Today marks a nationwide day of protest, with voices raised not only across the U.S. but around the world. In moments like these, books remind us of the power of ideas, civil discourse, and the courage to rise. Here’s a reading list—both fiction and nonfiction—that explores resistance, rebellion, political movements, and what it means to fight for change.
📖 Fiction That Fights Back
The Power by Naomi Alderman
When women across the globe suddenly develop a physical advantage, the power balance shifts—fast. A sharp, speculative look at gender and revolution.
Themes: feminist uprising, dystopia, political reversal
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
A haunting tale of a future theocracy, and the quiet acts of rebellion that bloom inside it.
Themes: authoritarianism, gender oppression, survival
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
In a crumbling future, a young visionary crafts a new belief system and community of hope. Prescient, powerful, and fiercely relevant.
Themes: climate collapse, grassroots resistance, spirituality
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
A sweeping story of love, justice, and insurrection in revolutionary France.
Themes: redemption, uprising, social inequality
The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
Two worlds—one anarchist, one capitalist. One physicist, one revolution. A quiet manifesto in the form of fiction.
Themes: utopia, dissent, social philosophy
V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
A masked anarchist sparks rebellion in a fascist future Britain. Explosive, eerie, and unforgettable.
Themes: identity, fascism, resistance
Non-Fiction That Inspires Action
March (Trilogy) by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell
Congressman John Lewis tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement in this gripping graphic memoir.
Themes: racial justice, peaceful protest, courage
We Do This ‘Til We Free Us by Mariame Kaba
A brilliant collection of essays and interviews on prison abolition, justice, and hope.
Themes: activism, abolition, community care
Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit
A love letter to uncertainty and persistence in dark times.
Themes: protest, possibility, resilience
This Is an Uprising by Mark & Paul Engler
What makes a movement succeed? This book explores the strategies and spark behind successful protests.
Themes: grassroots organizing, civil resistance
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
Bold essays and speeches that challenge silence, demand visibility, and inspire action.
Themes: intersectionality, truth-telling, power
No Is Not Enough by Naomi Klein
A critique of corporate power, climate inaction, and shock politics—and a call to resistance.
Themes: political critique, capitalism, resistance playbook
Books can’t march in the streets, but they can light fires inside us. They give language to injustice, empathy to struggle, and vision to movements. Whether you’re organizing, learning, unlearning, or simply holding space for reflection—there’s a book here for you.
Have a favorite resistance read? Leave a comment below. We’d love to grow this list together.
Until the next chapter,
– Lyndsey, Founder of Lost & Bound
Here are a few ways to take the next step beyond the page:
📚 Learn More:
- ACLU: Know Your Rights
- Brennan Center for Justice
- PEN America: Book Bans
- Zinn Education Project
- Free Speech for People
💥 Take Action:
💡 Quick Ways to Help:
- Buy & donate banned books 📦
- Boost marginalized voices 🎤
- Talk to your local library or school board 🗣️
- Vote in every election 🗳️
- Stay loud, stay kind ✨
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