What Is the STEMinist BookClub? A Monthly Book Club for Women Who Love Smart Heroines

What Is the STEMinist BookClub? A Monthly Book Club for Women Who Love Smart Heroines

By Galy, founder of The BookClub Boutique · Last updated September 29, 2026

The short answer: The STEMinist BookClub is a monthly book club by The BookClub Boutique, a woman-owned small business in Canada. Each month members get one hand-picked novel with a woman over 25 at its centre, plus illustrated stickers, stationery, a digital reading journal,the book, a private Fable community and a live call. It costs $39 CAD a month and ships to Canada and the US. Members also get 20% off every book in our shop, for as long as their subscription is active.

Who is the STEMinist BookClub for?

It's for women, mostly 25 to 55, who see reading as part of who they are. Members tend to like stories where the heroine is clever, grown-up and a little angry about how the world treats women, and who still gets to win. You don't need to work in science. "STEMinist" is a nod to the brilliant, curious women we love reading about.

How are the books chosen?

Every pick has to pass five checks:

  1. A woman protagonist aged 25 or older.
  2. Feminist themes: she has agency, and the story takes her seriously.
  3. A contemporary feel, even when it's fantasy or historical.
  4. Strong reader ratings on Goodreads.
  5. Big feelings, with hope: it's allowed to wreck you, as long as it doesn't leave you hopeless.

Then comes my own rule: I read every book first, and I only pick it if I'd rate it at least 4 out of 5 unicorns 🦄. My favourite picks move fast from page one, make you a little furious about something normalized, and end with hope.

Genres we pick from: romance, fantasy and romantasy, women's fiction, magical realism and thrillers.

What's inside each month's envelope?

Item Details
The book One curated novel, shipped with your kit
Sticker set Waterproof, illustrated, inspired by that month's story
Notepad and bookmark Designed around the book's theme
Letter from the heroine A printed letter written in the voice of the month's protagonist, to read before page one
Digital reading journal A themed journal sent as a digital download to track your thoughts as you read
Community A private group on Fable to talk about the book with other members
Live call A video call to discuss the book, usually around the 15th of the following month, so everyone has time to finish

Prefer to get the book elsewhere? There's a no-book plan at $18 CAD a month that includes everything else.

How much does it cost?

The full plan is $39 CAD a month, book included. The no-book plan is $18 CAD a month. You can cancel either one anytime. Prices are in Canadian dollars; the checkout converts to your local currency.

Do members get a discount on books?

Yes. Every member gets 20% off all books in The BookClub Boutique shop, with no expiry. The discount stays yours for as long as your BookClub subscription is active, so it covers the extra books you'll want after every discussion.

Where does it ship?

Canada and the United States.

How does the club work month to month?

  1. Join any day of the month. You'll get that month's kit, so you're never waiting for the next cycle.
  2. Your envelope arrives with the book, the goodies and the letter.
  3. Read at your own pace and chat in the Fable group as you go.
  4. Meet around the 15th of the following month for the live call, once everyone has finished the book.

What have members read?

Recent picks include Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller and Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (September 2026).

What do members say?

"Thoughtfully chosen books, beautifully designed stickers & stationary to go with the books. I am thoroughly enjoying my subscription."

"Getting something fun in the mail is underrated. I look forward to my little envelope every month!"

Read all the member reviews on the BookClub page.

Is this the same as the STEMMinist Book Club in Australia?

No. The STEMinist BookClub is run by The BookClub Boutique in Canada and ships to Canada and the US. We're not connected to the STEMMinist Book Club events held in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Can I join in the middle of the month? Yes. Join any day and you'll receive that month's kit.

Can I cancel anytime? Yes, there's no minimum commitment.

Do members get discounts? Yes: 20% off every book in our shop, for as long as your subscription is active.

Do I have to join the live call? No. Many members read on their own schedule and chat in the Fable group instead.

Join the STEMinist BookClub →

About the author: Galy is the founder of The BookClub Boutique and leads the STEMinist BookClub. She's a marketer with 10+ years of experience, directs the Encuentro Nacional de Creadores de Contenido Literario at FIL Guadalajara, and has hand-rated every book the club has picked.