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Killing Rage
Killing Rage: Ending Racism | bell hooks
One of our country's premier cultural and social critics, the author of such powerful and influential books as Ain't I a Woman and Black Looks, Bell Hooks has always maintained that eradicating racism and eradicating sexism must be achieved hand in hand. But whereas many women have been recognized for their writing on gender politics, the female voice has been all but locked out of the public discourse on race. Killing Rage speaks to this imbalance. These twenty-three essays, most of them new works, are written from a black and feminist perspective, and they tackle the bitter difficulties of racism by envisioning a world without it. Hooks defiantly creates positive plans for the future rather than dwell in theories of a crisis beyond repair. The essays here address a spectrum of topics to do with race and racism in the United States: psychological trauma among African Americans; friendship between black women and white women; anti-Semitism and racism; internalized racism in the movies and media. Hooks presents a challenge to the patriarchal family model, explaining how it perpetuates sexism and oppression in black life. She calls out the tendency of much of mainstream America to conflate "black rage" with murderous, pathological impulses, rather than seeing it as a positive state of being. And in the title essay she writes about the "killing rage" - the fierce anger of black people stung by repeated instances of everyday racism - finding in that rage a healing source of love and strength, and a catalyst for productive change. Her analysis is rigorous and her language unsparingly critical, but Hooks writes with a common touch that has made her a favorite of readers far from universities.Bell Hooks's work contains multitudes; she is a feminist who includes and celebrates men, a critic of racism who is not separatist or Afrocentric, an academic who cares about popular culture.
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BethM
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Brand new series alert!

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mhillis
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Read: Killing Rage by bell hooks
Watch: Selma
Donate: Black Lives Matter
Act: Read all kinds of books by Black authors throughout the year! Follow and support Black content creators, like The Stacks Podcast! Keep listening and learning! #friyayintro

ImperfectCJ Awesome book choice! I haven't read bell hooks since college. About time to put her writing on my list again. 4y
mhillis @ImperfectCJ Thanks, we had a group read of it on Litsy a few years ago! I‘d like to read more of her books. 4y
dylanisreading Haven‘t heard of The Stacks before. Thanks for the rec! 4y
mhillis @Bianca No problem, the Instagram account for it is great too @ thestackspod 4y
51 likes4 comments
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DivineDiana
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Eight months ago, I started this book for The Litsy Feminist Book Club. Unfortunately, I did not finish, even though I had renewed it. So, I returned it and wrote down the page number I was on, with the intention of checking it out at a later date. #septembowie #slowburn

Cinfhen That was very studious of you❤️I applaud your #GoodIntentions 😘 7y
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DivineDiana
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During civil rights struggle, when we joined hands to sing "we shall overcome," we were empowered by a vision of fulfillment of victory." #womensmarch

Hobbinol 💪🏿Right on! 7y
DivineDiana @Hobbinol ✌️️ 7y
63 likes2 comments
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DivineDiana
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I have reached the maximum renewals for this at the library. Finally started yesterday in honor of MLK day. It was #recommendedby @LitsyFeministBookClub and they are an intelligent, thought provoking group! You should check them out!

LitsyFeministBookClub We hope you enjoy it! It's a difficult, thought provoking, gut wrenching read. But so important! hooks is an amazing writer. 7y
ReadingEnvy This one has stayed in my thoughts ever since finishing it. I learned some important things and had to confront some of my own ideas. 7y
DivineDiana @LitsyFeministBookClub @ReadingEnvy I believe the more I learn, the better person and citizen, I will be. 7y
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LitsyFeministBookClub
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#feministfriday

Words from the incredible bell hooks.

#resistance

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Owlizabeth
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Some of my TBR books, yes they are double shelved!! #savethefloorjoists

Sara_Planz Love the TARDIS 7y
RuSirius3 ❤Tardis❤ 7y
Bette Love your tardis...your shelves need to be bigger on the inside. 😂😂😂 7y
Owlizabeth @Bette 😂😂👍🏼 7y
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Hooked_on_books
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I can't rate this book. I really struggled and sometimes fought with it. I had to set it down for a long stretch and sometimes wanted to throw it across the room. hooks provides much food for thought, but is so in your face it backfires for me. I'd rather be shown than slapped, so for me The Fire This Time was so much more effective. I feel after this that as a white person, hooks feels whatever I do is wrong. I wish we could see eye to eye.

Cinfhen Thanks for your honest review 7y
OffTheBeatenShelf.com I haven't read this yet, but I'll admit to feeling similarly when reading other things. What I found helpful is remembering it's not about any individual white person, but the systemic institutions of power, so it's nothing personal against *you*, just facts about white people in general. Also, I have to remember that my discomfort is nothing compared to the very real pain POC face every day. I hope this helps! I encourage you to keep going. 💜 7y
TheNextBook I agree so much with @OffTheBeatenShelf.com It's not an easy book. It is a complete slap in the face. But it is also about the system that still has control over everyone. And she is critical towards everyone and I am glad she is. Everyone has fallen into the norm and its about recognizing where you fall and how you can change not only the system but yourself if you want to make a difference. It acknowledge the things that I experience on a... 7y
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TheNextBook ...regular basis still 20 years after she wrote this book. Her delivery may not have been effective for you but I'm still glad you read it. 7y
WhatDeeReads I keep in mind that they are speaking from pain and desperate to be heard. It's like if someone is recalling an event that made them sad and/or angry and they start yelling. They're not yelling at you. It's just the intense feelings make them yell. Even someone who loves you isn't gonna always have the patience the express themselves nicely. 7y
Hooked_on_books @OffTheBeatenShelf.com Thanks for your comment. Your point about pain is well put. It's funny because she goes after blacks here, too--pretty much no one is safe. I do try to see it from this perspective--which is why I pushed through--but I feel like if you fight everyone eventually you'll look around and find yourself alone. I'll have to try another of her books and definitely won't shy away from diverse reads! 7y
Hooked_on_books @TheNextBook Thanks for your comment. I'm glad I read it, too, and I think it'll stew around my brain for a while, which is really the point. Even if they don't resonate as well, it's always good to ingest different opinions to try to learn from others, so I hope that's what I can do. hooks is clearly deeply intellectual and intelligent and I appreciate what she has to say. 7y
Hooked_on_books @Lucky_LaDee Thank you! That is a really good way of looking at this. When I try hooks again, I'll have to keep your comment in mind. Very insightful. 7y
TheNextBook @Hooked_on_books It's definitely meant to stick around but I don't honestly feel like she was trying to "fight" anyone. The comments she was making to black people in this were completely valid as well. And some people have a hard time seeing the problem within their own communities. She doesn't. She makes sure to call everyone out and I really appreciated that. Everyone is a product of the system and it needs to be broken and rebuilt. 7y
Hooked_on_books @TheNextBook Oh it's definitely broken! I heritage of our past, certainly. I wish I had more of a clear sense of her advice for how to fix things. I certainly think I have a feeling of what's being done wrong, but not necessarily how to do it right. 7y
BookishFeminist I completely agree with @OffTheBeatenShelf.com @Lucky_LaDee and @TheNextBook. It may not be the most comfortable to read but her anger comes from legitimate pain and hurt. I didn't read it as an attack on anyone at all, black or white, but rather against a system in which we all participate whether we like it or are aware of it. I always find it best to sit with the uncomfortable feelings & see what it's bringing up for me so I can address ... 7y
BookishFeminist ...why it upsets me. Have you heard of the phrase tone policing? If you aren't I think it's a fantastic concept to keep in mind while reading hooks' work. I found this great article about it that's taught me a lot & recommend it! I also recommend watching an interview w/hooks bc she's a riot and really congenial in person & may help you hear the voice with which she confronts racial theory. I posted some on the page :) 7y
Hooked_on_books @BookishFeminist I get the idea of tone policing, particularly as a woman in a (traditionally) man's field. Any author or activist has a right to put forward their work in whatever tone feels right to them, but it won't connect with every reader. For me, this didn't connect. That doesn't mean I don't feel it has value. I'll definitely look for video of her--it would be interesting to see a different facet of her. (edited) 7y
BookishFeminist Try her lectures at The New School! They're all available on YouTube I believe, I've attended a few and she's honestly one of the funniest, down to earth authors I've ever met. I think you'd enjoy some of them or at least maybe see some of her work in a different light. :) 7y
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LitsyFeministBookClub
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This girl danced to the beat of her own drum. I'm still dancing but the beats more intense. 😜

I'm not sure when I realized I was a feminist. It's something that came natural to me. I've been surrounded by strong women and men my entire life, all of whom wanted the best for me. Killing Rage is a book that made me reflect on the girl I was and made me proud of the woman I've become. I read this when I needed it most and I'm so grateful!
-Stacie C

rachelm I would give this thirty "likes" if I could ? 7y
SuperPunkNinja ❤❤❤ 7y
LindsayReads 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 7y
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BookishFeminist 😘❤️ 7y
whatthelog This is magnificent ❤ 7y
LauraBeth 💕💕💕 7y
kspenmoll 😍 7y
sprainedbrain Love this! 7y
Merethebookgal Too cute! 7y
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LitsyFeministBookClub
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Question 5—hooks' writing has a lot of takeaways that can help others empathize with the oppression faced by those without racial or gender privilege. What points would you like to share with your friends and family to help educate others on this oppression and how we can overcome some of it?

#KillingRageDiscussion

ReadingEnvy How we can go about building the beloved community, MLK's term but in Bell Hooks' reimagining of it. Starts on page 263. I want to talk about building it. I already talked to three coworkers about the book this morning! 7y
Notafraidofwords Perhaps that rage can be a useful thing. Think about Toni Morrison. Her books depict rage in various ways & look how much they resonate with people. 7y
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ReadingEnvy
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Pickpick

This was a difficult read, partly because of confronting myself but also considering the issues in our current climate. Dear beloved community, talking about these issues and reading these books together is surely a positive direction. Thanks @LitsyFeministBookClub

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LitsyFeministBookClub
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Question 4—hooks is known for having a lot of radical, often controversial opinions. What did you find to be her most controversial theory in this book? Do you agree with it? Do you think she espouses radical theories to make a point or do you think she has another purpose?

#KillingRageDiscussion

BookishFeminist I forget whether she mentioned it in this book or not, but she often mentions a belief that men/the patriarchy inflict "terrorism" on women to retain control and power in society. Lots of folks find this controversial for obvious reasons, but I tend to agree with it to a certain extent. I think many men do this without realizing it or intending to, even if her wording is a bit extreme. I think she rightly uses extreme wording to get folks to... 7y
BookishFeminist ...consider others' intentions with respect to systemic racism and sexism. She is one of those theorists that likes to poke at the system with radical viewpoints, so I think she also does it to gain attention and spark discussion for feminist/racial justice causes because without the extreme wording, she wouldn't get folks to think. (I remember a headline 2 yrs ago of her calling Beyoncé a "terrorist" even though in context she didn't mean that.) (edited) 7y
Hooked_on_books I'm actually only halfway through it and was troubled by her comments about white feminists being racist. She backed this up with some good points and examples of this happening, but I was a little offended as a white feminist to be lumped into this category, though it does clearly exist. Blanket statements never work, since there's always individuals they don't apply to, and making that kind of statement could reject the very people/movement… 7y
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Hooked_on_books Which could further the cause she has taken up. This could backfire when those individuals get upset and stop paying attention. Her goal may simply be to rile people up, but I don't have a handle on that. 7y
Notafraidofwords @Hooked_on_books I understand what you're saying. Blanket statements can make anyone feel distance from the actual problem. However, I think in the ending she makes excellent points about everyone being involved in making the world a better place. 7y
BookishFeminist @Hooked_on_books do you think she's referring to "white feminism"? are you familiar with that term? It's slang to mean a particular kind of feminism that is exclusionary to POC, not intersectional. This is how I take those comments since that phrase has been around for a while. Having seen her speak, I think she generalizes to rile ppl up & make them think about what everyone does that could be problematic. Comes across stronger on paper than ... (edited) 7y
BookishFeminist @Hooked_on_books ...in person. I also think her theme of "killing rage" is important when she makes statements that feel generalizing. The rage is directed at everyone & systemically not at every individual person. I appreciate her anger & these statements bc black anger's been suppressed for so long. So often black folks, esp black women, are subject to tone policing (eg "Don't be so angry") so I think this is her way of pushing against that. (edited) 7y
ReadingEnvy A lot was hard to read but the most surprising idea for me was that of integration being part of white supremacy. I just hadn't ever thought of it that way. I can see it now but it still astounds me thinking of how so many people worked for integration as if it was the answer. It's clear it can't just be forcing everyone into a white dominated system. 7y
Hooked_on_books @BookishFeminist I do think she's referring to white feminism though that wasn't immediately clear, since she simply said "feminist." But I definitely agree that she's trying to shake people up and hopefully to get them thinking and re-examining things. My only fear is losing your audience before they've gotten there. It's a hard balance to show your (rightful) anger on a topic while maintaining your audience. 7y
BookishFeminist @Hooked_on_books Yea, agreed, though I also think she's gained a wider audience over the years by making inflammatory remarks—if she didn't she might likely just be another academic feminist that the world doesn't pay attention to, but instead she has a loyal following. If you haven't seen her speak I highly recommend it. She's a super friendly person & a super engaging/funny speaker! Might put some of her extreme ideas in perspective. 7y
BookishFeminist @ReadingEnvy Yea! I found that surprising too but it makes perfect sense. It's one of those things that white society doesn't think of in terms of racial justice. We've grown accustomed to thinking integration is the only answer, but it isn't in reality because it remains oppressive. I loved her perspective on this and thought she articulated it really well. (edited) 7y
Hooked_on_books @BookishFeminist That's a very good point--one can definitely gain attention with inflammatory remarks. If those are backed up afterward, it can be very effective. I'd love to hear her speak! I'll have to keep my ears open for such an opportunity. 7y
BookishFeminist @Hooked_on_books I posted some videos a few days ago! I recommend her scholar talks from the new school. I've been to a few of them and I've always enjoyed them. I love watching her rib people 😆 7y
Hooked_on_books I'll definitely have to check those out! She has my attention for sure. After this book, I intend to read more of her. 7y
mhillis @BookishFeminist Thank you for the links! I've been listening during my commute. 7y
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LitsyFeministBookClub
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Whether or not you've read Killing Rage, you can watch some of these & still participate in discussion!

🔗Video interview w/hooks on Killing Rage: http://tinyurl.com/jcq287t

🔗hooks has been a Resident at The New School in NYC & leads engaging seminars w/other activists, incl. Laverne Cox, Cornell West, Gloria Steinem. @BookishFeminist has attended them & highly recommends watching some. She's an entertaining speaker! http://tinyurl.com/jyyq6uk

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LitsyFeministBookClub
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Question 3—Do you agree with hooks that internalized racism & colorism can be blamed on white supremacist society? Do you think it's as simple as that, or do you think other factors are involved? How does white supremacist patriarchy create internalized racism, misogyny, colorism, & misogynoir? How do you think these problems can be tackled?

#KillingRageDiscussion

ReadingEnvy Normalize normalize normalize. More people with natural hair in the media. Shows about black people (and other groups) unapologetically not being for white people. I think two new tv shows are on the right track, Atlanta and Insecure. And Beyoncé lately in particular. I guess I see power in people who a lot more people see can play that role. But that's a heavy cross. 7y
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LitsyFeministBookClub
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Question #2: When discussing race and gender relations in America do you feel there is an inherent prejudice to keep the two issues separate? bell hooks mentions more than once her struggle with making feminism a race issue and vice versa. Do you think there is an inherent reason for that? What does it stem from?

#killingragediscussion

Notafraidofwords Maybe people need to simplify things in order to keep certain privileges or even to be able to cope. Actually, the ability to simplify life is an act of privilege within itself. 7y
Hooked_on_books I hadn't thought they were deliberately kept separate, but this book makes me think otherwise. Since I'm white, I think that was harder for me to see. I think they are separate though strongly related and overlapping issues which compound one another. 7y
TheNextBook @Notafraidofwords What's interesting in this instance are the two different types of privilege: white privilege over women of color and male privilege over women of color. It seems like people always need someone to step over to make progress. Really good point. All an example of privilege. 7y
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TheNextBook @Hooked_on_books I wasn't aware either of the deliberate separation until a few years ago. Once I started researching and things became glaringly obvious, I became really disheartened. We aren't equal until everyone is equal but yet and still history showed me that everyone doesn't feel that way 7y
Notafraidofwords @TheNextBook yes, exactly. And it was interesting reading this post election. All the people that tell me everything is going to be okay are not people whose life will be in danger. 7y
TheNextBook @Notafraidofwords Everytime someone says to me that everything is going to be okay it breaks my heart. 😔 Nothing is okay. Stop telling me it is. Open your eyes and see what's happening because people are rightfully afraid. Reading this post election was exactly what I needed. 7y
SoniaC I hadn't thought of it that way until reading the book but yes I very much agree that race and gender are kept as separate topics for the most part. 7y
Notafraidofwords @TheNextBook I agree! & when I bring up Germany and hitler I get looked like I'm crazy. Isn't the point of history to learn from it? 7y
Hooked_on_books @TheNextBook @Notafraidofwords I completely agree that things are definitely not ok! My favorite is: "nothing has even happened, what are you worried about?" Yikes, really?!? So much has happened and is happening everyday. We have the be thoughtful and vigilant and prepared, not just wait around sitting on our hands! 7y
Notafraidofwords @Hooked_on_books I know!!! The people he's appointing- that on its own is something! 7y
TheNextBook @SoniaC It's really eye opening seeing that a line has been drawn between the two issues and it's very rarely discussed together. 7y
TheNextBook @notafriadofwords #litsyconfession I used to hate World History and then I had the most amazing teacher that taught me so much and honestly, I've become an avid learner. Now, I tell people all the time that I read too much and I see way too many similarities! I know how this story ends and it's not good! It's terrifying! 7y
TheNextBook @Hooked_on_books Constant Vigilance! We all need to be constantly vigiliant! So many things are already changing. It's so discouraging. 7y
SoniaC @TheNextBook it's terrific that she sparked the conversation. I'm really glad we read this book. 7y
TheNextBook @SoniaC I am too. This was a great selection. Good job picking this one @BookishFeminist 7y
ReadingEnvy It's interesting to read this book from before the word "intersectionality" was so prevalent in academia (right now you can't escape it) ... I do think the broader an issue gets the harder it can be to drill down to solutions. And she acknowledges the overlooking of racism in the feminism conversation but doesn't much acknowledge who she is overlooking (LGBT hello, and other non-whites don't get page space until pg 200.) 7y
ReadingEnvy That said I think her niche is the intersection of race and gender so she does a great job pulling them together and showing why they should be considered together. 7y
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LitsyFeministBookClub
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Question #1: Which major theme discussed in Killing Rage did you find the most surprising? bell hooks discussed many issues ranging from white supremacist patriarchy to internalized racism within the black community to feminism. Which one did you find the most surprising? Shocking?

#KillingRageDiscussion

SoniaC I was most surprised by the theme of racism within the early feminist movement. It definitely opened my eyes. 7y
TheNextBook @SoniaC That has always bothered me because that means the fight was never about all women, it was about all white women. You cant fight to be looked at equal when you can look at other women and not see them as equal to you. It's really disheartening. 7y
Notafraidofwords The race and class intersection was fascinating. I was surprised by the clarity in her writing ! 7y
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TheNextBook @Notafraidofwords hooks did an amazing job at expressing her stance on issues. You can tell she didnt want anything to be misinterpreted or misunderstood. 7y
Notafraidofwords @TheNextBook definitely. I just want to be clear about something. I was surprised by her clarity because race and class tend to be confusing when discussed together. I wasn't confused because I lacked confidence in hooks as a writer. Is just that I have read other writers that have attempted to have this discussion and I end up confused. 7y
TheNextBook @Notafraidofwords Oh I completely agreee. I felt like that about almost every topic. This was my first by hooks and I was blown away by how she was able to so easily explain most of these topics! I have a really hard time not letting my emotions get the best of me when I discuss some of these things so seeing her do it was amazing. It really helped seeing someone else voice so many of the things I feel or have felt. 7y
SoniaC @TheNextBook I agree completely. I do believe that feminism has shortened this gap since her writing but it still has a ways to go. 7y
TheNextBook @SoniaC It's been twenty one years since this book was released and I can't believe how much has not changed. Yes the gap has shortened but it is still so relevant. I'm so grateful that women like her stepped up to the plate to make action happen. 7y
mhillis Thank you for recommending this book. It was the right time to read it! Internalized racism is a topic that surprised me. 7y
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readordierachel
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Sound familiar?

Loreen Sigh. Yes.😕 7y
Suzze Yes. Oh, yes. 7y
kspenmoll 😟 7y
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mrp27 Breaks my heart.... 😪 7y
Libby1 😓 7y
lynneamch My hope lies in people like bell hooks who are brave enough to write this and enough of us who willing to share it. So much work to do. Don't give up. We must believe #lovetrumpshate 7y
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Notafraidofwords
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Pickpick

This is fire ?- this should be included in the syllabus for life. "Whites, people of color, and black folks are reluctant to commit themselves fully and deeply to an anti racist struggle that is ongoing because there is such a pervasive feeling of hopelessness..."

TheNextBook When I tell you that this book resonated with me in ways I never thought possible, I mean it. 7y
Notafraidofwords @TheNextBook oh lord. I feel like I will never be the same person. I work in academia (just an assistant), but I tell you right now- she is spot on in its portrayal of all of it. Even with the whole trump election, none of them can share in the fear with those that will be changed by the next four years. 7y
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Notafraidofwords
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I don't want to flood @Litsy with quotes, so I have been restraining myself. However, this part makes sense to me. Growing up teachers always recommended self help books that I couldn't relate to. Mostly, because the tips to a better life always assumed money wasn't a factor. Or skin color. Or background. Or place of living. I felt like most of them assumed suburbia with a treehouse. When In fact, I lived in a city & worked while in high school.

Lindy I love quotes. The more bell hooks the better! 😊 7y
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SoniaC
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Pickpick

This is definitely not easy or light reading. It has given me much to consider when it comes to my own personal views and values. It's encouraged me to expand my thoughts on both racism, feminism and the intersection of them both.

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Hooked_on_books
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This sentence stopped me in my tracks, forcing me to reread it several times:

"Until this culture can acknowledge the pathology of white supremacy, we will never create a cultural context wherein the madness of white racist hatred of blacks or the uncontrollable rage that surfaces as a response to that madness can be investigated, critically studied, and understood."

thec0zy 🙌🏻 7y
Gezemice Well, we can gain insight from the Holocaust. It can go THAT far if left unchecked. 7y
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Notafraidofwords
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Because when @TheNextBook and @BookishFeminist talk about a book, I listen 🙋🏽

TheNextBook I hope you love it! It's a tough damn read because it bleeds honesty and that has a tendency to make people uncomfortable. Discussions will start next time next week. Cant wait to see what you think. 7y
Notafraidofwords @TheNextBook I'm a little less than half way and I truly believe that it's making me a better critical thinker. She makes such good points. I read bell hooks in college and enjoyed her work. This one I haven't read. I am Latina so the patriarchy discussion interest me the most since I have seen the destruction of women that I love due to this system. 7y
TheNextBook @Notafraidofwords I need to read more by her. I plan on going through the bibliography and finding many of the books she referenced. The topics in this book effect everyone thats why I think its so important. 7y
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TheNextBook @Notafraidofwords Thank you! Stacked it! 7y
Notafraidofwords @TheNextBook no problem. I'm hoping she touches a bit on poverty. I'm always interested in how poverty intersects with gender. 7y
BookishFeminist Awesome!! Glad you're enjoying this. It's a tough but important read. Difficult but also healing right now in our political climate. bell hooks always has great things to say. Have you read this one? 7y
mhillis Yes! I just finished last night and plan to start rereading today. @TheNextBook I was thinking the same thing and checking out some of the books she referenced. 7y
BookishFeminist I haven't read that one yet so I'll have to check it out. I've read a few of her others though. Feminism Is For Everybody and this one are both good: 7y
Notafraidofwords @BookishFeminist oh yeah, I forgot that was hers. I am stacking it! 7y
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mhillis
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#currentlyreading #lemonade As the @bookriot article said, @LitsyFeministBookClub is one of the ten best things happening on Litsy now! #photoadaynov16

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TheNextBook
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Way better than I thought! The #deweysreadathon helped. I needed an escape and books came through in the end. Books and Litsy. Thanks guys!

Suzze You're doing great on the year! I need to use Serial Reader more. 7y
TheNextBook @Suzze next year I plan on using it regularly! It is great but when I was having a hard time reading I knew I wouldn't keep up with the issues so I took a break. 7y
Reviewsbylola Great job! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 7y
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TheNextBook @Reviewsbylola Thanks. I'm glad I could get into anything after "the day I will not name" 7y
jessdean That's awesome you read so many on serial reader! I keep starting & bailing :/ 7y
TheNextBook @jessdean If it wasnt for @SerialReader I may never have finished The Iliad. 😂 It prevented me from bailing. 7y
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TheNextBook
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Pickpick

#overthis

This may be one of the best books I've ever read. This is extremely timely as well because I have been going through a wide range of emotions and this collection of essays helped me with a lot of the anger, rage, confusion, sadness and frustration. bell hooks' collection of essays is over two decades old and yet much has not changed. The experiences described are ones that I can intimately relate too and I am at a lost to how this is

TheNextBook ...is still happening. I recommend this to everyone but it wont be easy for many people to digest. In many ways its easier to believe that nothing she has mentioned is true but I can testify to the majority of what she writes about. Take the time to read and see from a perspective that may be completely different from your own and don't disregard it. Listen to the voices of others. Its the only way we can ever change. 7y
DivineDiana I just requested this at my Library today. 7y
TheNextBook @DivineDiana I didnt realize the impact it would have on me. And I appreciate that it might not have the same impact on everyone but it is a very in-depth look at being a black woman and the way society portrays and forces roles. It looks at so many different aspects of life and is really critical of everyone. Each essay is a hard reflection but such a worth while read! 7y
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JSW Thank you for sharing this and your heart with us. ❤️ 7y
TheNextBook @JSW one of those moments where I couldnt not show emotion because it hits so hard where it hurts. 7y
lynneamch Dear bell hooks. I used her Teaching to Transgress in workshops years ago. Still so much work to do. 💜 7y
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TheNextBook
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Education is key.

Donna_sBookMinute Dr Van Sertima was a very learned scholar and passionate teacher. I loaned "They Came Before Columbus" to someone before reading it, years ago. Need to get another one. 7y
TheNextBook @Donna_sBookMinute I need to find a copy! 7y
Donna_sBookMinute I've seen it on Amazon. But it's not the edition that I want. If I get ready to read it before I can find a good used copy, I'll get it from B&N. 7y
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TheNextBook
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Stop. Read this. Read it again. Let it sink in.

I need a minute. This book was published 21 years ago and everything she is talking about, writing about, explaining STILL HAPPENS. Everything that you just read in this quote regarding racism and lack of understanding is still valid today.

#readdiversely #socialjustice #feminism #racism

This books is helping me analyze so many of the emotions I've been feeling the past few weeks.

Buddys_Momma Deep! My mom is 67 years old and she often says that she is just in disbelief about the level of racism that is continuing to occur; she thought that we would be further along than we are now 😩 7y
JSW This this this. 7y
mauveandrosysky I see this all the time on Facebook. All. The. Time. Unfortunately even when I try to explain this to other white people, it rarely ever sinks in. 😔 7y
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TheNextBook @Buddys_Momma So little has changed but people have convinced themselves that because slavery no longer exist and because the Jim Crow era has passed that racism no longer exist. @JSW She does a great job in every single essay of explaining her points of view and why. She just makes sense in a world full of misconceptions and lies. @mauveandrosysky fb was the first thing I thought of. It is impossible to have competent convos there. 7y
TheNextBook @mauveandrosysky Litsy is one of the few places I feel like I can have a respectful conversation where people may disagree but genuinely want to learn and listen to the other side. Needless to say, I completely deleted my fb account. 7y
Donna_sBookMinute Yes, today's issues are not new. And due to the phrase, "the culture remains ignorant of what racism really is," I only had to read it once. And I'm in total agreement. Simply put, Blacks can be prejudiced. We can even be bigots. But we cannot be racist. Racism is a system that is fueled by white supremacy. There's a more detailed description to which I subscribe. If I post it, I'll link back to this post and/or use the tag #systemicracism 7y
TheNextBook @Donna_sBookMinute Very well put! Her explanations are so well said and thank you for your input. I've been really struggling with so many different emotions lately and this book is helping so much. She touches on so many different aspect of racism and sexism. I'll keep an eye out for the post if you put it up. 7y
Buddys_Momma Yes, people get the definition of racism all wrong. 7y
mauveandrosysky I feel the same way about Litsy. I find that the people here are so much more compassionate and intellectually curious than on my other social networks. Doesn't surprise me! Reading = empathy, after all. 😌 7y
Branwen I want to print this beautiful page of honesty out and staple it to racist people's foreheads.... :P 7y
Hooked_on_books I'm glad this book is helping you with recent emotions. This is such an important time to do that, and I fear we'll only need to do much more of the same in the coming years. 7y
TheNextBook @Branwen I want to throw this book at people! At everyone! It would be great to hand out flyers with her quotes. Maybe I will! 7y
TheNextBook @Hooked_on_books It has helped in so many unexpected ways! Most of what she is saying is resonating with me in so many gut wrenching ways. I needed this book right now. I'll be reading more from her. You're right, we will need more. Constant Vigilance. 7y
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TheNextBook
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"Black women must be ever vigilant in our struggle to challenge and transform the devaluation of black womanhood."

Honestly, I could quote this whole book. I don't write in my books but I needed to take notes and put my own thoughts down on paper. There is nothing that I have come across in these essays that I disagree with. The hard truths she discusses are just as relevant now as they were decades ago.

We must remain vigilant.

Hooked_on_books And isn't it a tragedy that so little has changed in all that time? 😢 7y
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TheNextBook
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I'm still #currentlyreading this and it absolutely amazing but I didnt get any reading done while on the road trip. It's okay. I'm savoring this now instead. I will have quite a few books on my list to attack come February after #darktowerdecember and #harrypotternewyear. #rereadsarecoming

MrBook No reading done on the road trip 😳?! What a horrible road trip! 😂 Just kidding. At least you're back safe & sound! 7y
TheNextBook @MrBook I know! My in laws wanted to talk and spend family time! They must not have realized I was on vacation! 😂 We had a good time though and these essays are amazing! 7y
MrBook Silly in-laws! 😉👍🏻 7y
mhillis I just finished the essay Challenging Sexism in Black Life. Lots to think about. 7y
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readordierachel
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About a third of the way in, and there are a lot of ideas to unpack in this book.

TheNextBook I realized very early that this book is not for the faint of heart! Not at all. She holds nothing back but everything is very on point and well done. 7y
readordierachel @TheNextBook Yes! Her point of view is so focused and unflinching. She is not trying to coddle anyone or dumb down any of her ideas. 7y
TheNextBook Nope and I'm loving her for it. I didnt get much reading done while I was gone but I thought each of the essays that I read were absolutely amazing. 7y
ReadingEnvy Part of my reaction is sadness that she could be describing this year and she wrote it 20 years ago. 7y
readordierachel @ReadingEnvy Yeah, it's pretty damn disheartening to realize that. 7y
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Owlizabeth
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Starting a reading list from my #Lemonadesyllabus reads with @LitsyFeministBookClub SO. MANY. BOOKS. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼💯👍🏼👌🏼❤️️😍 #sonowireadnonfiction

TheNextBook Yeah. This list is amazing. 7y
Notafraidofwords I read Jacobs in college and I still remember the book so clearly. 7y
WordWaller 🙌 7y
ReadingEnvy I have added these books to my list too! 7y
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ReadingEnvy
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"A black person unashamed of her rage, using it as a catalyst to develop critical consciousness, to come to full decolonized self-actualization, had no real place in the existing social structure." @LitsyFeministBookClub

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daena
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One of the many books, I order for myself with my birthday gift cards, just arrived! Looking forward to reading this and discussing! @LitsyFeministBookClub

ReadingEnvy I have this on my pile, may start today. 7y
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mhillis
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I'm back!! And ready to read the next book for @LitsyFeministBookClub #lemonade

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BookishFeminist
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I ate my dinner so fast I didn't take a photo but here's what the rest of my #Thanksgiving looks like: pumpkin pie & cranberry curd tart, my old puppy Zeus resting, & my passive aggressive family dinner survival kit. 😬👀

I suspect it's a difficult day for many folks today for a variety of reasons. Much love to everyone for whom today is a difficult day. I love you all. You're strong, you matter, and you're worthy of love and respect. 😘💓

LeahBergen Are you going to turn this cross-stitch duo into his and her throw pillows for your bed? 😂 7y
BookishFeminist @LeahBergen I am way too lazy to make pillows. 😂 but his and her wall-hangings: YES! 7y
LeahBergen Awesome! 👏🏻👏🏻 7y
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8little_paws Oh that dog!! 🐕 7y
BookishFeminist @8little_paws Zeus is VERY fed and happy 😂 7y
Mimi28 Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁!!! 7y
NatalieR You're such an awesome person! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 #thankfulfor your posts 😌 7y
JPeterson Have I told you how much I'm in love with your cross stitching? Happy Thanksgiving! 7y
Stephanie-Anne So thankful for your posts, too! Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 7y
TheNextBook ❤️❤️❤️ just make it through a day. I realized a lot of people aren't going home because of an election depression. Everyone needs to be constantly vigilant and take it day by day! 7y
LiteraryinLawrence Hugs to you! Your post was spot on! 7y
Branwen Much love being sent your way! You rock! :-) 7y
Mommamanzi You're like my soul mate, I love cross stitching as well. I can never decide what to spend my little free time doing, reading or stitching! 7y
BookishFeminist @JPeterson Thank you! 😘 It's a great angry release. 😂 I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! 7y
BookishFeminist @TheNextBook Exactly. Take no shit and keep an eye out day by day. I hope you had a good day yesterday 😘 7y
BookishFeminist @Mommamanzi #Audiostitching to the rescue! I like to listen to audiobooks while I stitch. 😊 Or do it while I'm watching tv. I've been stitching more recently since I haven't had the concentration to read, so sometimes it's self selecting. What kinds of stuff do you stitch? 7y
BookishFeminist @Mimi28 @NatalieR @Stephanie-Anne @LiteraryinLititz @Branwen Thank you all for the kind words and support 😘 love you all and thankful for your posts & friendship! Hope you all had great days yesterday! (And today too I suppose 😂) 7y
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BookishFeminist
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I'm #thankfulfor YOU ALL. Seriously. You've all brought so many light moments in the dark for me this year & I can't thank you all enough. 😘💓

& @becausetrains for putting up w/my sarcastic ass every day but also he makes a damn good pie. This is a cranberry curd tart.

& our not-so-tiny-anymore activist circle. B/w @LitsyFeministBookClub & our intellectual, kind discussions, I never lose hope. Bringing this book to dinner tonight. No reason. 👀

britt_brooke 💕💕💕 7y
becausetrains @BookishFeminist 😘 and I'm thankful for your sarcasm and your activism (and for finding this recipe!) 7y
outis Amazing tart! 7y
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tpixie @becausetrains awesome looking tart!!! I'll need yo find that recipe 7y
BookishFeminist @tpixie remind me if I forget but I'll track it down when I get home later and send it to you 😀 7y
[DELETED] 1409720085 ❤️❤️❤️ 7y
LeahBergen And I'm thankful for YOU! 😘 7y
Dolly I've never heard of that pie. Sounds great! I've no dessert today so I'm looking through social media for calorie free pictures of beautiful sweets. 7y
8little_paws Have a great Thanksgiving!! 7y
TheLondonBookworm 😘😘😍😍😍👽👽👽 7y
Godmotherx5 Will he share that recipe?? 7y
BooksForEmpathy Have a wonderful meal and thankful for you and your posts as well! I always learn something and am left very thoughtful and inspired! 7y
BookishFeminist @tpixie @Godmotherx5 Here you go, lovelies. 😘 it's really tasty! He just used a store bought wheat crust instead of the made-from-scratch one here to make it faster. This cranberry curd would also go great in yogurt, I think! http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017817-cranberry-curd-tart 7y
BookishFeminist @britt_brooke @emilydecato @8little_paws @TheLondonBookworm 💓💓 hope you all had a great day yesterday! 7y
BookishFeminist @outis @Dolly The tart was quite yummy!! I recommend it if you ever want something different 😀 7y
BookishFeminist @LeahBergen I'm thankful for you too & our wonderful litsy snark!! 😂 7y
BookishFeminist @BooksForEmpathy 💓 Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot. Right back at you! I love your posts & have a feeling we'd be good friends bc we seem to have similar taste in books! Hope you had a great day yesterday. 😘 7y
tpixie @BookishFeminist yum!! Thx! 7y
Godmotherx5 Thank you for the link. 7y
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TheNextBook
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The next book on my list is...

Killing Rage.

This. Table. Of. Contents. Is. Everything.

I may not be ready. This looks like an excellent choice by @LitsyFeministBookClub

rachelm I'm digging into it next week. So excited. 7y
TheNextBook I've read two of the essays and both have been extremely powerful and extremely relevant in today's climate. 7y
Hooked_on_books Now I'm looking forward to it even more! That looks amazing. 7y
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BookishFeminist bell hooks really knows how to put together an amazing table of contents that's for sure!! I'm bringing this book to dinner with my family. No reason. 👀 7y
TheNextBook @Hooked_on_books so far so good! @BookishFeminist These essays are amazing! Thought provoking, self aware and blatantly honest. I'm not sure everyone is ready for this book, regardless of how old it is. Everything is very relevant. 7y
BookishFeminist @TheNextBook Yep! So glad I picked it. Seemed very timely. I am LOVING what I've read so far. Hoping that reading it along with others will help us get through it together. bell hooks always tells it like it is. (edited) 7y
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InLibrisVeritas
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My hold for Killing Rage came in today, and I spotted The Fire this Time on the way to the counter. Can't wait to get started on these.
#overthis

rachelm ❤️🍋 7y
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readordierachel
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Meowser and I are starting this today for the @LitsyFeministBookClub. Despite her angry face, she's learning a lot.

#catsoflitsy #murdercat

rachelm ❤️😺 7y
Kirstin 😻 7y
Bookzombie 💕🐱 7y
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Chessa I love #murdercat! We say that about our kitties, too!😹😹 7y
LeahBergen 😂😂 7y
readordierachel @Chessa Ha! Great minds! 7y
Bette 🐱❤️️👍 7y
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TheNextBook
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Yesterday's book mail! This will be with me during my Thanksgiving's Day travels. Another pick from @LitsyFeministBookClub

Hooked_on_books I just got this, too--really looking forward to it. 7y
InLibrisVeritas I need to hurry up with my current mountain of books so I can get to this one! 7y
TheNextBook @Hooked_on_books I am too! I'll be starting this asap because everything stops for #darktowerdecember on the first. @InLibrisVeritas yes! The discussions isnt taking place until the middle of next month. I think. There is time! 😉 7y
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SoniaC
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Just ran to the bookstore to pick up the @LitsyFeministBookClub pick and grabbed some lunch. Home watching the rain now.

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beaniebankbeth
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That moment when you're on that #gradinggrind since grades are due tomorrow & you're one of the #teachersoflitsy but you then go to check out the @LitsyFeministBookClub pick for next month & end up making friends with the librarian over a conversation on crafting & your multi-racial families, since she's noticed you bringing #ninjahubby around. 😂 💞 Love my town & my LIBRARY!!!

BookishFeminist Yesssssss 7y
TheNextBook I'm waiting to get mine! And that is awesome! 7y
beaniebankbeth @TheNextBook I was thinking of you and your lovely family. 💞 7y
TheNextBook ❤️❤️❤️❤️ How are you?! I feel like when grades are due everythinh stops. I'm glad you're getting some you time. 7y
beaniebankbeth Hi @TheNextBook ! 🤗 I'm good, especially after hearing from you! I often go to the library when I need to get work done quick without the distractions of home, like a fluffy dog that wants to play ball and, well, books. Grading does bring things to a halt at times, but I'm seeing daylight out of my pile of papers. How are you? 7y
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BookishFeminist
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Spending some quality time with bell hooks on my way back from NYC. 💪🏾🇺🇸

If you haven't seen the announcement, this is our pick for @LitsyFeministBookClub this month! Our discussions on the page will be from Dec 9-15.

Our discussion of KINDRED is also ongoing after a slight delay for BRLive & last week's news. Please join us! You're welcome if you haven't finished the book or haven't read it in a while! (We lean towards open questions.)

TheNextBook I don't know if I am even going to be able to read this with #darktowerdecember but I made a point to to buy it because it needs to be read! 7y
BookishFeminist @TheNextBook Read it before December! 😆 That's what I'm doing. (edited) 7y
TheNextBook I'm waiting for my copy to get here. It's suppossed to be here tomorrow and if it does then I'm good to go! 7y
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LitsyFeministBookClub
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Our Kindred discussion is continuing for a few more days. But in the meantime it's officially time for our next book! 🎉 I hope you'll join us!

🍋Our pick this month is KILLING RAGE by bell hooks.

🍋Discussions will take the same format as this month with questions posted from Dec 9-15 on this page.

🍋Let us know if you have any suggestions for this or future months! You can contact me ( @BookishFeminist ) or @rachelm privately if you wish.

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LindsayReads
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#SelfCare day, officially making myself get out of my bubble in my up-til-now lazybutt post-grad life. I look forward to getting more connected in my city, and I'm stoked to attempt to join a 4th bookclub with the @LitsyFeministBookClub bell hooks selection.

BookishFeminist ❤️💙❤️💙 7y
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LitsyFeministBookClub
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Announcing our November book!

🍋We will be reading KILLING RAGE: ENDING RACISM by bell hooks. We'll start on Nov 15 & post questions Dec 9-15.

🍋We intended to send out a survey for you all to choose but with recent events & time constraints, we went ahead & chose. It's a good choice for #NonfictionNovember, is easy to find, & is timely with a recent resurgence of racial hate crimes.

🍋We will send a survey next month! Any theme suggestions?

ReadingEnvy Just requested it 7y
charl08 Is there an updated edition reflecting more recent events? I don't want to get the wrong one! 7y
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TheNextBook Bought! 7y
LitsyFeministBookClub @charl08 I don't believe so! This is the only edition I can find. I think we'll be surprised and find this stuff to be more timely than we think. 😬 7y
charl08 Thanks! 7y
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BookishFeminist
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My #bookhaul from tonight's library book sale! Holy moly I love going on member night. Scored a bunch of books I've been wanting to buy full price for a while, especially Killing Rage, The Sellout, Ordinary Light, & Half the Sky- which was already sitting in my Amazon cart for my book club this month! 📚📚

Also that stack of NYRB Classics! 😍 I collect them and managed 6 for only $12. Be still my heart. 💓💓

Donna_sBookMinute Great haul! Nothing like a book bargain. 8y
brendanmleonard That's a fantastic stack - NYRB FTW! 8y
BookishFeminist @Donna_sBookMinute Thanks! I love library book sales. Great deals, great cause. 8y
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Hooked_on_books Half the Sky may be one of the best books I've ever read. Great haul! 8y
BookishFeminist @brendanmleonard yes! I usually stock up when I find them discounted at Strand or Book Culture when I'm up in NYC. 👍🏼 8y
BookishFeminist @Hooked_on_books I can't wait to finally read it for book club this month! It's been on my TBR way too long. 8y
kgriffith I love that the header book is Killing Rage, and the one I saw first was Peaceful Patterns 😉 8y
BookishFeminist @GlitterFemme 😂😂 that about sums up my life 💯💯 8y
kgriffith Perfect 😍😝 8y
WordWaller Nice!!! 🙌 8y
Beachesnbooks Great haul!! 8y
brendanmleonard @BookishFeminist I need to make a trip to book culture to check out the whooooole collection! I love Book Court's selection, too! 8y
[DELETED] 3323341091 nice finds! those be some great NYRB volumes! 8y
read_diverse_books Holy wow. What a book haul! 🙌 8y
Theresa Devil in the Grove is so good!! 8y
DebinHawaii Wow! Awesome haul!! 👍📚📚 8y
katelizabee ... I see American Wife! Love that one! 8y
LeahBergen What the hell?! I immediately honed in on that NYRB pile! 😮 8y
vivjm Wow! Great haul! 8y
Texreader What a haul!!! 😄📚 8y
Notafraidofwords Purity myth is so good. I read it the summer before college and yet I still remember all the good points she made. I will never look at a purity ring the same way again. 8y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Great book haul! 8y
Graciouswarriorprincess Wow! Great haul!! 8y
melbeautyandbooks Way to go! 8y
ErickaS_Flyleafunfurled So envious!! Thats quite a score!! 8y
readordierachel Impressive! 8y
stacybmartin Great haul - I'm going to my library book sale after work today. I can't wait! 😍📚 8y
IndianBookworm Great😍😍 8y
Jenni_Capps Great haul!! 8y
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