I was first introduced to bell hooks in a college Women’s Studies class. Immediately, I was blown away by the brilliant way she explains complex concepts like racism, sexism, and our patriarchal society in clear, accessible language. She analyzes race and gender boundaries without causing further division, but rather by teaching people how to come together—to unite—despite their differences. Her writing is truly revolutionary:

“Women do not need to eradicate difference to feel solidarity. We do not need to share common oppression to fight equally to end oppression. We do not need anti-male sentiments to bond us together, so great is the wealth of experience, culture, and ideas we have to share with one another.”

Check out one of her books from our collection today:

Bone Black: Memories of Girlhood
DBC 3660
Memoir by the feminist, poet, and social critic bell hooks. This is not a conventional autobiography about growing up a poor black girl in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Instead, Hooks gathers dreams, fantasies, and experiences and presents them in short pieces that represent the
impressions that have stayed with her, formed her identity, and appeared in her work. Contains explicit descriptions of sex and strong language. 1996.

All About Love: New Visions
DB 53589
Writing from her own experience, the outspoken feminist critic and educator reexamines the meaning of interpersonal relations and offers insight into society’s flawed visions of love. Contesting the conventional notion that the ideal love is infused with sex and desire, hooks develops another model based on affection, respect, trust, and care. 2000.

Salvation: Black People and Love
DB 58808
Feminist scholar continues her study, begun in “All about Love: New Visions” (DB 53589), examining the meaning of love in the African American community. Discusses the legacy of slavery, relationships, other writers, the impact of the sexual liberation, and social problems and their links to love. 2001.