UPDATE: In an exciting reveal, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton have shared their top six influential books, sparking a reading revolution among fans and bibliophiles alike. This announcement coincides with the release of their new book, “The Great American Mousical,” which is available now.
The beloved actress and her daughter are inviting readers to dive into the stories that shaped their lives. Andrews emphasizes the enduring power of literature, calling it a source of inspiration since childhood. As their latest project hits shelves, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for book lovers eager to expand their reading lists.
Here’s a closer look at the six books that have profoundly influenced Andrews and Walton Hamilton:
1. **“The Little Grey Men” by Denys Watkins-Pitchford**
“My father bought me this lovely book when I was about 9 years old. It is a beautifully written nature study focusing on the last four gnomes living in Britain. This book has influenced my own writing ever since I first read it, and I was proud to help republish it in the States several years ago.” — Julie Andrews
2. **“The Golden Compass” by Philip Pullman**
“‘The Golden Compass’ by Philip Pullman is possibly my favorite book of all time. It’s magnificently written and manages to be both a gripping adventure and a meditation on the nature of the soul at the same time.” — Emma Walton Hamilton
3. **“The Once and Future King” by T. H. White**
“‘The Once and Future King’ is a huge book — four novels in all — under one cover. It retells the Arthurian legends originally written by Thomas Malory in 1485. Terence Hanbury White transcribed those books for modern readers, and it eventually became the basis for the lovely musical ‘Camelot,’ which I was so fortunate to be part of in my youth.” — Julie Andrews
4. **“The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster**
“‘The Phantom Tollbooth’ by Norton Juster was the book that made me fall in love with reading as a child. The idea of a word market, where words have flavor and scent and texture, so captured my imagination that I think it’s why I’m a writer today.” — Emma Walton Hamilton
5. **“Act One” by Moss Hart**
“‘Act One’ is the wonderful autobiography of the famous writer/director Moss Hart. It details his early life as he struggled through extreme poverty to eventually become the beloved, prominent man that he was. In my view, it captures an era and the world of musical theater in an unparalleled way.” — Julie Andrews
6. **“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert**
“‘Big Magic’ by Elizabeth Gilbert is a book I turn to again and again in my adult writing life. It reminds me of and re-roots me in the mystery and wonder that is the creative process.” — Emma Walton Hamilton
This revelation is not just a list; it’s an invitation to explore the literary treasures that have inspired two icons of creativity. With their new book making waves, fans are eager to discover the stories that shaped Andrews and Walton Hamilton’s lives.
As readers rush to add these titles to their TBR piles, the impact of this announcement is palpable. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with the stories that have inspired generations. Share this list with friends and family, and ignite the joy of reading today!