Reese Witherspoon’s Literary Empire - The New York Times

When her career hit a wall, the Oscar-winning actor built a ladder made of books — for herself, and for others. When her career hit a wall, the Oscar-winning actor built a ladder made of books — for herself, and for others. “Reading is the antidote to hate and xenophobia,” Reese Witherspoon said. “It increases our empathy and understanding of the world.” Credit... Jingyu Lin for The New York Times Supported by By Elisabeth Egan Reporting from Nashville “You’d be shocked by how many books have women chained in basements,” Reese Witherspoon said. “I know it happens in the world. I don’t want to read a book about it.” Nor does she want to read an academic treatise, or a 700-page novel about a tree. Sitting in her office in Nashville, occasionally dipping into a box of takeout nachos, Witherspoon talked about what she does like to read — and what she looks for in a selection for Reese’s Book Club, which she referred to in a crisp third person. “It needs to be optimistic,” Witherspoon said.

When her career hit a wall, the Oscar-winning actor built a ladder made of books — for herself, and for others. When her career hit a wall, the Oscar-winning actor built a ladder made of books — for herself, and for others. “Reading is the antidote to hate and xenophobia,” Reese Witherspoon said. “It increases our empathy and understanding of the world.” Credit... Jingyu Lin for The New York Times Supported by By Elisabeth Egan Reporting from Nashville “You’d be shocked by how many books have women chained in basements,” Reese Witherspoon said. “I know it happens in the world. I don’t want to