Illustration of five women standing with raised fists and serious expressions emerging from an open book. A girl sits reading on a stack of books below them. Text above reads “Read to Resist.”.

Read to resist

Movements for justice, democracy and human rights are facing especially challenging times. Yet this is far from the first time these movements have been on the defense.

Resistance movements have always learned winning strategies and perspectives from those who’ve come before. That’s why we’re seeking to resist and persist in the current moment through reading—and meaningful discussion with our communities. Join us!

We’ve pulled together the essentials for anyone seeking to read and resist: a thoughtful reading list, discussion questions, and some in-person and virtual events.

Illustration by Kaviki Muema.

We’d love for you to read with us—however you prefer:

Read on your own—or with a friend

Check out our reading list and pick something appealing.

Read with your book club

Ask your club to choose a selection from our list.

Host a book discussion

In your home, at your local bookstore or coffee shop, or anywhere else that seems right.

Set up a fundraiser for Ipas

Attendees of your book discussion can make a suggested donation.
Learn how to host an Ipas fundraiser.

Upcoming events

Read to Resist Book Club at Flyleaf Books

Where: Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, North Carolina – United States

Join in community to discuss books that inspire resilience and action. Hosted by Ipas.

Learn more about the Read to Resist Book Club at Flyleaf Books.

Future dates

August 16, 5:00pm: Woman Life Freedom: Voices and Art from the Women’s Protests in Iran, edited by Malu Halasa

October 18, 5:00pm: The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World by Mason Funk

A diverse audience sits in rows of chairs at Flyleaf Books, attentively listening to a panel discussion. Bookshelves line the walls, and banners reading "EAT SLEEP READ" and "FLYLEAF BOOKS" are visible at the front.

Past dates:

April 19: How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future by Maria Ressa

March 15: Read & Riot by Nadya Tolokonnikova

February 15: Just Pills by Rebecca Kelliher, Author talk event

October 20, 2025: No Straight Road Takes You There: Essays for Uneven Terrain by Rebecca Solnit

August 18, 2025: Our History Is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance by Nick Estes

June 23, 2025: Calling in: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel by Loretta Ross

April 21, 2025: The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls by Mona Eltahawy

Read to Resist Cafe with Nairobi Book Love

Where: Nairobi, Kenya

Learn more about Nairobi Book Club on Instagram.

A woman signs a poster at a book event. Next to her is a display featuring the cover of "The Havoc of Choice" by Wanjiru Koinange, labeled as an award-winning book. Books and more posters are visible in the background.

Past dates:

October 4: Our Broken Silence by Adelle Onyango and Lanji Ouko-Awori

June 7: Against the Tide by Martha Karua

April 26: The Havoc of Choice by Wanjiru Koinange

Dr. Loretta Ross sits at a table signing a book, smiling, while another person in the foreground arranges stickers and books on the table. A small plant and water cup sit nearby.

Photo by Andrea Ellen Reed

The image features large yellow text that reads "RESIST" above "PERSIST." A red ampersand, "&," is prominently placed alongside the text. The background is white, and the text is bold and eye-catching.

Together, we’ll keep moving forward.