Reviews (5)

Brilliant Collection of Essays
Donna Haraway will be remembered historically, if she's remembered at all, as the most misunderstood theorist of the twentieth century.Appealing to individuals used to simplistic rhetoric and discourse, due to her subject matters of feminism and science studies, Haraway uses langugae more apt to the deconstructions of Jacques Derrida.This connection is elided but important in understanding Haraway's project. Brilliancies.
Donna Haraway's work in this collection continues to amaze me.Her intense critical engagement with the history of science is resolutely brilliant: she takes common conceptions of the body, objectivity, power, and 'nature' and pulls the rug of patriarchal metaphysics out from under them.These essays are concerned withunravelling origins myths, pointing out the pitfalls of political innocence, deconstructing our conceptions of the natural and the artefactual--you know, the usual.Her project is immense, but the she hones her points in each essay very well with dazzlingly astute political analyses and characteristic poetic phrases.If you're interested in oppositional antiracist feminist consciousness, Haraway's yr philosopher.

Jaded and slanted
"Simians, Cyborgs, and Women" sounds as if it might be interesting to discuss the connections between the three conceps upon first glance.Feel free to read the opening portions of the book.They are representative of the majority of the book.If you are well-versed in fanatical feminist theories - and, more importantly, agree wholeheartedly with them - then you will enjoy the book immensely.On the other hand, if you are expecting a healthy discussion of the basis of, rationale for, and definitions of feminist theories, look elsewhere.The book is rife with shakey feminist theories which serve as premises to even still more outrageous conclusions, without any attempt to justify the premises themselves.As a result, it ends up a house of cards, without a strong foundation, puffed up far more than it ever should.I would have been more interested in seeing a well-structured analysis of the views underlying the arguments she makes.Alas, a search for such an analysis was in vain. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Feminist criticism    4. Human behavior    5. Life Sciences - Evolution    6. Primates    7. Sociobiology    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (10)

knowing about knowing
this is by far the best book on epistemology -- how people decide what knowledge is, and how they go about getting it -- that i have ever encountered.when i was in graduate school, i started studying epistemology by accident.i'd planned to research how people learned physics, but i ended up baffled by many of my students.how *did* those people think??this book clarified that for me, by extensively documenting a variety of ways in which people thought about knowledge, and presenting their classifications with excellent documentation and a wholesome level of respect.
A fascinating look at the psychology of the female mind.
Building on the work of previous psychologists interested in the study of the female mind, Mary Belenky and her colleagues have conducted interviews with a sample of 135 women enrolled in various teaching institutions (whether it be a university, community college, or some other institution such as a clinic to aid parents). The authors looked for patterns in the responses they received, and were able to draw together a concept of how women deal with knowledge.
Nothing here about Knowing
If this book represents the level of academic excellence women bring to social studies, the feminist movement has just been set back a generation.Basing their analysis [if it can be called that] on but 135 women, all of them from the United States, they come to the conclusion that wimmen have a special way of knowing.Knowing what?Oppressive parents, demanding management, demands for academic competence?Where do these four get the idea that these experiences are unique to women?Men in their various endeavours experience identical fears from identical sources.Parents have different values than your generation?Welcome to the club. Your boss demands that you accomplish tasks in an unreasonable amount of time?How much midnight oil have any of us burned to complete an irrational deadline?Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. General    3. Psychology    4. Self-actualization (Psychology)    5. Self-realization    6. Sociology    7. United States    8. Women    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Feminism   

Reviews (30)

The Feminist War on Women.
One of the major reasons why radical feminism remains such a destructive influence on the lives of Americans is that it claims to speak for women when it really only represents a minute percentage of them. The feminista activist has proved quite adept at obscuring this fact by labeling their critics as "patriarchal, anti-woman" and "sexist." The irony lost on many is that no social movement in history has so thoroughly undermined the constituency they pretended to represent.
An enlightening read
I really enjoyed reading this book "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Women, Sex, and Feminism" by Carrie L. Lukas. This book taught me plenty of information. I was surprised to learn that cohabiting couples are more likely to divorce than remain happily married and that women who divorce typically regret it afterwards and often end up unhappier than when they were married. One would think that because of things like alimony checks and child custody that the opposite would be valid. I was also surprised to learn that it was a myth that one out of four women has either rape victims or victims of an attempted rape. There is also a great deal of information on domestic violence, fertility, liberation, abortion, daycare, and statistics that address health care issues. In short, I would say get this book (despite its low average customer review rating) if you are hoping to gain some enlightenment and learn about feminism from a point of view that is not based on PC myths.

Her eduation was a waste
Look, the fact is feminism is about CHOICE no more, no less. I have the highest respect for stay at home moms--it is the hardest darn job on Earth. But this woman is WAY off base to say that feminism sold us a lie. Feminism GAVE us a choice. It told us we did not HAVE to pretend to believe we were June Cleaver if that was not what was in our hearts and souls.
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Subjects:  1. Feminism    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Sex role    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Women    8. Women In The U.S.    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Political Science / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (32)

The Second Sex Transcends Time
Simone's treatise is the most brave and brilliant piece of literature ever written about gender and its effects on the lives of everyone we know. She continues to speak the truths about men, women and privilege in society and the corrosive effects of the constructed and artificial roles that we still struggle with. The Second Sex is as essential and appropriate reading today as it was 40 years ago. To anyone interested in the roots of gender oppression, definition and equal access to opportunity, this is the go to reference book. Simone de Beauvoir has found another generation of readers who understand its appeal to rationality, historical accuracy and truth.

NOT GOOD
after seeing The Guru on TV i got into the whole sex book thing i read all the best sellers from Mars and Venus in The Bedroom by John Gray to How To Get Any Girl Any Time by The Guru
exceptional achievement
Simone de Beauvoir basically explains the sexual initiation of the female, her relations with the opposite gender, and her place in society, in the style of her classic manifesto of the liberated woman.
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Subjects:  1. Feminism & Feminist Theory    2. Sociology    3. Women    4. Women's Studies - General    5. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (2)

Aishe Berger Is a Wonderful Poet
There are so many wonderful pieces in this collection, but my favorite is Aishe Berger's poem Nose Is a Country...I Am the Second Generation. She deserves to be read and re-read. Buy the book, if only to read her work!

Feminists buy this book
I originally read this book for a women studies class at SUNY New Paltz. Here I am two years later, unable to find my original buying it again.It is a helpful book for all women studies courses, and an excellent book forone's own life, using personal essays relating to women's issues. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminism    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Social Science    4. Social conditions    5. Sociology    6. Sociology - General    7. United States    8. Women    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Women's studies    11. Social Science / Sociology / General    12. Sociology, Social Studies   

Editorial Review

In a country where the average woman is 5-foot-4 and weighs 140 pounds, movies, advertisements, and MTV saturate our lives with unrealistic images of beauty. The tall, nearly emaciated mannequins that push the latest miracle cosmetic make even the most confident woman question her appearance. Feminist Naomi Wolf argues that women's insecurities are heightened by these images, then exploited by the diet, cosmetic, and plastic surgery industries. Every day new products are introduced to "correct" inherently female "flaws," drawing women into an obsessive and hopeless cycle built around the attempt to reach an impossible standard of beauty. Wolf rejects the standard and embraces the naturally distinct beauty of all women. ... Read more

Reviews (69)

a feminist classic
This book should be required reading for all freshmen girls. Even if you don't agree with its central premise or find its style infuriating this is something you should be talking and thinking about, especially as our culture increasingly sexualises young girls at earlier and earlier ages.

The Unattainable Aim to Become a Mannequin
The fashion industry is a 100 billion dollar a year industry, just in the United States!The cultural programmers, advertisers, and marketing psychologists have devoted much time, money, and brainpower into the problem of turning people into consumers - of how to make people feel "not right" unless they buy the consumer goods marketed to make them "feel right".And of course, the goal of becoming a plastic mannequin is unrealistic and unattainable, thereby ensuring that billions will continue to be spent in trying to attain the unattainable.
The sisterhood has a bible!
I was so excited to read this book. Women, we've been looking for the enemy in all the wrong places. The enemy is smeared on our faces every morning and wiped off at night. The enemy is brand name clothing that only comes in sizes 0-4. The enemy is getting richer and more powerful every day that we fail to acknowledge it. I wish this book could be required reading for women in America- sort of a rite of womanhood. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminine beauty (Aesthetics)    2. Femininity    3. Feminism & Feminist Theory    4. Gender Studies    5. Sex role    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (3)

Great Book for All People
I'm a gay white male and I loved this book! Collins does an amazing job presenting her compelling thesis, and I continue to thank Sociology in general for being the most daring, critical-thinking academic discipline ever. It's no surprise sociologists like Collins dare to speak out on gay rights issues (see her section on homophobia/heterosexism) - sociology is the only area of thought that consistently questions the status quo. In a day in age where so many (though by no means all!) African-American (heterosexuals) are horribly anti-gay and increasingly pro-greed/pro-capitalism, Collins stands out as a heroine for all peoples. I am still waiting for an openly gay hip-hop artist!! How cool would that be? I recommend this book to absolutely anyone. Five stars!

Inspired
Patricia Hill Collins exemplifies a practitioner's and theorist's point of view on black feminism as it relates to Africa American and our African sisters. She references critical and inspiring data and quotes from a varied repetoire of authors, historians, and philosophers. The author explains the context and format of her subject upon initial reading.This book also draws commonalities among the issues and concerns among African American women and our international sisterhood (i.e., African, Carribean, etc.,)It illustrates the social and cultural values among all groups, the commonalities among the values while focusing on the African American feminist aspect.This is a must read for any person, be it woman or not, African American or other.It brings about a social and cultural understanding that is pertinent to the "holonomy" of understanding and appreciating varied cultural, social and historical values and experiences while commencing to the building of community. Please add this title to your collection of literature.You won't be disappointed; if for nothing more than to open your world to receive another perspective.

Insightful
Collins'analysis of black feminism is an enlightening piece of literature that forces its readers to chanllenge main stream assumptions and discover the underlying mechanisms of racism and sexism in America. To create thiseffect, she uses a range of feminist perspectives form the calm subtletiesof Angela Davis to the slightly boisterous philosopy of Bell Hooks.Nevertheless, by displaying these perspectives equally Collins shows thatthe struggle for equally is not an individual struggle but one thatrequires collectively.This book is intensely thought provoking and it isguaranteed to give its readers profound insight into black feminism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American women    2. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    3. Feminism    4. Feminism & Feminist Theory    5. Race relations    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Women's Studies - General    10. Black studies    11. Social Science / Sociology / General    12. Social groups & communities    13. USA   

Subjects:  1. Feminism    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Sex role    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. United States    7. Women    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (1)

All Together All At Once
Reinharz' book doesn't only study feminism and social research yet itpresents many ideas and voices within her book on various research topicsand discussions. I think it is essential for any social researcher to readthis book since it is a pluralistic volume of many different, controversialyet unique voices and human intellect that inspires the reader. Anyquestions and problematic issue is delivered in this book with careful andenlarged examination of literature related to the issue. Especially thosewho want to understand and learn about feminism and social sciencesresearch through multi-foci examination should read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminism    2. Methodology    3. Research    4. Social sciences    5. Sociology    6. Sociology - General    7. Women's Studies - History    8. Women's studies    9. Social Science / Research    10. Social research & statistics    11. Sociology | Theory & Methods    12. c 1970 to c 1980    13. c 1980 to c 1990    14. c 1990 to c 2000   

Reviews (7)

Thoughts on sister outsider
If you are looking for some consiousness raising, inspiring, and honest words - then this is the book that will bring that to you.I highly recommend it.

Still Saving Lives
"I have come to work on you like a drug or a chisel" wrote the late Audre Lorde. Her passing created a hollow space in my soul that is now full again, thanks to Audre Lorde. Despite the fact that 'Sister Outsider' is assigned in virtually every women's studies and gender studies 101, do not think it is dry, ultimately a mere 'academic' book. Audre Lorde lived in and for a radical poetics and a radical pedagogy. If you have not discovered her work yet, please get a hold of a copy. It might save your life the way it saved mine, and I am white, male and straight, with a fierce hatred of white supremacy, patriarchy, and homophobia. But never mind my repeating a mantra you have heard, simply read this book as soon as possible.

Incredible essays
No poems this time around, folks: prose that gets under your skin and into your head.The late, great Audre Lorde, known primarily for her poetry over the years, wrote what is one of the most compelling books on sociology, sexuality, racism and the nature of human character and existence in the last 20 years.Her charges are damning, but dashed with more than a spoonful of hope when appropriate, and it is impossible to walk away from this book unchanged.Read more

Subjects:  1. African American women    2. Black women    3. Essays    4. Feminism    5. Feminism & Feminist Theory    6. Lesbian Studies    7. Lesbianism    8. Nonfiction    9. Poetry    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Women's studies   

Reviews (7)

Lacanian response
When I first read this book, I was pleased to see that Butler was returning to the problem of "gender performativity" she raised in *Gender Trouble.*I do believe that she was misunderstood as having claimed in *Gender Trouble* that the performativity constitutive of gender implies an infinite "plasticity" or freedom from the constraints of gender. Yet after reading *Bodies,* I felt that she evaded the question with which she opened the book:in what way can the "materiality" of anatomical sex be construed as a "discursive limit" to ideological constructions of gender without being understood as existing outside of discourse?I believe that Butler is ultimately indecisive about the status of the materiality of sex as either a pre- or extra-discursive "hard kernel of the Real" or (just like gender) another aspect of discourse.This is what leads to her very wrong-headed "critique" of the concept of "objet petit a" in the work of Slavoj Zizek and Jacques Lacan, very complex work which she oversimplifies and accuses of "reifying" or "essentializing" sex.Any serious student of Lacan knows that the a-object of fantasy is anything but "essential."It phantasmatically "dresses up" (to use Lacan's words in Seminar 14) a primordial psychic "hole," an *absence* or pure negativity where a "grounding" for discourse ought to be but is *lacking.* It's a shame that a book such as this which begins with a rigorous intellectual question degenerates into a sort of psychoanalytic dilettantism.

Major work from a major thinker that doesn't quite convince
The best thing about Judith Butler is that she is always willing to think through the consequences of her earlier writings. This book was a response to the criticism that emerged out of the groundbreaking conclusion to GENDER TROUBLE that argued for an understanding of gender as performative. Critics took Butler to task for arguing that gender is something that is simply an act of performative volition - one can "be" whatever one wants to be - irrespective of the materiality of the body. Here, Butler turns the tables (in a neat deconstructive move) by showing how this criticism presupposes the a priori existence of "bodies" and "matter" separate from discourse. Yet, after a brilliant introduction, the book becomes weighted down by its own psychoanalytic presuppositions and its tediously dense prose style. There is often no reason for Butler's writing to be as incomprehensible as it is, especially given the giant claims she's making about the nature of gender (other than to "perform" her writing's own indebtedness to Lacanian psychoanalysis and Althusserian critique). colossal hybris
This book drove me almost entirely insane.The essay if you can call it that on the film Paris is Burning is simply incendiary to any person with a trace element of logic in their scalp.This essay argues that Venus Extravaganza was murdered for having been a transvestite.In the film itself it says she/he is killed -- but what the NYPD cannot solve Butler solves in the twinkling of a phrase -- she claims he/she is erased for playing with the sexual line.Not for burning a customer, or for simply being in a dangerous business.Whores are wiped out all day and night for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.Ever hear of the Green River Killer?Still Butler knows the motive.She just invents anything she wants, and calls it truth.She actually infers that anybody has the right to invent their own reality, and everybody else has to honor this reality.Only an extremely stupid person who has never had to work for a living could keep such a dumb idea down without puking.Do you mean if I think I'm a millionaire and walk into a bank, they will give me a million dollars?Do you mean if I have cellulite all over my legs and breasts that I can be a top model, I just have to really believe it?Do you mean that if I think I'm a genius, then others will agree?Feminist academics who've never worked, but who love to dramatize their own victimization, will love this book.Everybody else will simply puke from laughing so hard. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminist theory    2. Gender Studies    3. General    4. Philosophy    5. Sex differences (Psychology)    6. Sex role    7. Sexual orientation    8. Sociology    9. Feminism    10. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Reviews (3)

Excellent
I have not yet read this book, but I just finished a class Ms. Grosz taught on Sigmund Freud, and she is a brilliant person.If her books are anything like her teaching skills, this is definitely worth the read!

The mind returns to the body!
Grosz's work is a triumph of corporeal phenomenology.The book discusses the role of the body as it pertains to gender, race and sex.The body is not just an atomic aggregate but rather a lived experience.The first partof the book, "Inside Out," explores the psychoanalytic view ofthe body whereas the part titled "Outside In" covers society'spressures on the body.Grosz concludes by addressing the differencesbetween the male and female body, and how the body-politic cannot beignored when disucssing femininsm.

Definitely worth a read
Thoughtful, energetic discussion of the gendered body.One of the best introductions to Australian feminist theory. quintan wikswo ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Human    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Feminist theory    4. Gender identity    5. Social aspects    6. Sociology    7. Feminism   

Reviews (6)

Learning The Women's Way To Heal.
I found this book to be extremely helpful in understanding how a woman heals.Women have a different emotional pathway then men.As I read this book some of my confusion straightened out, the processes given were helpful for a time and I started to have more respect for myself as a woman.At a time when I most needed; this book really helped me in my darkest time.It does not take the place of a therapist or a trusted friend and confidant.But how nice to know I was not going insane, just moving through a growing period in my emotional and spiritual makeup.I hope if you purchase this book, it will be as helpful to you as it was to me.

Excellent Book for Writers
My initial interest in this book was its discussion of archetypes and how they work within a woman's psyche.While this book doesn't break new ground in its discussion of archetypes and mythology, Murdock's personal approach to the topic (she includes her own experiences, both real and dreamed) makes this book especially engrossing.What surprised me was chapater 8, "Healing the Mother/Daughter Split."I was particularly drawn to this chapter, since this is a topic I've yet to deal with in my own writing (I've found it too difficult and painful to delve into).This chapter gave me strength to confront mother/daughter issues I've been avoiding.It also explained why certain imagery, particularly imagery of the female descent to the underworld, has cropped up in fiction that I've already written and published.All writers, male or female, will gain valuable insights from this book.Reading this book is a joyful, liberating experience.--Theresa Williams, author of THE SECRET OF HURRICANES

At last a model of the journey that makes sense
I have just finished The Heroine's Journey.I have read Jung,Joseph Campbell, Carol Pearson, Vogler etc. All of them are fascinating but a little off, just a tiny bit away from my core experience as a woman.Murdock captures the truth of my 50 years on this planet better than anyone.Her book is a must read for anyone who is trying to make sense of the feminine experience. Thank you, Maureen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Femininity    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Psychology    4. Sex role    5. Sociology    6. Sociology Of Women    7. Women    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Self-Help & Practical Interests    10. Social Science / Feminism & Feminist Theory    11. Women's studies   

Reviews (17)

A joyful introduction to the feminist politics of bell hooks
For anyone new to radical feminism and/or the work of cultural critic and black feminist activist bell hooks, "Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics" is a wonderful introduction. Like all of her books, it is clear, concise and rich with wisdom. Like Audre Lorde, Cherrie Moraga, Barbara Smith and Gloria Anzaldua, bell hooks has helped to revolutionize feminist theory by insisting on its alliance with socialism and national liberation movements. Begin with this book, then read her others. They will change your life and transform our world.

Good, but the Writing is Sloppy
This book is a great introduction to feminism.It is a comprehensive overview, but it is not overwhelming.
Good, but where is the plan?
i adore bell hooks. i've read all of her. this book is one of the most troubling tho. she seems to think of many men as victims, like when she says that most men don't want to be patriachs. in each chapter, she basically tells everyone what is wrong with current feminism and that it should be changed. what she fails to do is to tell us how feminism CAN be changed. what does one do to change feminism. she gives some ideas, like feminist schools and television networks/programs, but these are highly unrealistic and most individual feminists can't do this, and people who are not feminists really won't do it. the book fails to give real every day alternatives and that is its main downfall. she should tell have told us what feminism can offer and HOW it offers that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    2. Feminism    3. Feminism & Feminist Theory    4. Feminist theory    5. Multicultural Education    6. Political aspects    7. Sex discrimination against wom    8. Sex discrimination against women    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (12)

excellent
Mary Daly makes no apologies.Instead of employing 'mental contortionism' in an effort to interpret blatantly sexist texts in an equitable manner, Daly bravely tosses them aside and forges a new theological understanding.This is one of the best indictments of traditional Catholic beleif that I have ever read, from the scathing rebutals of the pauline texts to the rejection of the idea of any messiah cum human. The tone is forceful witty and incredible clever, and definitely keeps you reading.The urge to move beyond outdated ideas is one of the corner-stones of progress and thus I salute Mary Daly for her much needed work in religious philosophy.

Mary Daly has contributed little to humanity or women
For decades feminist authors such as Miss Daly have used their dubious credentials in academia to promulgate the fantasy of a golden age before the onset of "patriarchy," It's the same 60s nonsense clothed in a new phraseology and when we strip away the fancy prose we're left with the following executive summary: Women once ruled the earth with flowy robes and Gaia conjuring magic wands, and all the world worshipped the Goddess. Any woman who has the courage to study the historical, archeological and paleological evidence by academics with ACTUAL ACCREDITED Ph.D.s will soon understand that this gynocentric vision is a myth which harms and enslaves women. Why? The effect of this genre of novel is not to increase grace, love and mercy, but to further splinter humanity into yet more little tribes, all petulantly vying for victim-status and privilege. When we sublimate and externalize our spiritual pain and longing for transcendence to a hatred of other groups (in this case, men) how can we find happiness in our journey through life?
How cute :)
I love it when girls can write like this.If only she was fifty year younger. I meed to get myself a one way pass to the land of women that she wants' so that I kan be a king :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - General    2. Feminism    3. Feminism & Feminist Theory    4. Philosophy    5. Religion - Theology    6. Religious life    7. Theology    8. Woman    9. Women in Christianity    10. Women's Liberation Movement    11. Religion / General    12. Women's studies   

Reviews (1)

Rich and elegant history of American feminists
Buyer Beware!You are about to fall in love with a feminist.Turn the page and another will become irresistible.Feminists Who Changed America, 1963 - 1975 will change YOU.This is a dazzling compendium of over 2,000 biographies; elegant, short, profound and inspiring.Unlike the lost legacies of many First Wave feminists, the stories of these Second Wave feminists will be preserved forever in this collated, verified and beautifully presented book.In addition, each feminist's archive site is indicated.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Dictionaries - General    4. Feminism    5. Feminism & Feminist Theory    6. Feminists    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History - U.S.    10. History: American    11. United States    12. United States - 20th Century    13. American history    14. Social Science / Women's Studies    15. USA    16. Women's studies   

Reviews (1)

An Excellent, Updated Survey of the Women's Movement
This just-updated history of the women's movement is an excellent introduction to the field.The book surveys the 150-year history of the movement and provides lots of good-looking graphs and tables of the current situation.Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminism & Feminist Theory    2. Political History    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Sociology - General    6. United States    7. Women in politics    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Women's rights    10. Political Science / General    11. Political science & theory    12. Women's studies   

Reviews (8)

I love women
I had been putting off this book for about 4 years and I finally read it. I was putting it off because I read the first chapter and it was dry. I have to tell you that it gets better down the road. Audre is not just talking about lesbianism, she is talking about being a woman and general. You can get good relationship advice by NOT following what she did in her relationships. I was exposed to lesbianism of 20-30 years ago in this book. It's so different now and for women (of all sexualities and colors) this book is for you.
A Memorable Portrait of a Difficult Life Shaped By Zami
In "Zami: A New Spelling of My Name: A Biomythography," Audre Lorde writes that "[e]very woman I have ever loved has left her print upon me." Thus, "Zami" serves as a window into Lorde's experiences with other women-especially her mother-who informed and shaped her life from childhood into adulthood within the context of romantic links and friendships, especially during turbulent and conflicting periods in American history. For example, Lorde describes a difficult childhood at school and at home during the poverty ridden 1930s. Especially revealing about this moment in time is Lorde's fascination with her mother's strength and courage amidst racial discrimination-which, according to Lorde, went unnamed. As a result, she grew up in a world where difference was much more assumed rather than defined and interrogated. Fascinating, but also commonplace
A strong voice in both African-American women's literature and lesbian literature, Audre Lorde is likely someone as alien to my experience as anyone could possibly be. Well, at least someone who was born and raised in the U.S. At first, I found this biography fascinating, but it began to tire me about halfway through. I don't know what I was expecting, but I felt like everything was commonplace, rather than distinct and unique.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Feminism & Feminist Theory    3. Feminist fiction    4. Fiction    5. Lesbian Studies    6. Lesbians    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Specific Groups - Lesbians    10. Biography & Autobiography   

Reviews (2)

A gift
Required reading not only for feminists - both men and women -but for writers and other artists. Valuable for all humans who have been silenced at some point in their lives. Since that includes most children, this book has much to offer all of us. A New Way of Knowing
i'm one of those individuals who believes that frued was a fraud. and i might be indulging in some essentialist solopsism when i assert that there was never anything he said that would or could be of any value to thisblack man. but to the extent that i can function well in the world withoutany deference to freud's notions of mental health and self-regard, i mightbe onto something. i can say without a doubt that hooks and west werepowerfully instrumental in helping me deal with my existential demons bycontextualizing my struggle to be recognized as a thinking man who is blackin american society. as the old gospel song says 'the burdens of my heartrolled away'.Read more

Subjects:  1. African American women    2. Black women    3. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    4. Feminism    5. Feminism & Feminist Theory    6. Hooks, Bell    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Black studies    10. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (99)

Wow:)
A little bit about my lens with which I view the world: I'm a 21 year old woman, a history major currently attending a military college with only 10% other women (which I don't mind,) straight, and a republican (fine, yell at me later.)That said, this book was my introduction into the world of herstory and just being a loving woman (both self and others.)I've always had these ideas hanging in the back of my head, and always been bothered by some blatant inequities, so ingrained in our societal mind that they're apparent even at my school, which does everything it can to ensure our sex does not hinder or help us in relation to the boys.I really enjoyed this new view of my body part which until now, was really just a huge pain, a constant reminder that I wasn't as fast or as strong as the boys, and that simply living entailed so many more risks than they had to take. I wasn't so cool with the section on abortion, but that's the author's choice, I kinda believe that unborn women have rights too.