On My Bookshelf: Professor Emiliana Vegas

This past winter, with thoughts of Italy and the beach on her mind, Emiliana Vegas, Ed.M.'96, Ed.D.'01, former co-director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and chief of the education division at the Inter-American Development Bank, shared what she’s reading and thoughts on who she’d invite to a book group. Vegas’s new book, Let’s Change the World: How to Work within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference, is coming out this fall. 

What book are you currently reading? Currently, I am reading L’Amica Geniale (My Brilliant Friend) by author Elena Ferrante. 

What drew you to this book? Last year, I became an Italian citizen, thanks to my heritage from my mother’s side of the family. I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and my native language is Spanish. I decided last June that I wanted to learn the Italian language, and since then I’ve been studying the language using an application, listening to Italian podcasts, and music. The next step was reading a book in Italian, and this is a bestseller. I’m really enjoying it thus far, and each chapter gets easier as I make progress in the language. 

Did you have a favorite book growing up? As a kid, I studied in a bilingual English- Spanish school in Caracas. I remember loving a series of American books titled Jack and Jane. 

You’re forming a book group at your house. Name three people you’d want in the group and why. Caroline Hoxby: She’s a fabulous economist but also endlessly curious. I’d love to get her book suggestions. (She was also on my dissertation committee!) Amartya Sen: I have learned so much from his books; it would be wonderful to get his views on others’ books. Martha Nussbaum: I admire her feminist philosophy and capabilities approach. 

Name a book you were given as a gift and why it is memorable. Dancing with Life by Peter Moffitt. It was given to me by a counselor when I was going through a very difficult personal time. It changed my approach to facing challenges and enjoying the good times. 

Is there a book you’re assigning to your students at HGSE that you think all educators should read? Educational Goods: Values, Evidence, and Decision-Making by Harry Brighouse, Helen Ladd, Susanna Loeb, and Adam Swift. 

Favorite place to read. On the beach, in the shade. I grew up near the Caribbean Sea, and to me reading a book by the sound of the waves is very relaxing. 

What books, in addition to Ferrante’s, are on your nightstand? Me, Elton John, a gift from my 20-year-old son who knows how much I love music and this artist. Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant. And In an Uncertain World: Tough Choices from Wall Street to Washington by Robert Rubin, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.