cosmiclove 's review for:

All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks

3.0

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this book reframed the concept of "love" to me as an action rather than a feeling of strong affection. I love her commitment to effort (and commitment itself!!) rather than allowing feelings to take control of your life and your choices. Seeing love as something that is to be learned as you grow older is something that's a bit hard to wrap your mind around, especially in instances of where real "love" was not given to you, and also in the realization that not everyone even has access to learn what it really means to love someone. It was very thoughtful and made me think a lot about my own experience both giving and receiving love. There were a few parts I didn't agree with (like encouraging her lesbian sister to rekindle her relationship with homophobic family) and the spiritual aspect didn't resonate with me personally, but I find this still a very worthwhile read. Required reading for all people stepping into adulthood (or already there and finding hardship in it).