughts — celebrities included. Sophia Bush threw out the name “fEMMAnismReads” but ultimately Emma went with another fan’s suggestion — hence the name Our Shared Shelf.

For a time, it was housed on Goodreads and encouraged open dialogue between members about Emma’s feminist book recommendations. Even after announcing that Our Shared Shelf would no longer be moderated, she encouraged members to keep reading and interacting with each other.

After revisiting the full list, here’s my top 10 must-read books from Emma Watson’s book club.

My Life on The Road by Gloria Steineim

Known for explaining feminism in a more modern way, Gloria Steineim’s My Life on The Road offers readers a different peek into her life’s views. Inspired by a childhood that was filled with adventures, Steinem made it her mission to continue traveling all over the world to learn more about others and fight for equality.

My Life on The Road goes into great detail about the many moments that not only helped mold who she is, but it also talks about how she was challenged to evolve as well. I highly recommend reading it to learn more about what drives Steinem.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple is one of those books that stirs up a lot of feelings for anyone who reads it — or refuses to. It covers everything from molestation to queer love in a way that tends to linger once the book is finished and I think that’s the point. Alice Walker wanted to write something that makes people realize that while there is ugliness in the world, there’s still love, hope, and the art of realizing who you are. That these things make life worth living regardless of who tries to stop them or not.

How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran

Emma Watson’s book club is full of great books about feminism and How to be a Woman is no exception. In her own way, Caitlin Moran points out the obvious about women — we still deal with oppressive ideas even though we’ve come far from being treated as witches who deserved death. She decides to cover hard conversations with a touch of wit and sarcasm, making it easy for the reader to say, “Ah, I knew something felt odd about this ‘normal’ thing.”

Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein’s memoir begins with recollections of her girlhood and the rock movement that set the stage for her future career. Like many of us, she searched for meaning in life and decided to take matters into her own hands by using music as an outlet. Thus began a long chapter of punk-rock in the 90s that defied all the rules of what was acceptable for women in a male-dominated industry.

More importantly, Brownstein talks about the love and community she found along the way which makes Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl a must-read in my eyes.

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés

It’s ironic to see this novel on Emma Watson’s book club list because I find myself reaching for it on a monthly basis. I think I stumbled across it after Jada Pinkett Smith mentioned it on an episode of the Red Table Talk and it’s been one of my saving graces ever since. Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés does a phenomenal job of explaining the different stages our psyches go through and how we can move through them.

She never promises that we’ll be unscathed as we learn how to trust our inner wild woman, but she does share — through stories passed down several generations — that there is a way to become a fully realized woman in a world that seeks to silence anyone it can’t control.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood was ahead of her time when she wrote The Handmaid’s Tale because our current reproductive laws feel like we’re headed towards something that resembles the Republic of Gilead. It follows Offred’s journey as a fertile woman who’s forced to bear the children of one of the higher-ups without regard to her already having a husband and child whom she loves. It’s totalitarian and forces women beyond the role of a 1950s housewife.

Yet, Offred finds a way to get through her days and knows it’s only a matter of time before she escapes the hellish life she’s come to live.

The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf

Beauty has been redefined several times over the last millennium, but it’s clear that society still has a standard for it. It’s something that drives the fashion and beauty industries, causing women to feel as if they’re inadequate. However, Naomi Wolf seeks to help modern women break free from this idea that they have to achieve physical perfection in order to continue being seen as successful or worthy of good things in life.

Hunger by Roxane Gay

I find it interesting — in a good way — that Hunger is on Emma Watson’s book club list. Roxane Gay has never shied away from sharing her open and honest opinions about various things in life, but detailing her own struggles creates an air of relatability. Using food to deal with her conflicted feelings about her physical appearance and what feels good to her, Gay deep dives into what lies underneath her desire to eat.

After experiencing trauma at a young age, she and the reader begin understanding how she decided to protect herself by any means necessary. It’s a tale of accountability and finding one’s power again; something I think all of us experience at different points in our lives.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I read The Hate U Give during a time when the unrest in Atlanta was reaching a fever pitch due to the police brutality happening around the world. It was scary to immerse myself in the world of Star, but I felt it was necessary to read about a fictional character who saw an innocent person’s life whisked away by an overly eager police officer.

As she grapples with the effects of trauma and the clashing of the two worlds she inhabits, Star eventually decides enough is enough.

Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper

Hilarious and heartbreaking at times, Eloquent Rage is one of those books that gives a crash course on what feminism looks like from a black woman’s perspective. It’s been on my shelf since my early twenties so seeing it on Emma Watson’s book club list makes my heart soar. Whether you’re looking for anecdotes on sex or the way our bodies are viewed, this book does an excellent job of breaking down society and pop culture in a digestible way.

Let us know which of Emma Watson’s book club picks you’ll be adding to your top shelf and be sure to follow our Amazon storefront for more of Brit + Co’s favorite books!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Kering Foundation

This post have been updated.

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) have always been a dramatic duo, but they're taking the drama to new heights right now: they're breaking up, according to TMZ. The Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker BFFs announced they were expecting their first child together, making this all way more complicated than a simple split. And Megan Fox just gave birth to their sweet new baby.

Here's everything to know about Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox's baby— & their breakup.

Did Megan Fox have her baby?

www.instagram.com

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly may not be together, but they have a lot to celebrate now that their daughter made her grand debut! Machine Gun Kelly eagerly announced her arrival on Instagramby sharing a small black and white video of him holding her toes.

No matter where he and Megan stand, the rapper made it clear he's excited their daughter was born safe and sound. The sweetest part of his caption is him calling the newborn a "little celestial seed."

He also explained that Travis Barker helped welcome their daughter through music, adding, "We composed the score of the birth. What an epic journey. Praise God."

We also love positive the comments on the announcement post are! Even MTV couldn't resist commenting by writing, "congratulations ♥️."

And get this, Megan's birth was aided by music. "We composed the score of the birth. What an epic journey. Praise God," Kelly told E! News. If you're wondering whose music they were listening to, it's none other than Travis Barker!

Did Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox break up?

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TMZ reported Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly broke up on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The pair allegedly split on Thanksgiving weekend in Vail, Colorado given "upsetting material" Megan found on MGK's phone. Apparently they haven't been together since the breakup, with MGK going as far as to leave their trip early.

Megan announced she was pregnant on Instagram a month before they allegedly broke up, on November 11, 2024. According to PEOPLE, MGK was "basically telling everyone he knows" about the baby, and that the pair is "doing well" in general. Now, it seems like the tables have really turned in the latter regard.

However, an exclusive source told PEOPLE, "Their relationship has always been bumpy. They love each other but don't have compatible personalities." The source explained that Megan and MGK are "both hot-heads, dramatic and stubborn," noting that they've "worked things out" when they broke up in the past. "When they're good together, they're great," they said. "They will very likely get back together."

PEOPLE reported that Megan and MGK announced their engagement on Instagram on January 12, 2022. However, the Jennifer's Body star only features her pregnancy announcement on Instagram now — and while MGK doesn't have a post on his grid either, you can still see his video of her engagement ring here!

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

This post has been updated.

It's almost time to return to Cousins! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is coming this summer, and Prime Video just gave us a first official look at Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. The new episodes will open at the end of Belly's freshman year of college, and in addition to seeing the evolution of our favorite characters, author and co-showrunner Jenny Han says "there are going to be surprises" in the final season. Eek!

Here's your first look at Lola Tung, Gavin Casalegno, and Christopher Briney in The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3, coming to Prime Video July 2025!


Jenny Han says 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' fans are in for a few surprises.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

"There are the things that [fans] know and then there are things they think they know, and then there's going to be, hopefully, things that surprise them," Jenny Han tells Entertainment Weekly. Listen, I am a very proud member of Team Conrad, and seeing how cozy Belly and Jeremiah are in these pics (not to mention the set leak that's definitely not in the third book), I'm starting to wonder if Prime Video is teasing I should switch teams.

But no matter which team you're on, Lola Tung promises the season won't let you down.

Team #JellyFish will get their time this season.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

"The one thing I've always admired about Jenny is that every season and every decision about what's coming next is purely to serve the story," Lola says. "She's never going to do anything that doesn't make sense for the story. It's all about this beautiful world she's created and giving the fans something really, really special and giving us something really special to work with."

And that includes some sweet moments which Jeremiah and Belly, who "are, at their core, best friends," Lola adds. "That relationship is something that's so special and so unique to them, so it's exciting to see this season and how their relationship blossoms."

And 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' images also feature Conrad.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But don't worry Conrad fans, we also get a look at the elder Fisher brother who "we know that he went to Stanford, and so he's continuing on his journey to become a doctor, as you can see from that white coat," Jenny says. "I think people won't be surprised to see that."

Keep reading for more images from The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3!

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Jenny Han also teases this image is actually a flashback, "so do with that what you will." BRB, I'm off dreaming of a beach vacation. I also can't help but point out the warm color grade of this season! The golden look makes everything feel warmer and more magical — and offers a youthful glow as Belly gets older.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But for those of us who care more about Steven and Taylor (Sean Kaufman and Rain Spencer) than the main love triangle, we got this single crumb from the new images. And I'm more than happy about it, thank you very much.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Belly (Lola Tung) gets cozy on campus in a hoodie and sunglasses.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

And Belly and Jeremiah (Gavin Casalegno) get cozy with each other at a party.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

But they work as hard as they play! I have this exact outfit Belly's wearing, and you best believe I'm adding it into my fashion rotation.

How many episodes will The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 have?

Erika Doss/Prime Video

Great news! The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 will have 11 episodes instead of 7 or 8 like seasons 1 and 2 did. Stay tuned for the official release schedule.

Who's in the cast?

Prime Video

The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 cast features all your favorites:

  • Lola Tung as Belly Conklin: a beach-loving volleyball player who's always dreaming of summer.
  • Christopher Briney as Conrad Fisher: Belly and Steven's lifelong friend who Belly's always had a crush on.
  • Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher: Conrad's sunny younger brother.
  • Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin: Belly's older brother.
  • Rain Spencer as Taylor Jewel: Belly's best friend.
  • Jackie Chungas Laurel Park: Belly and Steven's mom and Susannah Fisher's best friend.

Meet The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Cast before the new episodes air on Prime Video this July!

Old habits are hard to give up, but we're fine knowing our fondness for rom-comnovels allows us to explore different genres that blend love stories with perilous journeys, mysteries, and more. For example, western books have been at the top of our minds because we've been dreaming about rugged cowboys and their soft hearts thanks to Cole Hauser's portrayal of Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone.

Giddy up and keep scrolling to discover the best western romance books we love!

Amazon

Riding the High by Paisley Hope

Cole Ashby and Ginger Danforth are used to following protocol, but only one of them craves it. For Cole, nothing matters more than being the best interim sheriff Laurel Creek's ever had while raising his daughter. But Ginger's tired of living in her congressman father's shadow.
To their initial dismay, the two end up unexpected married after a drunken night out leads to trading vows in a quirky chapel. But instead of thinking their worlds have fallen apart, Cole and Ginger decide their marriage is good for business. Cole will be seen as a "family man" while Ginger's father will continue to have the kind of image that easily gets him reelected. After all, it's not like Cole and Ginger could actually fall in love...right?
If you love Christina Lauren's The Paradise Problem, you'll love reading Riding the High!

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Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

Ada Hart has sworn off men after rebuilding her life post-divorce and career pivot. Not only is she "Ms. Independent," she's the sought-after new hire at a popular Wyoming ranch. It's a dream come true which is why she wastes no time celebrating at a bar that ends with her scrumptiously kissing a sexy stranger. To her dismay, that sexy stranger's name is Weston Ryder and he's her boss.

Even though Weston's completely okay with it, Ada's trying to avoid him as much as possible. She doesn't have time to fall in love, especially with the person who's the reason her career is about to get the biggest boost ever.

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Kit McBride Gets a Wife by Amy Barry

Kit McBride's life takes on a new meaning when his sister decides she wants her brothers to get married. Her plan involves sharing interesting facts about them in The Matrimonial News in hopes that a few women will fall head over heels in love with them.

In a strange turn of events, Maddy Mooney cosplays as the lonely widow she's been working for after the latter thinks it's a great idea to become a "mail-order bride." Of course it's by accident, but Kit McBride doesn't know this nor is he aware that Maddy's plan of making him fall in love with her will be set in motion the moment she sees him.

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Talk Dirty, Cowboy by Elle Thorpe

Bowen Barclay and Paisley Ackerly didn't meant to meet each other, but a video game brings them together anyway. Both are single parents, but Bowen's a widow with a failing career while Paisley's keeping secrets about her past. However, they're absolutely smitten with each other and the undeniable attraction that exists between them. The only things that may keep them apart are the publicity that follows Bowen and the things he'll learn about Paisley.

Amazon

Live, Ranch, Love by Emma Lucy

Rory Jones' heart is crushed when she catches her boyfriend cheating on her, so she escapes to the ranch in Colorado her great aunt left behind. She thinks she'll get over writer's block if she's able to renovate it which would also give her a boost of confidence. But head rancher Wyatt Hensley isn't easily convinced.

For one, he's put everything into maintaining his position and refuses to hand it over. Secondly, he's not impressed by Rory's perceived flightiness. But a plan that works for both of them is develops which begins to smooth over quick first impressions.

It's not like they're going to act on the desires building in their hearts.

Amazon

Where Courage Calls by Janette Oak

Beth Thatcher hasn't had to worry about much in life because her wealthy background has always shielded her from different things. But her aunt's daring career makes her willing to give up comfortable living in exchange to become a teacher in western Canada. Surprisingly, Beth's father isn't against her decision to leave home which gives her courage that she can do anything she puts her mind to.

However, Coal Valley doesn't roll out the red carpet upon her arrival because the townspeople are now in the debt of the mining company. Also, Beth is faced with challenges when she realizes how poor of an education the children in her class have received and that there's an overall language barrier.

Just when things couldn't get worse, Beth finds her heart torn between someone she's always known and a new face that's always there for her. Will she decide to stick to her resolves or will she quickly leave Coal Valley behind?

Amazon

Lone Wolf in Lights by Stacey Kennedy

Willow Quinn left Phoenix to become a bar owner in Montana with her friends and she's ready for whatever that brings. As far as she's concerned, it can't be worse than the life she's always known. But that's where she's wrong. Her bar, The Naked Moose, goes viral for all the wrong reasons and her only hope is bull rider Eli Cole.
He believes "dating" each other will help smooth over her image in eyes of the townspeople, but he doesn't realize just how much Willow can't resist him.

Amazon

Texas Destiny by Lorraine Heath

Amelia Carson is a mail-order bride who's wondering what her new husband Dallas Leigh will be like. As her train comes to a stop in Fort Worth, Texas, she immediately perks up when she sees the man who's waiting for her. The problem is that it isn't Dallas, but his brother Houston.

They set off on a long journey to Amelia's new home with Houston resolved to keep things amicable between he and his brother's new wife. But it's hard not to fall in love when you're in close proximity to someone and get to see what motivates and scares them.

Amazon

Cross Cowboy by Elana Johnson

Travis Cooper works at his family's ranch where being loud comes as easy to them as getting their many animals to listen. But a run-in with Shayla Nelson makes him reconsider running his mouth so mouth even though he knows he's her former best friend's ex. Travis also knows that the rivalry between his ex and Shayla isn't fair, seeing that the latter didn't actually do anything wrong.

But a slippery slope exists between them because it seems like chaos follows them everywhere they go. It's just that Shayla can't help but fall for Travis even though she knows she probably shouldn't.

Amazon

Heart and Hand by Rebel Carter

Julie Baptiste is bored with living among New York's elite circle, so she makes the impulsive decision to become a mail-order bride in Gold Sky, Montana. However, she's promised to two men instead of one.
Somehow, Forrest Wickes and his friend William Barnes have concluded they can't imagine life without each other, hence their desire to have a polyamorous relationship with a bride. Their hope is they'll be able to care for Julie while she also provides Gold Sky with a much-needed service.
But, can the three of them peacefully live together?

Amazon

Tempestby Beverly Johnson

Tempest is yet another western romance book about a mail-order bride, but it begins with a twist. Regan Carmichael accidentally shoots Dr. Colton Lee — the man she's marrying — and wonders if it's a sign she's making the wrong decision. She knows Colton isn't interesting in loving her, but he doesn't know how strong-willed she is.
To his surprise, Regan adapts to life in the Wyoming Territory and begins thawing the ice around his heart. He watches the way she boldly lives life while caring for his daughter and it makes him feel a passion he hasn't felt since his first wife died. It's enough to inspire him to risk everything to truly love Regan.

Amazon

Trailblazerby Anna Schmidt

Grace Rogers puts on her big girl pants and joins the Fred Harvey Company in Juniper, New Mexico to help save her family's farm. Though she wasn't planning on it, she finds herself enamored by Nick Hopkins. He's a cowboy who's marriage and family goals are the only things he cares about. Despite this, he and Grace find themselves in a predicament given her job's strict rules against marriage.

They decide to pursue love on their terms, but don't anticipate that another man has his eyes on Grace. Unfortunately, he'll do whatever it takes to ruin what Nick has with her so he can have her to himself.

Amazon

Forsaken Falls by Shirleen Davies

Wyatt Jackson's licking the wounds of failure following his successful run as a solider, he hobbles towards Splendor, Montana to seek refuge in the care of someone he hasn't seen in a while. Then there's Nora Evans and her wandering spirit.

Forced to move from place to place because her family won't claim her, she also finds herself living in the west. In her mind, being single and childless don't seem like a bad idea even if she's always thinking about a certain sexy individual named Wyatt.

He and Nora have every reason to stay away from each other, but it's hard when the heart knows what it wants.

Amazon

Brush Creek Cowboy by Liz Issacson

Walker Thompson's been content working at the Brush Creek Horse Ranch while raising his young son Michael, but he secretly years for Tess Wagner. She's also a single parent who happens to work alongside him during the annual fall Heritage Festival and they've always kept things cordial.

But right when Walker decides he wants to get to know her beyond a friendly level, Tess makes a heartbreaking confession that scares him away. He doesn't want to experience anymore hurt, but he can't help but imagine how sweet life will be if he and Tess give each other a chance.

Visit our Amazon Storefront for more of our top 2025 book picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

1923 season 2 premieres on Paramount+ February 23, and Michelle Randolph (who plays Elizabeth Dutton in the cast) is "so excited" for you to watch the new episodes — and she's been keeping up with all your fan theories!

"There are some crazy ones. I feel like the biggest fan theory thing is the family tree," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I've seen many different family trees and so it's like, 'OK, which one's accurate?' I actually drew my own at one point."

Here's what Michelle Randolph had to say about 1923 season 2, and the Dutton family tree, in Brit + Co's exclusive 1923 interview.

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."

Check out the 8 Compelling Historical Fiction Books For 1923 Lovers and read our interview with Julia Schlaepfer where she teases the Spencer and Alex's future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. And this post has been updated.

Leaders in the matcha industry are predicting a matcha shortage this spring. Sparked by a huge surge in demand, it’s possible that your go-to drink could be affected.

Here’s everything you need to know about this season’s matcha shortage.

Nataliya Vaitkevich / PEXELS

Per The Japan Times, increased demand for matcha powder put an “unprecedented strain” on the tea industry last year, and the same effect is predicted to take place in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan saw a 185% increase in matcha production from 2010 to 2023 in order to keep up with demand from cafes and home baristas around the world, The Japan Timesreports.

Cup of Couple / PEXELS

Seeing that over half of Japan’s matcha is exported internationally, matcha lovers are looking toward the country for their green tea fix. Search interest for matcha has nearly quadrupled over the past 5 years, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

Olena Bohovyk / PEXELS

This year, mostly organic matcha strains will be affected by the shortage, though lower-grade varieties could face the same issues if consumers begin reaching for them in favor of organic offerings. While top-tier, organic strains like ceremonial-grade matcha are known for being sweeter and smoother, the lower-grade kinds like culinary-grade matcha are noticeably more bitter and don't have the same vibrant color.

Charlotte May / PEXELS

Matcha can only be harvested in the springtime, so though a shortage may be happening now, there’s hope for increased supply in the near future. This year’s harvest will start in April.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Even though production will ramp up, Jason Eng of Kametani Tea in Japan, a company that produces matcha for beverage companies around the world, says: “This year will be an interesting one. We haven’t hit a point yet where we’re going to run out, but it’s going to be really tight this autumn – not just for us but for everybody. The demand is off the charts.”

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