Happy Election Day, book babes!
As we head to the polls, I wanted to reflect on just how powerful literacy—and the ability to share our voices—really is. Today, as we celebrate our right to vote, we can also remember that not so long ago, women had to fight for the right to be educated, to read, and to participate fully in society.

Imagine a world where reading was considered too “dangerous” for women. It might sound wild, but historically, women in many societies were actively discouraged from reading and gaining knowledge. For centuries, education and literacy were seen as privileges reserved for men. In some cultures, women were even banned from reading certain books because of the fear that knowledge would make them “too independent” or “rebellious.” These outdated views were attempts to keep women within strict social roles, preventing them from engaging in intellectual pursuits or imagining possibilities beyond their daily lives.

Fast-forward to today, and thankfully, we live in a world where women not only have the freedom to read but are also leaders in literature, education, and social change. Think of all the books that have inspired, empowered, and even comforted us—works by iconic women authors like Jane Austen, Maya Angelou, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. These women and countless others helped pave the way for our voices to be heard, both in literature and in society.

The right to read, learn, and vote are freedoms we might take for granted today, but they’re hard-won privileges. Books, in particular, remain a way for us to engage with different perspectives, learn about other cultures, and expand our minds. Reading can be a subtle act of rebellion, a quiet way of saying, “I choose to think for myself.”

So, on this Election Day, let’s celebrate our right to vote—and our right to read. Both are powerful tools for change and self-expression. Today, after you cast your ballot, take a moment to pick up a book by a woman author who inspires you, and celebrate the journey of women’s voices throughout history. Here’s to reading, voting, and the freedom to be whoever we choose to be.

Happy Election Day, and happy reading! 📚🗳️✨