Every August 26th, we take time out to honor National Women’s Equality Day. It’s a day that commemorates the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment in the United States, which granted many American women the right to vote.  But let’s be honest, it’s about so much more than voting rights. It’s about honouring the voices, stories, and progress of women past and present. And what better way to celebrate than with a curated list of books for Women’s Equality Day?

At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe that stories connect us across time and culture. Through our immersive reading experience (yes, we know you love those surprise gifts), we bring books to life in ways that make you feel, think, and celebrate the power of storytelling. 

We love themed TBR lists, so if you’re looking for feminist books, women’s rights books, or just great titles for your Women’s Equality Day reading list, we’ve got you covered. 

Why Books Belong in Every Equality Conversation

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to foster empathy, highlight injustice, and amplify the voices of those who are silenced. Whether fictional or true, these stories reveal the resilience, courage, and complexity of women throughout history and today. 

At OUABC, we’ve featured unforgettable titles in our past boxes that reflect exactly that: stories that challenge, uplift, and inspire.

 

7 Powerful Reads to Honor Women’s Equality Day

Ready to dive into some of the best feminist books to read this August? These stories are filled with the undeniable strength and courage that women bring along with a touch of wit and heartbreak along the way.

A Wartime Story of Female Courage and Codebreaking

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Genre: Historical Fiction | Theme: Female courage and codebreaking

Three brilliant women work as codebreakers during WWII at Bletchley Park. In 1947, they’re brought back together to uncover a traitor hidden in their past. Spies, secrets, and a dash of royal drama? Count us in.

Why it’s ideal: It highlights unsung heroines of history, brilliant women whose minds and friendships shaped the war effort—a thrilling combo of mystery and female power.

A Memoir That Reclaims a Silenced Voice

Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Genre: Memoir | Theme: Reclaiming identity and justice

Chanel Miller steps out from behind the pseudonym “Emily Doe” to share her powerful story of trauma, healing, and the broken systems survivors face.

Why it’s ideal: This feminist memoir is a must-read for understanding justice, resilience, and how the power of words can change the world.

A Novel That Redefines What Power Looks Like

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
Genre: YA Speculative Fiction | Theme: Gender control and liberation

Girls are banished at 16 to “release their magic” and return purified for marriage, but many don’t survive. Tierney James wants more than survival; she wants freedom.

Why it’s ideal: For anyone who loved The Hunger Games, this dystopian feminist thriller explores the relationships between girls, societal control, and rebellion with gritty intensity.

A Reimagined Myth That Centers Feminine Strength

Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn
Genre: Myth Retelling | Theme: Feminine strength and maternal love

Demeter hides from the world with her daughter, Core, after a devastating trauma. But Core secretly craves independence, and when Hades kidnaps her, both women are forced to reclaim their power.

Why it’s ideal: A lush, emotional retelling of the Persephone myth that centres feminine strength, mother-daughter bonds, and agency. A great pick for fans of Circe and The Song of Achilles.

A Literary Classic That Challenges Patriarchy and Endures

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Genre: Classic Gothic | Theme: Independence and inner strength

Orphaned Jane rises from a bleak childhood to become a governess, only to face a strange love and darker secrets at Thornfield Hall.

Why it’s ideal: Published in 1847, Jane’s refusal to be owned, emotionally or socially, still resonates today. A cornerstone of any women’s history reading list.

A Quiet Revolution Told Through Domestic Resilience

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Genre: Contemporary Fiction | Theme: Expression and cultural identity

Nikki accidentally finds herself teaching a creative writing class to Sikh widows who were expecting basic English lessons. When one discovers a book of racy stories, all kinds of secrets and feelings of self-empowerment inevitably emerge.

Why it’s ideal: It’s bold, funny, and beautifully explores how women find their voices within a conservative community. A reminder that every woman, no matter how old she is or where she comes from, has stories worth telling.

A Legal and Emotional Battle That Redefines Justice

The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
Genre: Nonfiction | Theme: Workers’ rights and systemic injustice

In WWI-era America, young women worked painting glowing radium onto watch dials—until they began falling ill, and no one would listen. Their fight led to landmark changes in workers’ rights.

Why it’s ideal: It’s one of the most gripping true stories you’ll ever read. These brave women literally lit up the night and history with their courage.

 

How to Celebrate Women’s Equality Through Reading

Books are meant to be shared. This National Women’s Equality Day, why not host a themed book club for the day? We are already thinking about snacks and wine, coffee and cake!

Or perhaps it's time for a bit of reflection! Grab your journal and write a reflection, or maybe start the first chapter of your story!

We are all surrounded by incredible women who have inspired us, and this is a great opportunity to say thank you! Our Adult One-Month Gift Subscription is the perfect way to acknowledge their impact. Don’t forget to take a look at our Boutique for those beautiful bookish-inspired gifts you can’t find anywhere else!

Conclusion

National Women’s Equality Day is about more than history; it’s about the stories that shape us. Through the books we read, we honor the trailblazers, the truth-tellers, and the quiet rebels who’ve pushed for progress. 

Whether you’re getting ready for an inspiring memoir or a modern novel, let your next story be one that reminds you of your power. And if you’re looking for a touch more inspiration, make sure to check out our Adult Ready-to-Ship Book Boxes!

Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club! Remember, when women’s voices are heard, the whole world changes.

 

Sources

National Women's History Museum. (2013, August 26). Women's Equality Day. https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/womens-equality-day