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A review by krys_kilz
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I really appreciated the conversational style this was written in. It made it easy to read and digest. I also enjoyed the explorations of abuse, the oppression of children, and grief. Her analysis of the nuclear family as a fascistic and authoritarian unit of domination and control felt really spot on.
I struggled with her cisheteronormative framing of romantic relationships and love - every time I read the words male and female I wanted to screech - along with the more Christian/religious content. I also didn't like the section on love and work - an analysis that really lacked an examination of capitalism and hierarchical power dynamics in the workplace - or the vaguely saneist language throughout around narcissism, madness, and addiction.
Overall, I think this is an important read and offers a lot of sweet wisdom about love and the importance of community. I would just suggest reading with a critical eye.
I struggled with her cisheteronormative framing of romantic relationships and love - every time I read the words male and female I wanted to screech - along with the more Christian/religious content. I also didn't like the section on love and work - an analysis that really lacked an examination of capitalism and hierarchical power dynamics in the workplace - or the vaguely saneist language throughout around narcissism, madness, and addiction.
Overall, I think this is an important read and offers a lot of sweet wisdom about love and the importance of community. I would just suggest reading with a critical eye.
"Even though we are more likely to be hurt by someone we know than a stranger, our fear is directed toward the unknown and the unfamiliar. That fear brings with it intense paranoia and a constant obsession with safety."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Misogyny